Gene Stratton-Porter - Indiana State Museum

A Woman Ahead of Her Time

Gene Stratton-Porter’s Cabin at Wildflower Woods is nestled on the shores of Sylvan Lake amongst 148 acres of fields, woods and beautiful formal gardens. Stratton-Porter is Indiana’s most widely-read female author, as well as a gifted nature photographer and entrepreneur. She began her career writing about nature for magazines, but soon decided to reach larger audiences by sweetening her nature studies with a veneer of fiction. Stratton-Porter’s first novel was 1903’s The Song of the Cardinal, although Michael O’Halloran, 1915, was the first book she wrote in Rome City.

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.

Watch Rare Video Footage of Gene Stratton-Porter

A multi-talented woman, Gene Stratton-Porter was not only a best-selling author and conservationist, she was heavily involved in the film industry. In spite of many years in Hollywood, there has been no film footage of Gene herself…until now. This unearthed video of Gene working on her property in Catalina Island in Avalon, California gives us a new glimpse at one of the most influential women in Hoosier history.

Stop and smell the wildflowers

As you visit the site, be sure to enjoy the loving touches Gene added. Masterfully sculpted from Bedford limestone, great horned owls perch atop puddingstone pillars, a 35-bed formal garden accented with a 120-foot-long wisteria-covered arbor, Sower’s Woods’ beautifully maintained trail benches provide a quiet place to relax, and an artesian well and puddingstone walkway grace the shoreline of Sylvan Lake.

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

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

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.

Programs & Events

OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING SUPPORTED BY

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EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF NATURE AS A MEMBER TODAY!

Our members discover the natural beauty of this place Gene Stratton-Porter called home, all year long! What will you see today?

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HELP PROVIDE MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site relies on the generosity of individuals like you—passionate people who share our belief in the power of informal lifelong learning. Interested in supporting Gene Stratton-Porter’s legacy? Make a restricted gift today online, via mail or by phone at 317.619.3352.

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When making your gift by mail, please enclose a check payable to “Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites Foundation, Inc.” and write “GSP” in the memo of your check.

Gardens Galore
The Tools of Her Trade
Inspiration All Around
Year-round Beauty
A Priceless Library

1 of 1

Children Under 3 Admission: Free

Youth (Ages 3 - 17) Admission: $5

Adults (Ages 18 - 59) Admission: $8

Seniors (Ages 60+) Admission: $7

Members Admission: Free

Plan Your Trip

Hours & Tickets

Open April–November, Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays*, Tuesdays, Easter and Thanksgiving
Open *Memorial Day and *Labor Day
December–March: Building tours available by reservation only by calling the site at 260.854.3790

Guided Cabin Tour

10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Available April through November
Purchase Tickets
Guided Nature Walk Tour

12 p.m.
Available May through October, weather permitting. Please call the site at 260.854.3790 to book this tour.

Walk up tour tickets are subject to availability. Purchasing online or by calling the site is recommended to ensure tour registration.

If you plan on visiting the site during the months school is in session, Wednesday through Friday, please call ahead. Due to a number of school groups visits, guided tours may be limited. Please call ahead to find out if your visit may be impacted.
Contact
260.854.3790

genestrattonportershs@indianamuseum.org

1205 Pleasant Point
Rome City, IN 46784

Detour information

State Road 9 is closed indefinitely. Follow directions below or download the detour map.
- From State Road 9, turn East (left) onto County Road 300 E. (1 min)
- Turn East (left) onto Northport Road. (4 mins)
- At the stop sign, turn South (right) on Angling Road. (2 mins)
- Turn West (right) on E 900 N/W Schoolhouse Rd. (2 mins)
- E 900 N will make a hard left and turn into N 550 E. Continue on N 550 E. (2 mins)
- Turn West (right) onto E 850 N. (2 mins)
- The entrance will be on the north (right) side of the road. Drive between the owl pillars to access the visitors parking lot.
Group Rate

For groups of 15 or more, adult tickets are $7, senior tickets are $6, and youth tickets are $4. Group tickets must be purchased in person.
Discounts

Special discounts are available for educators and education groups, military, Access Pass holders and more. View all discounts >>
School Groups

Field trip admission is free for pre-scheduled, accredited schools and homeschool groups of 10 or more Indiana K-12 students. Call 260.854.3790 to schedule your visit.

Academic topics covered include natural history, environmental science, early 20th-century culture (1913-1925), multidisciplinary focus through art, science, reading and writing.

Learn more about field trip and school program offerings in the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites PreK-12 Education Program Guide. View guide >>
Commercial Photography And Videography

If you are a photographer looking to book a shoot at Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, please review our commercial photography policy and application process. Learn more >>

LOOKING TO BOOK A FIELD TRIP?

Help bring history, science, art and education to life for your students with a one-of-a-kind field trip experience. All state historic sites support Indiana Academic Standards, and feature a variety of academic topics. Call 260.854.3790 to schedule your visit to Gene Stratton-Porter.

Learn More in Our Educator Program Guide

1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784

Visit Today

From E 850 N, turn onto Pleasant Point. Follow the road for about a half mile, then the site will be on your right. Visitors may park in the free Visitor Parking Lot on Pleasant Point. ADA compliant parking is available in the lot nearest the Carriage House Visitor Center.

1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784

genestrattonportershs@indianamuseum.org

260.854.3790

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