In addition to tours of the historic home, there are hiking trails throughout the Limberlost Territories. The 442-acre Loblolly Marsh Wetland Preserve, the 106-acre bird sanctuary and the 112-acre Wabash River Rainbow Bend Park are all open to the public, as are other nearby nature trails and parks. Discover why Mrs. Porter considered the Limberlost one of the best places anywhere to photograph birds, butterflies and flowers.
The site is near a large Amish community, so unique shopping and dining opportunities are nearby.
On-Demand Programs for your club or organization! Is your group interested in a program about Gene Stratton-Porter or the Limberlost Swamp? Contact the staff at Limberlost State Historic Site for a customized program at 260.368.7428 or cburnette@indianamuseum.org.
Loblolly Wildflower Safari May 18, 2013; 10 a.m. – noon
$3 per person Join a Limberlost naturalist for a stroll along the Loblolly Marsh trails focusing on the beautiful and varied spring wildflowers — what are they and how do people and animals use them? Meet at the Loblolly Marsh.
Limberlost Trailblazer Series June 6, 13, 20, 2013; 7 p.m.
$5 per person This a preliminary race to the Trailblazer 5K. Participants of two or three of the series runs will receive a discounted entry fee for the 5K. A children’s ½K will be held prior to each series race. Meet at the Loblolly Marsh.
Limberlost Trail Blazer 5k/10k Cross-Country Run/Walk June 29, 2013; 8 a.m.
$15 per person with a shirt, $10 per person without a shirt before June 15; pre-registration encouraged This Family run/walk gives participants a chance to explore nature and offers the opportunity to learn about the Limberlost Swamp restoration projects while getting in shape.
Arthropod Adventure July 13, 2013; 9 – 11 a.m.
$3 per child, adults free Join Limberlost naturalists on a quest to capture and identify some of the “joint-legged” creatures of the Loblolly Marsh. We go beyond bugs to include other critters like spiders, daddy long-legs, rollie-pollies, millipedes and crawfish. Meet at the Loblolly Marsh Pavilion.
Bluegrass Jamboree July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, 2013; 2 – 4 p.m.
Free, but donations are encouraged Volunteer musicians gather to play a variety of bluegrass, gospel and folk music. Bring an instrument and join in or bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the tunes.
Geneva’s Geneva: Mrs. Porter’s 150th Birthday Celebration Aug. 2, 2013; 6 – 9 p.m.
$15 per adult Take a trip back in time to the days when Geneva Stratton-Porter lived in the town of Geneva, Indiana. Celebration the birthday of Gene Stratton-Porter, Aug. 17, 1863. Guests may stroll a timeline and attend presentations to learn about significant events that occurred during Gene’s years in Geneva (1888 – 1913), enjoy a bodega (wine bar), light refreshments, birthday cake, period music and parlor games. This event is for adults 21+.
Gene Stratton-Porter’s 150th Birthday Gala Aug. 9, 2013
Gala: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Laddie; 9 p.m.
$75 per person for the Gala (includes tickets to the film)
$10 per person for the film only Celebrate Gene Stratton-Porter’s 150th birthday at the beautiful historic Embassy Theater. Gene produced several of her novels as films, including Laddie which celebrates 100 years this year. Meet some of Gene’s family at a black tie reception. After the reception, guests will enjoy the film and original score in the Embassy Theater.
Discover Nature Aug. 29, 2013; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$4 per person; reservations required Designed for homeschool academies, parents and children move through hands-on learning stations about the fascinating outdoor world. Call the site for details on the academic area selected for this year’s event. Pack a lunch and eat on the beautiful grounds at Limberlost State Historic Site.
Creature Feature Sept. 7, 2013; 11 a.m. – noon
$2 per person Spend time with a Limberlost naturalist or guest speaker and get up close and personal with some of Indiana’s wildlife!
Guided Tour of the Loblolly Marsh Sept. 14, 2013; 10 a.m. – noon
$3 per person Experience the Loblolly Marsh, part of the famous Limberlost Swamp in Adams and Jay Counties that fascinated and inspired author Gene Stratton-Porter. Observe restoration progress and learn about the process in the Limberlost State Historic Site Education Center before going out on a guided hike through the marsh.
Twilight Adventure Sept. 21, 2013; 7 – 9 p.m.
$3 per person; children 3 and under free Explore the marsh as the sun goes down and find out what creatures are living the ‘night life’. Take a twilight hike and enjoy and animal presentation while roasting marshmallows and relaxing around a campfire. Meet at the Loblolly Marsh Pavilion.
Walk like a Naturalist Sept. 25, 26, 2013; 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
$3 per child; one free adult for every six children; reservations required Preschoolers can ‘Walk like a Naturalist’; will explore animal habitats and plant life, enjoy hands on activities that introduce them to wetland creatures, make a nature-inspired craft to take home and learn about life and home of famous Indiana naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter.
Loblolly Bird Hike Oct. 6, 2013; 9 – 11 a.m.
$3 per person Join a Limberlost naturalist for a leisurely hike along the Loblolly Marsh Trails to observe both resident and migratory birds. Meet at the Loblolly Marsh.
Spooktacular Nature Oct. 19, 2013; 6 – 8 p.m.
$3 per child, adults free Interact with live creepy, crawly, critters and attend the Limberlost “School of Scare” Skull Class. Play Halloween games to win candy and prizes, and meet the Swamp Monster. Children in costume will receive a goodie bag.
Marsh After Dark Nov. 2, 2013; 7– 9 p.m.
$3 per person Take a night trail hike, enjoy an animal presentation and meet live animals, and listen to animal stories told around a campfire. Participate in the Firelight Theater Variety Show. Finish off a night of nocturnal adventure with a marshmallow roast. Meet at the Loblolly Pavilion.
Christmas Open House Dec. 14, 2013; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$3 per person Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy Limber Jim’s Swamp Show and listen to a live performance of holiday music. Children can also make a craft and do the outdoor “Treasure Challenge.” Holiday refreshments for everyone. Groups of eight or more please pre-register by Dec. 13.
PATCH PROGRAMS FOR SCOUTS Earn your Historic Preservation Patch at the Indiana State Historic Sites! Grades 3 – 12 Find out how your Scout group or youth organization can learn to love and protect old architectural treasures in our communities. Designed for both older and younger youth, visit one of the participating state historic sites and do the rest of the activities on your own, or request a program be provided for your group at $3 per person.
When the requirements are completed, you may purchase this patch for $3 at the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site. For information and patch requirements, contact Anne Fairchild at 812.273.4531 or afairchild@indianamuseum.org.
Earn your Swamp Angel Patch at Gene-Stratton-Porter and Limberlost State Historic Sites! Grades 3 – 12 Discover adventures in nature and the arts inspired by the life, writings and photography of Gene Stratton-Porter, a Hoosier naturalist who shared her love of the wild with millions of readers in the early years of the 20th century.
When the requirements are completed, you may purchase this patch for $3 at the Limberlost State Historic Site. For information and patch requirements, contact Anne Fairchild at 812.273.4531 or afairchild@indianamuseum.org.
