Indiana State Parks Provide Farm Focus

My Indiana Home magazine
my-indiana-home.com

May 19, 2015

Lincoln’s Boyhood Home in Lincoln City, Indiana.

Amish Acres was recently featured along with Conner Prairie in an article titled "Indiana State Parks Provide Farm Focus," by Rachel Bertone. She began, "When visiting one of the 24 state parks across Indiana, you might expect towering trees, challenging hiking trails, scenic campgrounds and water activities ranging from fishing to canoeing. But at several Indiana parks, you can immerse yourself in centuries-old farm life, discover a water-powered gristmill, visit with heirloom livestock, and explore fascinating history – all focused on agriculture."

The State Parks that have a focus on agricultural history included Life of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Lincoln City, Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell, Prophetstown, Indiana's newest state park, in Battle Ground , and O'Bannon Woods State Park in Corydon.

Amish Acres in Nappanee and Conner Prairie in Fishers are among the few additional historical farms in Indiana not located in a state park with Amish Acres being the only one privately operated.

Lincoln's Living Historical Farm depicts typical activities of the 1820s Lincoln farm, and is complete with a cabin, outbuildings, split rail fences, farm animals, vegetable and herb gardens, and field crops.

Spring Mill contains 20 historic buildings to explore, including the majestic centerpiece – a three-story limestone gristmill from 1817 that still grinds cornmeal today. In addition, guests can explore a historic leather shop, saw mill, distillery, gardens and blacksmith shop on the grounds.

Conner Prairie is one of the most-visited outdoor museums in the country, with exhibits including 1836 Prairietown, where visitors can experience 19th-century life, and Animal Encounters, which features world-class, rare animal breeds such as English Longhorn cattle, Ossabaw Island hogs and Leicester sheep. 

The Farm at Prophetstown, which serves as a world-class training farm for low input, horse-powered agriculture. Staff at the 125-acre farm is dedicated to showing, sharing and teaching about horse-powered farming, as well as modern farming techniques, including genetics and machinery.

O'Bannon Woods State Park in Corydon features a uniquely restored, working haypress barn and holds events such as Living Pioneer Farmstead days on Aug. 1.

Amish Acres in Nappanee is a real working farm with barnyard hens, livestock, gardens, an apple orchard and agricultural demonstrations. The farm's family, according to Professor James Landing, was the first Amish to settle in Indiana. In addition to the historic farm, Amish Acres features live musical theatre in The Round BarnTheatre.