Strawtown Kotewee Park

Hamilton County  has many beautiful parks, but perhaps none so peaceful and as Strawtown Kotewee. Set along the White River, the park includes forest, prairie, and green space for all to enjoy.  There are lovely hiking trails along the river and through the different areas, along with horse trails for those who bring horses.  There are bike trails, a canoe launch, fishing and an archery range.

This park is made better by the history of the area.  People have lived along the White River in what is now Strawtown for thousands of years.  Left behind are fascinating artifacts, and the park has been the home to many archaeological excavations in the past.  Today, artifacts can be viewed in the Nature Center or through their many public and school programs.  A recreation of historic sites is found in the park, showcasing the many types of structures built by the area's Native American residents. 

The Nature Center is very nice, including actual artifacts, information on area animals and plants, and activities for kids of all ages.  In addition, the nature center offers many public programs, so check out the website for something coming soon!

We were fortunate to visit during Archaeology month (September) during a school visit, and the interpreters invited us to listen in. 

What a lovely park!

Details:
12308 Strawtown Avenue
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317) 774-2574
 http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Strawtown-Koteewi-Park-11

Hours and Admission:
 FREE
Park hours: dawn to dusk 
Taylor Nature Center Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m

Victorian Indianapolis - the Lockerbie Home of James Whitcomb Riley

Nothing like a walk in the city on a beautiful autumn afternoon! Our family decided to spend a beautiful Tuesday a few weeks ago in downtown Indianapolis, walking around and enjoying the sites.  We headed from downtown over to the Historic Lockerbie Square area, a short 20 minute walk north east of Circle Center Mall.  What a beautiful, quiet and stately area!

Our destination was the former home of James Whitcomb Riley, beloved Indiana poet. Riley moved into this home in the Lockerbie Square area, owned by friends, later in his life. It is the last home he lived in, and the Visitors' Center shows a wonderful movie explaining his life and showing footage from his time in the Lockerbie home. 

In addition, the home is excellently preserved, purchased by a family friend after the death of the original owners.  It still contains all of the furnishings and decor from the his time there.  A beautifully preserved late-Victorian home, this historic landmark is well worth a visit.  The small tour group size vast knowledge of our tour guide brought the home to life let us focus on the areas that most interested us.

Be sure to walk around the neighborhood seeing other historic homes (privately owned) and to get a feel for the area.  It is a peaceful oasis very near to the high rise buildings of downtown.  Glad we spent a day there!


Details:

528 Lockerbie Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317.631.5885

Hours and Admission:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Closed on holidays and the first two weeks in January.
Reservations are requested for groups larger than six.