Our 2019 Events
Check back frequently for additions or changes.
School/Group outreach programs - Ongoing throughout the year. Schedule yours today!
Planning a visit to the Limberlost? Remember to Rent-a-Naturalist. Hire Curt Burnette, Certified Interpretive Guide, to take you on a guided nature hike to one or more of the Limberlost wetlands, or include a tour of historic downtown Geneva, or take a tour of places Gene Stratton-Porter mentions in her books.
April 17, Wednesday, 7:00-8:00 pm
Levi Coffin and the Underground Railroad by Joanna Hahn, Site Manager of the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site, Fountain City, Indiana. $3/members of the Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites or $4/adult non-member
April 20, Saturday, egg hunt begins "eggsactly" at 11:00 am
Limberlost Golden Easter Egg Hunt
Grounds of Limberlost are divided into three search areas for three age groups. All children can find a lot of eggs. Children won't go away disappointed! Find a golden egg and win a special prize. Cost @2/child for members of the Indiana State Museum and $2.50/child for non-members. Ages 12 & under welcome. Enjoy the petting zoo provided by Roll Farms, Professor Curt's egg display case and his "Joke Board" before the Hunt. After the hunt, attend Professor Curt's "Bunny Class."
May 10, Friday Night, 8:30 pm, Creatures of the Night at the Loblolly Marsh
$4/adult for members of ISMHS; $3/child member; $5/adult non-member,$4/child non-member Bring your flashlights and search for the glowing eyes. Hear night sounds using bionic ears. Identify frog calls. See better in the dark with night vision. Enjoy dip-netting for aquatic creatures. Using the digital microscope, Curt will project images of aquatic creatures on the big screen at the pavilion.
May 4, Saturday, 9 am to Noon, Guided Tour of Rainbow Bottom
Meet at the Limberlost Visitor Center. This is no less than a two mile hike led by Curt Burnette. This is a preserve owned by the Friends of the Limberlost. It was used as a setting in two of Gene Stratton-Porter's books. Learn the history and ecology of the area. $4/for members of ISMHS, $5 non-member.
May 19, Sunday, An Afternoon with Gene Stratton-Porter, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Enjoy a visit with Gene Stratton-Porter as interpreted by historian, professional narrator and performer, Glory-June Greiff. This activity is made possible with support by the Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. $4/member ISMHS, $5 for non-members.
June 1, Saturday, Loblolly Wildflower Safari, 10:00 am to noon
Meet at the Loblolly Marsh parking lot. Stroll through the Loblolly Marsh trails with Curt Burnette. $4/member ISMHS, $5/ non-member.
Check back frequently for additions or changes.
School/Group outreach programs - Ongoing throughout the year. Schedule yours today!
Planning a visit to the Limberlost? Remember to Rent-a-Naturalist. Hire Curt Burnette, Certified Interpretive Guide, to take you on a guided nature hike to one or more of the Limberlost wetlands, or include a tour of historic downtown Geneva, or take a tour of places Gene Stratton-Porter mentions in her books.
April 17, Wednesday, 7:00-8:00 pm
Levi Coffin and the Underground Railroad by Joanna Hahn, Site Manager of the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site, Fountain City, Indiana. $3/members of the Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites or $4/adult non-member
April 20, Saturday, egg hunt begins "eggsactly" at 11:00 am
Limberlost Golden Easter Egg Hunt
Grounds of Limberlost are divided into three search areas for three age groups. All children can find a lot of eggs. Children won't go away disappointed! Find a golden egg and win a special prize. Cost @2/child for members of the Indiana State Museum and $2.50/child for non-members. Ages 12 & under welcome. Enjoy the petting zoo provided by Roll Farms, Professor Curt's egg display case and his "Joke Board" before the Hunt. After the hunt, attend Professor Curt's "Bunny Class."
May 10, Friday Night, 8:30 pm, Creatures of the Night at the Loblolly Marsh
$4/adult for members of ISMHS; $3/child member; $5/adult non-member,$4/child non-member Bring your flashlights and search for the glowing eyes. Hear night sounds using bionic ears. Identify frog calls. See better in the dark with night vision. Enjoy dip-netting for aquatic creatures. Using the digital microscope, Curt will project images of aquatic creatures on the big screen at the pavilion.
May 4, Saturday, 9 am to Noon, Guided Tour of Rainbow Bottom
Meet at the Limberlost Visitor Center. This is no less than a two mile hike led by Curt Burnette. This is a preserve owned by the Friends of the Limberlost. It was used as a setting in two of Gene Stratton-Porter's books. Learn the history and ecology of the area. $4/for members of ISMHS, $5 non-member.
