Discover Putnam County

Big Walnut Preserve lies among the rolling hills and deep ravines of the Big Walnut Creek valley. Forests, trails, historic structures, and cultural offerings provide additional highlights for a stay in Putnam County.

Nature among ravines and forests

Big Walnut Preserve has been designated a National Natural Landmark since 1968. More than 2,400 acres are protected jointly by The Nature Conservancy and the Indiana DNR Division of Nature Preserves. In spring, spring beauties, anemones, Virginia bluebells, and large-flowered trilliums bloom there. Birds found in the area include cerulean warblers, worm-eating warblers, hooded warblers, and great blue herons. The timing of these seasonal nature observations varies with the weather.

Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area covers 2,175 acres of mature oak-hickory forests interspersed with farmland. In contrast to the hills and ravines of Big Walnut Preserve, the focus here is on forests and the agricultural land between them. This lets you distinguish the nature features described by their landscape.

Trails for different travel plans

People Pathways is a system of more than 17 miles of especially wide, very flat urban and rural trails for cycling, running, and walking. It connects Greencastle with neighboring communities. The Putnam County section of the National Road Heritage Trail is nearly 20 miles long. It is also used for walking, running, and cycling, as well as fitness and nature-related events. The options described therefore differ in form: a trail network on one hand, and a trail section with additional event uses on the other.

Information about the route of People Pathways and the length of the trail section may change as the trail system develops. At the state level, United States Bike Route 50 runs east to west through Indiana, from Terre Haute to the Ohio border.

Bridges, past uses, and cultural heritage

Cornstalk Covered Bridge is a single-span Burr arch-truss bridge over Cornstalk Creek. Joseph A. Britton built it in 1917. Under the criteria of transportation and engineering, it is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. DePauw Nature Park has a different history: from 1917 to 1977, it was the site of a limestone quarry operated by Hanson Aggregates.

The Silo Mural covers more than 80,000 square feet and is considered Indiana’s largest mural. Putnam County Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the county’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage. It also offers an annual program of events and educational activities.

Music, theater, and activities

Music on the Square is a venue in downtown Greencastle. Its offerings include private lessons, classes for adult learners, and performances. The Green Center for the Performing Arts hosts weekly performances, recitals, and lectures for guests to attend. From June through September, Putnam County Playhouse presents two musicals and two plays over a 16-week period. Programs and annual schedules, as well as dates and ticket information, may change; check them before visiting.

Putnam Pursuit is an outdoor adventure series in which residents and visitors travel throughout the county and take photos at various locations. Participation guidelines may change; check the current instructions before taking part.

Harris Sugar Bush offers year-round tours by appointment; confirm current arrangements before visiting. The log cabin shop sells regional foods, pancake and waffle mixes, maple cream, maple candies, and Harris syrup.

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Discover more destinations: Cloverdale, Greencastle, Marion, Washington County, Kosciusko County, Pulaski County, Parke, Steuben County.

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