Greene County: Art in the Open Air, Forests and Water

Monumental iron sculptures among the trees make a striking impression at Sculpture Trails. The open-air museum is one of Greene County’s cultural attractions; at the same time, forests, hills, lakes and wetlands shape the range of nature experiences. Historic buildings and performing arts round out the offerings. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether to focus on art and architectural history or on the landscape and outdoor activities.

Sculpture, History and the Stage

At Sculpture Trails, monumental iron sculptures stand among the trees. The museum offers guided tours and excursions. The Blacksmith Workshop Program includes hands-on blacksmithing workshops led by the museum’s Artists in Residence; workshop dates may vary. The cultural offerings therefore range from viewing the sculptures to taking part in a craft.

In Solsberry, the current building of the Yoho General Store also tells a story: it was built in 1934 and restored, preserving the original store fixtures, plank floors, wooden shelves and a Hot Blast Florence Stove. The Carnegie Heritage and Arts Center of Greene County is housed in the former Margaret Cooper Public Library. The building was constructed in 1907 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Shawnee Theatre is dedicated to producing theater and other entertainment in the performing arts. For a scenic impression, take a picturesque drive over hills and through valleys to the community of Tulip. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Forests, Hills and Water

The Redbird Off-Road State Recreation Area covers 1,400 acres and has been shaped by surface and underground mining. The Greene-Sullivan State Forest offers a different scale: it covers nearly 9,000 acres of forest and hills, with more than 120 lakes. Activities listed there include horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The two landscapes therefore differ both in size and in the character described.

At Shakamak State Park, three man-made lakes together offer 400 acres of water for fishing and boating. If you prefer to explore on foot, consider Trail 1: the moderately difficult trail is 3.95 miles long, follows the shore of Lake Shakamak and offers opportunities to observe waterfowl and wading birds. This gives you a choice between activities on the water and a longer walk along the shore.

Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area in Greene County offers prairie and marsh habitats, as well as opportunities for outdoor recreation. A visitor center with an observation deck and panoramic views adds to the site, along with interpretive exhibits. At Hillenbrand Fish & Wildlife Area in Greene County, the focus is on 3,631 acres of upland game and wetland habitat, along with lakes and shallow impoundments. It offers 125 acres of available water, including 27-acre Horseshoe Lake. Goose Pond combines prairie and marsh with a visitor center, while Hillenbrand also provides specific details about its waters and lake size.

If you choose Greene County for a hotel stay, plan around what matters most to you: historic sites, forested hills, wildlife viewing or time by the water. This distinction can help you decide on the kind of trip you want before putting together your individual outings.

Discover more destinations: Linton, Springville, Porter, Washington County, Hamilton, Elkhart, Morgan, Perry County

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