May 19, Sunday, An Afternoon with Gene Stratton-Porter, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Enjoy a visit with Gene Stratton-Porter as interpreted by historian, professional narrator and performer, Glory-June Greiff. This activity is made possible with support by the Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. $4/member ISMHS, $5 for non-members.
June 1, Saturday, Loblolly Wildflower Safari, 10:00 am to noon
Meet at the Loblolly Marsh parking lot. Stroll through the Loblolly Marsh trails with Curt Burnette. $4/member ISMHS, $5/ non-member.
July 4, Thursday, Birds of Prey, from 2:00-3:00 pm
Celebrate America's birthday by joining the celebration at Limberlost State Historic Site. featuring a live bald eagle, hawk and owls. Learn about our national symbol on our nation's birthday. You will be able to watch an eagle program presented by Naturalist Curt Burnette. Admission is free --donations encouraged.
July 13, Saturday, Inside Gene Stratton-Porter's Cabin: A Poetry Workshop for Adults and High School Students, 10 am - 4:00 pm This is a 2019 Arts in the Parks and Historic Sites residency at the Limberlost, Shari Wagner 2016-2017 Poet Laureate, will be back at Limberlost for four poetry workshops with writing activities designed to help participants explore the beauty, history and ecological importance of the Limberlost, as well as its connection to renown nature writer and novelist Gene Stratton-Porter. Small fee for cabin tour unless a member of the Indiana State Museum. To register, simply send an email to [email protected]. Spaces are limited.
August 3, Saturday, Swifts Night Out, 7:30 pm
Enjoy a presentation on chimney swifts by Naturalist Curt Burnette. The program begins at the Limberlost Visitor Center classroom where you'll learn all about this often heard but often unnoticed bird. After the program everyone can walk or drive to downtown Geneva to watch and count chimney swifts as they enter a chimney to roost for the night. In previous events, we have counted from 80 to 100 chimney swifts enter this one chimney. Please bring a lawn chair so you have comfortable seating while watching the action. This program was the idea of volunteer Alexandra Forsythe. We do not know of any other like it in the state. This is year 6 for this popular event. Admission Charge: $1 for members of ISMHS & $2 for non-members.
August 18, Sunday, Limberlost Bluegrass Jamboree, 2:00-4:00 pm.
Jamborees are held on the grounds of the Limberlost State Historic Site. They are free but donations are encouraged. The event is designed for amateur musicians. Everyone donates his or her time. You never know what you will hear but it is usually bluegrass, gospel, or folk music. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music. Refreshments are provided by Friends of the Limberlost. Three Geneva businesses are longtime sponsors: Limberlost Construction, Geneva Case & Quart, and Downing & Glancy Funeral Home. Retired Site Manager Randy Lehman is the host and emcee.
August 22 or August 29, Thursday, Discover Limberlost Nature, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Designed for Homeschooling Families Only
Pre-registration required. Limited number of openings for each day. Cost: $5 per student. This popular annual event includes both indoor and outdoor educational activities. A registration fee must be paid in advance for your homeschool family to participate. Please contact Curt Burnette for more details or to register. [email protected] or 26-368-7428.
September 15, Sunday, Limberlost Bluegrass Jamboree, 2:00-4:00 pm.
Jamborees are held on the grounds of the Limberlost State Historic Site. They are free but donations are encouraged. See August 18 event for more details.
September 25, Wednesday, Sights, Sounds, and Silences: A Poetry Workshop for Kids at the Loblolly 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
This program is designed for home school kids. Please see July 13 program for details. Small fee for a hike with naturalist Curt Burnette. To register, simply send an email to [email protected]. Spaces are limited.
October 6, Sunday, Journey Beyond the Notes! Interactive Concert Experience, 2:00-4:00 pm
Duo Sequenza is back for a second year. Experience an interactive performance of a flute and classical guitar ensemble, during this concert event featuring the "South Shore Suite" by Jorge Muniz. This is made possible through a grant for the Arts in the Parks and Historic Sites from the Indiana Arts Commission.
October 12, Saturday, At the Ceylon Covered Bridge and Rainbow Bottom, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
This poetry workshop will be held on the Ceylon Covered Bridge. See July 13 for details. Small fee for hike in Rainbow Bottom with Curt Burnette. To register send an email to [email protected]. Spaces are limited.
November 13, Wednesday, Inside Gene Stratton-Porter's Cabin: A Poetry Workshop for Kids, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
This poetry workshop is designed for home school kids. Please see July 13 program for details. Small fee for cabin tour. To register, simply send an email to [email protected]. Spaces are limited.
Our 2018 events
Check back frequently for additions or changes.
Check back frequently for additions or changes.
