Gene Stratton-Porter, Limberlost sites offer family-friendly wintertime events
This holiday season, visitors are invited to join in the many festive traditions going on throughout the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites system, including the two state historic sites in northern Indiana: Gene Stratton-Porter and Limberlost.
The wintertime merriment begins at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site in Rome City. A beloved community tradition in Rome City, the annual A Dream of Beauty celebration returns from 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the historic site. Visitors will be transported back in time to explore the author’s nature-inspired cabin decked out for the holidays as it would have been in 1917. That year, Stratton-Porter wrote a letter to a friend describing the holiday scene in her beloved Wildflower Woods Cabin: “Our Christmas was a dream of beauty.” Santa will be there to greet families and hear children’s wish lists. Guests at the event will also enjoy holiday treats and themed crafts along with horse-drawn wagon rides from 2-4 p.m. around the historic site overlooking picturesque Sylvan Lake. A Dream of Beauty is included with general admission to the historic site.
The holiday happenings continue at the Limberlost State Historic Site in Geneva. Stratton-Porter’s first home will be featured among eight locations during the Adams County Christmas Home Tours, which will take place from 1-6 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 14. The nature-inspired cabin will be beautifully decorated for the holidays and visitors can explore the places where the beloved author wrote many of her books, including her two most famous novels, “Freckles” and “A Girl of the Limberlost.” Tickets are $20 per person and are available at the door. The Adams County Christmas Home Tours are presented by the Berne Chamber of Commerce or the Adams County Historical Society.
Additionally, visitors of all ages can get creative and make do-it-yourself holiday décor during Cozy Winter Crafting from 3-5 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Limberlost. All the materials will be provided for attendees to create their own nature-inspired ornaments, door and wall hangers. Tickets are $6 per person.
Advance registration is required for most holiday happenings at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, and members will receive a 25% discount. Visit IndianaMuseum.org to purchase tickets and find more information about all Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites locations.
