Home Historic Sites Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site Things To Do

GENE STRATTON-PORTER STATE HISTORIC SITE

THINGS TO DO

Things To Do

EVENTS AT 
GENE STRATTON-PORTER

Nestled on 148 acres along Sylvan Lake near Rome City, Indiana, the site features the historic cabin and gardens designed by celebrated nature-photographer, author, and conservationist Gene Stratton‑Porter. Constructed in 1914 from Bedford limestone, her cabin still houses original furniture, personal collections, and her library, we well as meticulously designed formal gardens that include a 120‑foot wisteria‑covered arbor, pondside puddingstone walkways and sculptures, and over three miles of trails through woods, prairies, wetlands, and along the lake.

  • Gene Stratton-Porter’s Birthday Celebration
    Separate Ticket Rewuired

    Aug 17

    Gene Stratton-Porter’s Birthday Celebration

    Join us for Gene’s 101st birthday party! Walks in the Wildflower Woods, tours, and sweet treats and lemonade in the gardens.

    • All ages
    • 2 – 4 pm
  • Fall Garden Work Day
    Separate Ticket Rewuired

    Sep 20

    Fall Garden Work Day

    Join us for a fun day working in the gardens, followed by s’mores roasted over the day’s burn pile.

    • All ages
    • 9 – 11 am
  • Homeschool Days: Plant Survival Strategies
    Separate Ticket Rewuired

    Oct 2

    Homeschool Days: Plant Survival Strategies

    Explore the survival strategies of the green giants that call the Hoosier state home.

    • Ages 6-12 years
    • 10 am – 12 pm
  • Owl-o-ween
    Separate Ticket Rewuired

    Oct 11

    Owl-o-ween

    Trickortreat as you encounter real owls in the woods and learn about invasive species, sneaky scavengers and historical hijinks

    • All ages
    • 4 – 7 pm
GENE STRATTON-PORTER'S CABIN

Gene Stratton-Porter's Cabin

Designed by Gene Stratton-Porter and completed in 1914, the cabin is nestled on the shores of Sylvan Lake. The vast, undeveloped forest provided a rich source of material for her nature studies, writings and photography. Furnishings in the home are arranged and maintained to reflect Stratton-Porter’s lifestyle. Much of the furniture and personal collections, including her library, are preserved at the home.

Explore your Naturalist Side

Explore your Naturalist Side

Explore the Carriage House Visitor Center to learn about moths, wildflowers, woodpeckers, carnivorous plants and other nature topics. Pull the drawers out from a large cabinet to see different types of rocks and wildlife found throughout Indiana.

Relax in 148 acres of loveliness

Relax in 148 acres of loveliness

Discover 148 acres of gardens, woods, lake shore and newly restored wetlands and prairies. The site also has over three miles of grass and mulched trails in the woods and along the fields as well as a paved trail on the west portion of the site behind the historic Sower farmhouse and barn.

Discover Gene's source of literary inspiration

Discover Gene's source of literary inspiration

In her lifetime, Porter authored 12 novels, seven nature studies, three poetry books, children’s books and numerous magazine articles. With an estimated 50 million readers, her works have been translated into several foreign languages as well as Braille. Eight of her novels were produced as motion pictures.

MAKE A DAY OF IT  

Step into Gene Stratton-Porter’s world, then explore the area she cherished.

family walking on a wooded trail

Wander the trails of Chain O’Lakes State Park, visit the Kendallville Downtown Historic District or catch a show at the Strand Theatre.

a group of friends sharing a meal

Enjoy high tea at Sower House or grab a smashburger and cocktail at the Tasting Room at Sylvan Cellars.

two mugs set on a bed in a rustic setting

Stay the night at the charming Kimmell House Inn or book a cabin at Chain O’Lakes State Park.