School/Group outreach programs - Ongoing throughout the year. Schedule yours today!
March 24, Sunday, March Raptor Program, 2:00 – 3:00pm, free (donations encouraged)
A live bird program held in the Limberlost Visitor Center classroom.
March 31, Saturday, Golden Easter Egg Hunt, Limberlost SHS, 11:00am, $2/child (12 & under)
Join us for an epic Golden Easter Egg Hunt! Bring your own bucket, basket, or bag to gather as many eggs as possible. Be on the lookout for the Golden Egg to win a special prize. After the hunt attend “Egg Class” and become an official Limberlost Egghead!
April 20, Friday, Creatures of the Night, Loblolly Marsh Pavilion, 8:30pm, $4/adult, $3/child
Discover what creatures lurk around the Loblolly Marsh at night. Bring your flashlights to search for hidden “glowing eyes” animals. Hear night sounds through bionic ears and see in the dark with night vision! See what nocturnal creatures are living in the water during nighttime dip-netting. Finish off the evening with a campfire and toasted marshmallows! No toddlers please!
April 28, Tea with Teddy Roosevelt, 2:00pm, Limberlost State Historic Site, cost TBD
Guests will enjoy tea and light refreshments while they listen to and interact with President Theodore Roosevelt, as presented by historical impersonator Gib Young.
April 28, Saturday, Guided Tour of Rainbow Bottom, 9:00am to noon, $4/person
A Limberlost naturalist leads a nature hike through Rainbow Bend Park to learn about the history and ecology of this area, how Gene Stratton-Porter used it as a setting for two of her novels, plus observe local wildlife and see large sycamore trees. Meet at the Limberlost Visitor Center.
June 2, Saturday, Loblolly Wildflower Safari, 10:00am to noon, $4/person
Join a Limberlost naturalist for a stroll along the Loblolly Marsh trails focusing on the beautiful and varied spring wildflowers – what they are and how man and animal use them.
July 4, Wednesday, Independence Day Birds of Prey Program, 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Come to the Limberlost State Historic Site to celebrate America’s birthday with a bird of prey program. The presentation will include a live bald eagle and a hawk and owl. A power point presentation about the bald eagle will be offered in the visitor center classroom.
July 15, Sunday, Bluegrass Jamboree, Limberlost Cabin grounds, 2:00 to 4:00pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Volunteer musicians gather on the site to play a variety of bluegrass, gospel, and folk music. Bring an instrument and join the musicians, or bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the tunes.
August 4, Saturday, Swift Night Out, Limberlost SHS, 7:30pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Enjoy a presentation on chimney swifts in the Limberlost Visitor Center classroom, and then walk downtown to watch swifts enter a chimney to roost for the night.
August 19, Sunday, Bluegrass Jamboree, Limberlost Cabin grounds, 2:00 to 4:00pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Volunteer musicians gather on the site to play a variety of bluegrass, gospel, and folk music. Bring an instrument and join the musicians, or bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the tunes.
September 16, Sunday, Bluegrass Jamboree, Limberlost Cabin grounds, 2:00 to 4:00pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Volunteer musicians gather on the site to play a variety of bluegrass, gospel, and folk music. Bring an instrument and join the musicians, or bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the tunes.
September 22, Saturday, Twilight Adventure, Loblolly Marsh Pavilion, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, $3/child & $4/adults
Explore the marsh as the sun goes down. Take a twilight hike, enjoy an animal presentation, and roast marshmallows around a campfire!
October 27, Saturday, Guided Tour of the Music of the Wild Nature Preserve, 9:00am to noon, $4/person
A Limberlost naturalist will lead a hike through the Music of the Wild Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary. Meet at the Limberlost Visitor Center.
November 3, Saturday, Marsh After Dark, Loblolly Marsh Pavilion, 7:00 to 9:00pm, $3/child & $4/adult Take a night trail hike. Enjoy a wildlife presentation. Listen to animal stories told around a campfire. Participate in the Firelight Theater Variety Show. Finish off a night of nocturnal adventure with a marshmallow roast.
December 8, Saturday, Santa at the Cabin, Limberlost SHS, 11:00am to 3:00pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Visit with Santa. Other activities for children include the Limber Jim Swamp Show, a craft project, and an outdoor treasure chest challenge. All items in the gift shop discounted 20% or more. Complimentary refreshments.
December 31, Monday, Limberlost New Year’s Eve, Limberlost SHS, 11:00am to 12:30pm, $3/child
Families can enjoy crafts, games, and refreshments in the Visitor Center during the day on New Year’s Eve. A countdown celebration leads up to a noon balloon drop plus plenty of New Year’s Hoopla and Hoop-tee-doo!
