Greetings, today I will tell you about our visit to the Sculpture Garden near Solsberry, Indiana.
We visited the Sculpture Garden during our 2023 camping trip to Shakamak State Park. drove over to the Sculpture Garden. This is a hidden gem, out in the boondocks on a gravel road. They have no sign announcing where it is. The only way I guessed was that the neighbor had a big sign hung by his driveway which said, "Private Property, not a return to the parking lot." We saw a driveway by this neighbor's and some building and what looked like sculptures. We pulled in and discovered it was the right spot. There is a sort of open tool shed with tools and some sculptures that appear to be works in progress. There was no one around, no maps or any info. An imposing hill with a trail led up the face of this hill to a set of railroad tie steps. A unique looking archway indicated that this might be the beginning of the trail. We hiked up the trail and discovered to our amazement many dozens (the literature we found later said over 180) of mostly metal sculptures scattered over about a tract of land that must be about 10 acres. These are some of the most unique sculptures we have ever seen and their location in the deep forest lends an enthralling atmosphere. We got over most of it, but not all. This was definitely worth the effort it took to get to it, even if out in the middle of nowhere.
The Garden was established in 2002 in the hilly, heavily forested Indiana countryside. Artists from across the United States and world come here to display their work in the garden. The staff of the Garden reviews works by sculptors and offers periodic workshops for them to hone their craft. For a fee, the staff conduct guided tours of the Gardens. There is a discount off the standard fee for school groups. These tours are on a regular weekly schedule and take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Interested visitors may also schedule a private tour. The grounds are open daily and self guided tours are free, though there is a donation box for those wishing to support the facility.
A map is available on the web site for self guided tours. I will put the link in the description for both the podcast and the You Tube Video.
Periodically throughout the year there are events at the Gardens that are open to the public and allow visitors to do some hands on sculpturing. Topics include working with cast iron, blacksmithing, casting aluminum, and using a foundry. Beginners are welcome at these workshops.
From the Sculpture Gardens we drove to Solsberry, Indiana where we lunched at the Yoho General Store after which we continued on to Tulip Trestle Bridge, the subject of an earlier podcast. Constructed in 1934 to replace the original store when it was destroyed by fire, the building has served as a store owned for generations by the Yoho family. The store has a lunch counter where diners can eat some delicious food.
Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum
Open seven days a week from 9AM - 5:00pm
Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum
6764 N Tree Farm Rd,
Solsberry, IN 47459
502-554-1788
Map
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