Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Indiana
27

Indiana State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Indiana
Eastern Region
Gene Stratton Porter State Memorial
Cardinal © stateparks.com
Cardinal
Small Boy Fishing © stateparks.com
Gone fishin.
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
GENE STRATTON PORTER STATE MEMORIAL
GENE STRATTON PORTER STATE MEMORIAL
1205 Pleasant Point
Rome City, Indiana   46784-9644
(lat:41.4804 lon:-85.349) map location

Phone: (260) 854-3790
The Cabin in the ?Wildflower Woods? lies nestled on the shore of Sylvan Lake, near Rome City, Indiana. It is the former home of Gene Stratton-Porter, one of Indiana?s most widely read authors and one of the world?s first and best nature photographers.
History of the Area
Her writing career began when her first piece was accepted by Recreation magazine for which she received $16. She wrote regularly for this publication for two years and then joined the staff of Outing, a national natural history magazine. A year later, she decided she might be able to reach a larger audience if she ?sugar-coated? her nature studies with a veneer of fiction. This marked the beginning of Porter?s formula for her novels. Ungenerous critics accused her of larding her nature studies with romantic drivel to increase the sale of her books.

Porters first two novels were Song of the Cardinal in 1903 and Freckles in 1904. These books, along with three others, were written in her home in Geneva, Indiana. The house was named ?Limberlost? after the nearby Limberlost Swamp. It is also a state historic site.

What is now the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site was the Porter?s second home in 1913. The vast, undeveloped forest of this site provided a rich source of material for her nature studies, writings and photography. Porter developed the wildflower gardens using plants from all around the state. The gardens, arbor, orchard and many scenic paths are still intact. The site currently encompasses 20 of the property?s original 150 acres with a total of 132 acres.

?The Cabin in the Wildflower Woods,? designed by Porter, is a two-story cabin with exterior walls of Wisconsin cedar logs. Local wild cherry was used to panel the entrance hall and dining room. There are three extraordinary fireplaces on the first floor: one of polished English brick, one constructed of Indiana artifacts and stones collected from other states and one of puddin? stone.

Furnishings in the home are arranged and maintained to reflect?as authentically as possible?the Porter?s lifestyle. Much of the furniture and personal memorabilia, including Porter?s library, are preserved at the home.

In her lifetime, 1863-1924, Porter authored 12 novels, seven nature books, two books of poetry, 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.

The gravesites of Gene Stratton-Porter and her daughter Jeannette are located at this site.



FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes


Location
Gene Stratton Porter State Memorial is located near Auburn, Kendallville and Lagrange


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Gordon's Camping
9500 S 600 E
Wolcottville, IN
260-351-3383
Indian Lakes Campground
6460 S 75 W
Wolcottville, IN
260-854-4215
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

state route ranger badge
Indiana
27

Indiana State Parks

X