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.
Golden Easter Egg Hunt April 7, 2012; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$1 per child up to age 12 Join us for an epic Golden Easter Egg Hunt. Bring your own bucket or bag to gather as many eggs as possible. Be on the lookout for the Golden Egg to win a special prize. Children through age 12 are invited to join in the hunt.
Creatures of the Night April 13, 2012; 8:30 p.m.
$3 per person ages 4 and over; no toddlers please! Discover what creatures lurk in the Loblolly Marsh at night. Children and adults will explore the Loblolly Marsh Wetland Preserve in search the sights, sounds and calls of nocturnal animals. Bring your flashlight for a game of “glowing eyes.”
Creature Feature May 5, 2012; noon – 1 p.m.
$2 per person Have you ever met a turtle or a falcon? Get up close and personal with some of the area wildlife. Spend time with a Limberlost Naturalist or a guest speaker and get to know the creature of the month. Participants should meet at the Loblolly Pavilion.
Loblolly Marsh Wetland Tours May 5, Sept. 1, 2012; 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
$2 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. See how it’s being restored to its natural state in this guided tour. Orientation begins at the Limberlost cabin. Visitors of all ages are invited to tour the famous Limberlost Swamp in Adams and Jay Counties. Participants will learn about the history of the swamp as well as discover what the future holds for the Limberlost Swamp.
Limberlost Book Signing May 19, 2012; 1 – 4 p.m.
Event does not include tours of the cabin Meet authors who have written new books celebrating Gene Stratton-Porter and her Limberlost Swamp. Authors will read selections from their work, answer questions and sign your book. Books will be available for purchase in the Limberlost Gift Shop.
Cycling Through History June 2, 2012; 8 a.m.
$12 per person or $30 for the entire family, $18 day of event registration
Registration deadline May 26 Explore the natural beauty and historic locations of Adams and Jay County at this family cycling event. Learn about the Limberlost Swamp restoration projects and Gene Stratton Porters Limberlost Cabin. The race will begin at the Limberlost cabin for a 15, 30 and 50 mile biking route options. Each rest break will feature refreshments and information about that specific historical stop.
Limberlost Trail Blazer Family 5k/10k Cross-Country Run/ Walk June 30, 2012; 8 a.m.
5k Race $15 by June 16; $10 no shirt; $18 after June 16 w/shirt; $13 after June 16 no shirt
10k Race $20 by June 16; $15 no shirt $23 after June 16 w/ shirt $18 after June 16 no shirt This healthy family-friendly event gives participants a chance to explore and enjoy nature while learning about the Limberlost Swamp restoration projects. Prizes for the top three finishers in age groups 14 and under, 15 to 29, 30 to 49, 50 and over. Refreshments and other activities will be available.
Outdoor Skills Workshop July 21, 2012, 2 – 4 p.m.
$3 per person Rookies and veterans alike can brush up on a tantalizing variety of outdoor skills. From canoeing and kayaking basics, outdoor photography, hunting, hiking and falconry to the arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture and more! Experts will be on hand with information, demonstrations and to answer questions about your favorite activities on the grounds of the Limberlost State Historic Site.
Bluegrass Jamborees July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, 2012; 2 – 4 p.m.
Free, but donations are encouraged! Volunteer musicians gather on the site 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 music.
Porter, Pets and Poetry Aug. 4, 2012; 1 – 3 p.m.
$2 per person, pets are free Bring your pets, cameras and notebooks as you learn about Gene Stratton-Porter and the Limberlost Swamp. Pets can try their paws at an obstacle course, enter the best dressed and best trick contest or sit for a portrait by a professional photographer. Owners can learn about Mrs. Porter’s poetry, nature studies, and photography. Pet sitters will be on hand while you tour the cabin, but owners are responsible for any accidents or messes. Refreshments for pets and their humans! Proceeds will be shared with an area animal shelter.
Creature Feature Sept. 1, 2012; noon
$2 per person Have you ever really met a turtle or a falcon? Get up close and personal with some of Indiana’s wildlife. Spend time with a Limberlost Naturalist or a guest speaker and get to know the creature of the month. Meet at the Loblolly Pavilion.
Wonders of Wetlands Sept. 8, 2012; 7 – 9 p.m.
$3 per person Families will get a chance to explore wetland habitats and learn about creatures of the Limberlost Swamp. Discover how wetlands were created during the ice age, and investigate restoration efforts of the Loblolly Marsh Wetland Preserve. Meet at the Loblolly Pavilion.
Loblolly Night Hike and Campfire Activities Oct. 13, 2012; 8 p.m.
$3 per person Enjoy an evening hike through the woodlands of the Limberlost swamp with a site naturalist. Experience the night much like nocturnal animals and learn about what helps them survive. Afterwards participants can enjoy campfire stories, activities and an owl hoot!
Spooktacular Nature Oct. 20, 2012; 6 – 8 p.m.
$3 per person Real Live Swamp Monsters? Be prepared to be spooked! See a live display of fascinating animals that are often misunderstood. Also enjoy spooky games and refreshments. All children in costume will receive a goodie bag.
Harvest Hoosier Heritage and Historic Carriage Rides Nov. 10, 2012; 1 – 5 p.m.
$4 per person Discover the world of Gene Stratton-Porter and early American life. Experience early American activities, reinactments and crafts. House tours will be available at a discounted price. Horse drawn carriage rides will take guest through downtown Geneva with an interpretive guide.
Christmas Open House Dec. 15, 2012; 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 make a craft and do the outdoor “Treasure Challenge.” Holiday refreshments for everyone. Groups of eight or more please pre-register by Dec. 14.
Christmas Shopping Day Dec. 22, 2012; site hours All items in gift shop discounted 20 percent or more. Complimentary refreshments provided by the Friends of the Limberlost.
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.
