Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

Born in 1863 near Wabash, Indiana, Geneva Grace Stratton grew up with a passion and love for the unspoiled outdoors — a love she kept throughout her life as a respected author, naturalist, photographer and illustrator. After the birth of her daughter, Jeannette, Gene and her young family moved in 1888 to Geneva, near the Limberlost Swamp — an area once described as a “treacherous swamp and quagmire, filled with every plant, animal and human danger known — in the worst of such locations in the central states.”

Stretching for 13,000 acres the vast forest and swampland was legendary for its quicksand and unsavory characters. The swamp received its name from Limber Jim, who got lost while hunting in the swamp. When the news spread, the cry went out “Limber’s lost!” The Porters lived here until the swamp was drained in 1913. She then built a new home on the shore of Sylvan Lake near Rome City.

Tour the House

Step inside the actual cabin where Gene lived — a 13-room Queen Anne rustic log cabin furnished in Victorian and Arts and Crafts styles that contains a must-see greenhouse room.

Explore the Grounds

Gene Stratton-Porter spent years documenting moths in the wild. Today, you can explore a portion of her moth collection, then take to the great outdoors and find out how many moths you can count and identify on the grounds.

Take a Hike

Hike through Loblolly Marsh to see many different types of birds and other wildlife that call the site home. Nature programs throughout the summer also offer visitors a chance to enjoy guided tours of the land surrounding the site with an on-staff naturalist.

Explore Nature Preserves

Experience the amazing nature preserves that inspired Hoosier author and photographer Gene Stratton-Porter on this tour led by a certified naturalist.

Choose from one of five different Limberlost nature preserves – one of which includes a trail that is accessible for persons using wheelchairs – or explore Gene’s world  and visit sites important to her writings and personal life. Tours are available year-round, weather permitting.

Cost is $40 per group (up to 10 people) for a 90-minute tour. To find out more and to make a reservation, call 260.368.7428 or email [email protected].