Rensselaer is a city in northwest Indiana and the county seat of Jasper County. It sits about 80 miles southeast of Chicago and 45 miles north of Lafayette. The city is known for Saint Joseph's College, the historic Jasper County Courthouse, Fair Oaks Farms nearby, and its location among the farmland and small communities of the Kankakee region.
Location Map of Rensselaer, Jasper County, Indiana
About Map: The map shows the location of Rensselaer in Jasper County, in the U.S. state of Indiana.
Rensselaer Map, Indiana
About Rensselaer Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Rensselaer in Jasper County, Indiana. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Rensselaer Located?
Rensselaer is a city located in Jasper County, Indiana, the United States. It lies in northwest Indiana, about 80 miles southeast of Chicago and roughly 45 miles north of Lafayette. De Motte is around 20 miles northwest, while Morocco is about 20 miles west. Rensselaer is positioned near 40.936° North latitude and 87.151° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,733 residents. The city covers about 4.51 square miles, or 11.68 square kilometers. Rensselaer was founded in 1839 and incorporated in 1859. It became the county seat of Jasper County and developed as a regional center for farming, rail transportation, education, and local government. The historic Jasper County Courthouse stands in the center of the community and remains one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Saint Joseph's College was founded in Rensselaer in 1889 and became an important part of the city's history before closing its residential campus in 2017. A unique feature of the area is its strong connection to agriculture, with broad fields surrounding the city in nearly every direction. Fair Oaks Farms, one of Indiana's largest agricultural tourism destinations, is located about 20 miles northwest and offers farm exhibits, tours, and family activities. I-65 and US-231 provide convenient connections to Chicago, Lafayette, Indianapolis, and other Indiana communities.
Most Viewed US Maps
| USA Sttae Map | USA Region Map | USA Road Map |
| USA County Map | Where is USA in World Map? | US ZIP Code Map |
| USA Time Zones Map | US State and Capitals Map | USA Physical Map |
Find 4,400+ U.S. Cities by State - Explore Their Locations and Get Detailed Information
Rensselaer City Facts
| City | Rensselaer |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Jasper County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Northwest Indiana |
| Incorporated | 1859 |
| Founded | 1839 |
| Total Area | 4.51 sq mi (11.68 sq km) |
| Land Area | 4.50 sq mi (11.66 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 sq km) |
| Elevation | 680 ft (207 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 5,700 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 5,733 |
| Population Density | 1,274 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 47978 |
| Area Code | 219 |
| Major Highways | US-231, US-24, IN-114, and I-65 nearby |
| Public Transit | Jasper County public transportation services |
| Major Attractions | Jasper County Courthouse, Saint Joseph's College, Fair Oaks Farms, and Curtis Creek Country Club |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofrensselaer.com/ |
Distance from Rensselaer, IN to Nearby Cities
- De Motte, IN – 20 miles (32 km)
- Remington, IN – 15 miles (24 km)
- Wheatfield, IN – 15 miles (24 km)
- Morocco, IN – 20 miles (32 km)
- Goodland, IN – 20 miles (32 km)
- Monticello, IN – 25 miles (40 km)
- Winamac, IN – 30 miles (48 km)
- Kentland, IN – 30 miles (48 km)
- Logansport, IN – 40 miles (64 km)
- Lafayette, IN – 45 miles (72 km)
- Valparaiso, IN – 50 miles (80 km)
- Crown Point, IN – 50 miles (80 km)
- Gary, IN – 60 miles (97 km)
- Michigan City, IN – 65 miles (105 km)
- Chicago, IL – 80 miles (129 km)
- South Bend, IN – 90 miles (145 km)
- Indianapolis, IN – 100 miles (161 km)
- Fort Wayne, IN – 125 miles (201 km)
Top Attractions in Rensselaer
- Jasper County Courthouse – A prominent historic courthouse in downtown Rensselaer and an important symbol of Jasper County government.
- Saint Joseph's College – The former college campus has been an important part of Rensselaer's history since the institution was founded in 1889.
- Fair Oaks Farms – A large nearby agricultural attraction featuring farm tours, animal exhibits, educational activities, restaurants, and seasonal events.
- Curtis Creek Country Club – A local golf course offering recreational opportunities in the countryside surrounding Rensselaer.
- Rensselaer Carnegie Library – A historic library building reflecting the city's early 20th-century civic development.
- Jasper County Fairgrounds – A regional venue hosting agricultural shows, livestock events, fairs, and community activities.
- Newton County Enterprise Park – A nearby area connected to regional business and agricultural development.
- Brookside Park – A local recreation area with green space, walking areas, sports facilities, and community amenities.
Airports Near Rensselaer, IN
- Rensselaer Airport (RNZ) – 5 miles
- Purdue University Airport (LAF) – 45 miles
- Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) – 60 miles
- South Bend International Airport (SBN) – 90 miles
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) – 105 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Rensselaer city website and local government records.
Indiana Related Maps and Info
- Where is Anderson
- Where is Auburn
- Where is Avon
- Where is Bedford
- Where is Beech Grove
- Where is Bluffton
- Where is Bloomington
- Where is Brownsburg
- Where is Carmel
- Where is Clarksville
- Where is Connersville
- Where is Crawfordsville
- Where is Crown Point
- Where is East Chicago
- Where is Elkhart
- Where is Evansville
- Where is Frankfort
- Where is Franklin
- Where is Gary
- Where is Goshen
- Where is Granger
- Where is Greencastle
- Where is Greenfield
- Where is Greensburg
- Where is Greenwood
- Where is Hammond
- Where is Highland
- Where is Hobart
- Where is Huntington
- Where is Jasper
- Where is Jeffersonville
- Where is Kendallville
- Where is Kokomo
- Where is La Porte
- Where is Lafayette
- Where is Lake Station
- Where is Lawrence
- Where is Lebanon
- Where is Logansport
- Where is Madison
- Where is Marion
- Where is Martinsville
- Where is Merrillville
- Where is Michigan City
- Where is Mishawaka
- Where is Muncie
- Where is Munster
- Where is New Albany
- Where is New Castle
- Where is New Haven
- Where is Noblesville
- Where is Peru
- Where is Plainfield
- Where is Plymouth
- Where is Portage
- Where is Schererville
- Where is Seymour
- Where is Shelbyville
- Where is South Bend
- Where is St. John
- Where is Terre Haute
- Where is Valparaiso
- Where is Vincennes
- Where is Warsaw
- Where is Washington
- Where is West Lafayette
- Where is Zionsville