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.

Special Events

Music of the Wild Competitions
March 1 – July 24
Grab your pencils, cameras and instruments! In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Music of the Wild, written by Gene Stratton-Porter in 1910, the Limberlost State Historic Site is having a short story contest, a photography contest and a composition competition. For contest Rules and Guidelines, visit the Limberlost State Historic Site at 200 E. 6th St., Geneva, Indiana, call 260.368.7428 or download them here:

Music of the Wild Composition Contest
Music of the Wild Photograpy Contest
Music of the Wild Short Story Contest

Golden Easter Egg Hunt
April 3; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$1 per child
Join us for an epic Golden Easter Egg Hunt. Bring your own bucket or bag to gather as many eggs as possible. Children through age 12 are invited to join in on the hunt. Be on the lookout for the Golden Egg to win a special prize.

Creatures of the Night
April 23; 8:30 –10 p.m.
$3 per person
Discover what creatures lurk in the Limberlost Swamp at night. Children and adults alike will explore the Loblolly Marsh Wetland Preserve in search of night creatures. Visitors will learn to identify the sounds and calls of nocturnal animals. Guests can discover whose "glowing eyes" are staring back at them and learn the migration patterns of amphibians and reptiles in the area.

Loblolly Marsh Wetland Tours
May 1, June 5, July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4; 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
$2 per person
Take a tour of the famous Limberlost Swamp in Adams and Jay Counties. Participants will learn about the history of the swamp and discover what the future holds.

Go Green with Gene
May 15; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$3 per person
Familes will enjoy a jam-packed day of events demonstrating environmental manangement skills. Stations will include recycling, alternative energy sources, local waste management resources, Loblolly Marsh Tours, wetland restoration demonstration and participation, games, carriage rides, recycling crafts, composting and replanting of native wildflowers and trees. Finger foods provided by Friends of the Limberlost.

Bluegrass Jamborees
July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19; 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.

Soaring with Butterflies
July 24; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$3 per person
Visitors can learn all about butterflies by participating in many activities, including displays, butterfly releases, kite-flying and butterfly games. This event is at the Loblolly Marsh in Bryant, Ind., just a 10-minute drive from the Limberlost. Stop by the Limberlost to check out Gene Stratton-Porter's collection of moths and butterflies that are over 100 years old!

Discover Nature
Aug. 19; 10 a.m. – noon, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
$4 per person
Designed for home school academies, parents and children move through stations as they learn about Gene Stratton-Porter and the natural science of the Limberlost Swamp. Pack a lunch and eat on the grounds. Must Pre-register!

Porter, Pets and Poetry
Aug. 21; 1 – 3 p.m.
$2 per person
Bring your pets, cameras and notebooks as you learn about Gene Stratton-Porter and the Limerlost Swamp. Pets can enter the best dressed and best trick contest, while their owners learn about poetry, nature and photography. Pet sitters will be on hand while you tour the cabin, but owners are responsible for any accidents or messes. Pets are free!

Music of the Wild
Sept. 18; 2 – 4 p.m.
$2 per person; 3 and under FREE
Discover the "Song of the Limberlost: A Musical Look at Gene Stratton-Porter" by Adrienne Provenzano. Enjoy storytelling, dramatic and humorous readings, educational commentary and even audience participation. Visitors will be able to enjoy the short story, songwriting and photograpny contests winners' work. Also, tune into the top three winners' original pieces of music based on Gene's work and composed by members of the community.

Spooktacular
Oct. 23; 1 – 4 p.m.
$3 per person
See a live display of animals that most people tend to think are creepy, crawly and better off squished! Visitors are encouraged to handle the animals in order to better familiarize themselves with a variety of creatures. Spooky crafts, games and refreshments will be available. All children in costume will receive a goodie bag courtesy of the Friends of the Limberlost.

Christmas Open House
Dec. 11; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$3 per person
Enjoy Christmas displays, a show by Limber Jim, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, participate in a treasure hunt, create a holiday craft and enjoy delicious refreshments. Groups of eight or more should pre-register by Dec. 8.

For more information about special events, call 260.368.7428 or e-mail limberlostshs@dnr.in.gov.