Fountain County: Nature, the Wabash and History

On the middle Wabash River lies Shawnee Bottoms, a 459-acre property in Fountain County with more than a mile of river frontage. The acreage conveys the scale of the property; the river frontage draws attention to its relationship with the river. These are two different perspectives on the same place: its extent on land and its connection to the Wabash.

River Landscape and Protected Nature

Snyder Marshall Woods highlights other landscape features. The area protects old-growth upland forest, springs and a stream that flows into the Wabash River. Compared with Shawnee Bottoms, the focus shifts from river frontage to forest, springs and the course of the stream. This makes it possible to distinguish the two natural areas by their features: here, the river frontage shapes the landscape; there, upland forest, springs and a stream flowing into the Wabash take center stage.

Portland Arch is designated a National Natural Landmark and is also a nature preserve. Ravine Park has a nature trail. These nature-related features offer different points of emphasis: riverbanks and forest landscapes, protected status and a nature trail. Comparing natural areas by their specific features can help you weigh these different highlights rather than grouping them all under a single landscape description.

Activities and History

The Wabash also plays a role in local activities: canoeing or boating on the river are among the things to do in Fountain County. Badlands Off Road Park is also an attraction in the county. The two options are different in kind: canoeing and boating are river-based activities, while Badlands Off Road Park is a standalone attraction. This can help you sort your interests by whether you are most drawn to the river or to a separate destination.

The murals in the Fountain County Courthouse depict the westward exploration, expansion and settlement of the United States and of western Indiana. The scenes connect a national historical context with a regional perspective on Indiana. For history-minded travelers, this offers a different focus from the river and nature: the emphasis is on westward movement and settlement, both in the broader American context and with a connection to western Indiana.

Local Flavors and Provenance

The Old 55 Distillery is located along a road in Fountain County; all of its grain comes from local fields or the family farm. The Old 55 Tasting Room offers cocktails and tours of the distillery. Together, these highlight two different aspects: the grain's origin and what the tasting room offers. For visitors interested in food and drink, a specific connection to the ingredients goes hand in hand with cocktails and a distillery tour.

Discover more destinations: Attica, Vanderburgh, Wabash County, Vermillion County, Elkhart, Jennings County, Madison County, Allen

For the broader travel overview: Indiana.