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.
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?
Become a Member Today
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.
Donate todayWhen 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.
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Gardens Galore
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The Tools of Her Trade
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Inspiration All Around
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Year-round Beauty
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A Priceless Library
Operating Hours
April through November
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Holidays
April through November
Memorial Day (May 29) – Open
Juneteenth (June 17) – Free admission
Labor Day (Sept. 4) – Open
Thanksgiving (Nov. 23) – Closed
Guided Cabin Tour
April through November
10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
December through March, building tours are only available by reservation for groups of four or more by calling the site at 260.854.3790.
Purchase TicketsGuided Nature Walk
May through October
12 p.m., weather permitting
Walk up tickets are subject to availability. Call the site at 260.854.3790 to ensure registration.
Visiting on a free day or when school is in session? Specific site access and tour space will be limited. Please contact the site in advance of your visit to learn more and reserve your space.
Plan Your Trip
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Contact
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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.
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Discounts
Special discounts are available for educators and education groups, military, Access Pass holders and more. View all discounts >>
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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 >>
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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 Guide1205 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.
Related Blogs
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Posted December 15, 2022
The Song Remains the Same
Gene Stratton-Porter reminisced in one of her chapter books about some of the activities and preparations from Christmas holidays during her years.
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Posted November 21, 2022
Gene Stratton-Porter could potentially be a hazard
In 1925, the year after Gene Stratton-Porter’s death, it was estimated that about 10 million copies of her books had been sold.
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Posted September 16, 2022
How dedicated Mrs. Porter was to photography
The fervor Gene Stratton-Porter applied to the medium of photography is astonishing.
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Posted August 1, 2022
Celebrate National Book Lovers Day
Bibliophiles across the nation celebrate National Book Lovers Day on Aug. 9 by picking up a beloved novel – or by finding a new favorite.
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Posted March 1, 2022
Women’s History Month
This month we're honoring six female history makers with Hoosier ties
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Posted July 30, 2021
Trips and Tips
We still have plenty of summer left – lots of time to get in the car and take a day trip, an overnight jaunt or even get away for a weekend.
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