March 24, Sunday, March Raptor Program, 2:00 – 3:00pm, free (donations encouraged)
A live bird program held in the Limberlost Visitor Center classroom.
March 31, Saturday, Golden Easter Egg Hunt, Limberlost SHS, 11:00am, $2/child (12 & under)
Join us for an epic Golden Easter Egg Hunt! Bring your own bucket, basket, or bag to gather as many eggs as possible. Be on the lookout for the Golden Egg to win a special prize. After the hunt attend “Egg Class” and become an official Limberlost Egghead!
April 20, Friday, Creatures of the Night, Loblolly Marsh Pavilion, 8:30pm, $4/adult, $3/child
Discover what creatures lurk around the Loblolly Marsh at night. Bring your flashlights to search for hidden “glowing eyes” animals. Hear night sounds through bionic ears and see in the dark with night vision! See what nocturnal creatures are living in the water during nighttime dip-netting. Finish off the evening with a campfire and toasted marshmallows! No toddlers please!
April 28, Tea with Teddy Roosevelt, 2:00pm, Limberlost State Historic Site, cost TBD
Guests will enjoy tea and light refreshments while they listen to and interact with President Theodore Roosevelt, as presented by historical impersonator Gib Young.
April 28, Saturday, Guided Tour of Rainbow Bottom, 9:00am to noon, $4/person
A Limberlost naturalist leads a nature hike through Rainbow Bend Park to learn about the history and ecology of this area, how Gene Stratton-Porter used it as a setting for two of her novels, plus observe local wildlife and see large sycamore trees. Meet at the Limberlost Visitor Center.
June 2, Saturday, Loblolly Wildflower Safari, 10:00am to noon, $4/person
Join a Limberlost naturalist for a stroll along the Loblolly Marsh trails focusing on the beautiful and varied spring wildflowers – what they are and how man and animal use them.
July 4, Wednesday, Independence Day Birds of Prey Program, 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Come to the Limberlost State Historic Site to celebrate America’s birthday with a bird of prey program. The presentation will include a live bald eagle and a hawk and owl. A power point presentation about the bald eagle will be offered in the visitor center classroom.
July 15, Sunday, Bluegrass Jamboree, Limberlost Cabin grounds, 2:00 to 4:00pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Volunteer musicians gather on the site to play a variety of bluegrass, gospel, and folk music. Bring an instrument and join the musicians, or bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the tunes.
August 4, Saturday, Swift Night Out, Limberlost SHS, 7:30pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Enjoy a presentation on chimney swifts in the Limberlost Visitor Center classroom, and then walk downtown to watch swifts enter a chimney to roost for the night.
August 19, Sunday, Bluegrass Jamboree, Limberlost Cabin grounds, 2:00 to 4:00pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Volunteer musicians gather on the site to play a variety of bluegrass, gospel, and folk music. Bring an instrument and join the musicians, or bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the tunes.
September 16, Sunday, Bluegrass Jamboree, Limberlost Cabin grounds, 2:00 to 4:00pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Volunteer musicians gather on the site to play a variety of bluegrass, gospel, and folk music. Bring an instrument and join the musicians, or bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the tunes.
September 22, Saturday, Twilight Adventure, Loblolly Marsh Pavilion, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, $3/child & $4/adults
Explore the marsh as the sun goes down. Take a twilight hike, enjoy an animal presentation, and roast marshmallows around a campfire!
October 27, Saturday, Guided Tour of the Music of the Wild Nature Preserve, 9:00am to noon, $4/person
A Limberlost naturalist will lead a hike through the Music of the Wild Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary. Meet at the Limberlost Visitor Center.
November 3, Saturday, Marsh After Dark, Loblolly Marsh Pavilion, 7:00 to 9:00pm, $3/child & $4/adult Take a night trail hike. Enjoy a wildlife presentation. Listen to animal stories told around a campfire. Participate in the Firelight Theater Variety Show. Finish off a night of nocturnal adventure with a marshmallow roast.
December 8, Saturday, Santa at the Cabin, Limberlost SHS, 11:00am to 3:00pm, Free (donations encouraged)
Visit with Santa. Other activities for children include the Limber Jim Swamp Show, a craft project, and an outdoor treasure chest challenge. All items in the gift shop discounted 20% or more. Complimentary refreshments.
December 31, Monday, Limberlost New Year’s Eve, Limberlost SHS, 11:00am to 12:30pm, $3/child
Families can enjoy crafts, games, and refreshments in the Visitor Center during the day on New Year’s Eve. A countdown celebration leads up to a noon balloon drop plus plenty of New Year’s Hoopla and Hoop-tee-doo!