Hike through the woods, stroll around the gardens, or rest on a bench under a shade tree at this site on beautiful Sylvan Lake. Or, bring a picnic to enjoy.
There is access to the lake, but no boat ramp is provided. However, you can put your boat in the water just down the road in Rome City.
Don't miss a chance to explore the two-mile-long Pat Bolman Heritage Tree Trail, which is ideal for hikers, walkers and runners (especially cross-country runners). In addition to the well-groomed trail, there are benches for those who may need to rest or just want to enjoy the surroundings.
Wildflower Walk & Brunch May 5, 2012; 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$20 per person for the brunch and walk; reservations required (does not include cabin tour) Find out why Gene called her property nestled on the shore of Sylvan Lake, “Wildflower Woods.” The site’s naturalist will lead an interpretive walk through the woods, as well as part of Gene’s formal or “Tame” gardens. A hearty brunch will be served at the Carriage House before the adventure begins. This experience is good for both beginning and advanced wildflower enthusiasts.
International Bird Day Festival May 12, 2012; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$3 per person (does not include cabin tour); reservations required for Birding by Kayak It’s International Migratory Bird Day! Celebrated all over the world, people come together to learn about wild birds, including conservation and habitats, as well as have fun! Activities include naturalist-led bird watching hikes through Sower’s Woods, an opportunity to bird by kayak, tips on birding hotspots in the area, leg banding and a special craft. Various conservation organizations will be on hand with information for both beginners and experienced birders. All are welcome to enjoy the festivities but space is limited for Birding by Kayak. Reservations may be made for kayaking by calling the site.
Moonlit Garden Tour June 2, 2012; 8 – 10 p.m.
$25 per person; 21 and older (does not include cabin tour)
Reservations required Take an elegant moonlit tour through Gene Stratton-Porter’s formal or “Tame” gardens with luminaries spotlighting the paths. The Tame gardens are home to hundreds of species of plants and wildflowers, many planted by Gene herself. Music, wine tasting and white chocolate-dipped strawberries add to the romance of the evening!
Gene Stratton-Porter Cabin Overnight July 14 – 15, 2012; 7 p.m. – 8:30 a.m.
$100 per person, over 18 years only Visitors can explore all areas of the Cabin — from the basement to the attic — for insights into one of Indiana's most famous authors. Highlights include in-depth conversations with the site curator and rarely seen artifacts. You may sleep anywhere in the Cabin you’d like, and one lucky visitor will win the right to spend the night in Gene's bedroom! Guests will enjoy snacks throughout the night as well as a wonderful breakfast in the morning.
Star Gazing & Night Hike July 28, 2012; 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
$4 per person, visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
The site’s naturalist will lead an interpretive walk through Sower's Woods to introduce visitors the creatures of the night! Bats, owls, moths and other critters make an appearance. Depending on the clarity of the sky, star gazing will be available to identify major constellations, satellites and other celestial bodies. Bring binoculars for a closer view of the stars!
Chautauqua Days Aug. 18, 19, 2012; noon – 4 p.m.
$3 per person (does not include cabin tour) Chautauqua Days were celebrated in Gene Stratton-Porter’s life and still are today at the site in honor of her birthday. Festival activities include tasty food, live music and other entertainment including the Fort Wayne Photography Club, Plein Air Painters, classic automobiles, cuisine seasoned with herbs from the garden, old-fashioned crafts, children's activities and more. Participate in workshops on photography, reptiles and amphibians, insects and more!
Upland Game Cookout Sept. 29, 2012; 6 – 9 p.m.
$5 per person Join staff and local hunters to taste delicious samples of local wild game. This is an excellent opportunity to try something different and swap tips and tricks with fellow hunters. Everything from goose, deer, dove, fish and squirrel will be on the menu! If you aren’t sure you can stomach any of these, we will also have vegetarian dishes available. Conservation organizations and local Conservation Officers will be on hand to answer questions. *All wild game used for the program has been donated by local hunters.
Gene Stratton-Porter Autumn Tea Oct. 15, 2012; noon – 4 p.m.
$25 per person; reservations required Join us for our annual autumn tea! Experience the elegance and natural beauty of the site with tea and lovingly-baked delicacies served on fine china. Great conversation and a guest speaker will provide afternoon entertainment. Participants can take a guided tour through Gene’s Cabin and formal gardens. If you choose to wear your “tea-time best,” make sure your attire includes appropriate walking shoes as you have the option to walk the grounds.
Owl-oween Oct. 19, 20, 2012; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
$3 per person Learn about owls, bats, raccoons and other creatures that go “bump” in the night. Explore the darkened woods and enjoy treats along the way … not to mention some spooks and scares. Children are encouraged to attend in costume. Bring a flashlight for additional fun!
Gene Stratton-Porter Film Festival Date and Times TBD
$10 per person for the entire event, or $4 per person per film Watch up to three out-of-print, vintage movies of Gene Stratton-Porter's and her daughter Jeannette Porter Meehan. Eric Grayson, a rare film collector, will share with the general public rarely seen copies of early Stratton-Porter movies and include fun early cartoons during the intermission.
“A Dream of Beauty” Holiday Walk Dec. 1, 2012; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
$3 per person Visit the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site when it is all decked out for the holidays! Mrs. Porter's cabin will be open and decorated according to Gene’s description of the Christmas of 1917, which she called "A Dream of Beauty." There will be entertainment, holiday goodies, crafts, activities and wagon rides by the Noble County Draft Horse Association. Visitors will be able to ride a horse-drawn wagon from the parking area to the Cabin at Wildflower Woods.
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.
