Dunn's Woods (Tour)

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Originally, Dunn's Woods was purchased by Indiana University in 1883 from Moses Fell Dunn as the university was getting ready to transfer to a new location. For about 60 years before the transfer, the institution was located in Seminary Square. Now Dunn's Woods includes what was left of the original 20-acre purchase after the Old Crescent was constructed by the University, which is comprised of several buildings, including Owen and Wylie Halls as well as five other buildings that were added later. The woodland is located on the southwest side of the campus. Along with beautiful greenery and various forms of wildlife, it is characterized by its unique terrain and diverse geographical bodies such as the Jordan River, which flows through it (Bracalente 2012).

2. Wintercreeper in Dunn's Woods

Originating in China, wintercreeper is a dominant plant species that is found in many places, one being Dunn's Woods at Indiana University. Wintercreeper is a vine that climbs across the forest and sidewalk floor, and up trees and buildings. This species overtaking characteristics are what make it an invasive species- because they prevent growth of native species. This plant was brought to America because of its rapid growing vines being able to help hold landscape together, even in extreme circumstances. Many attempts have been made in Dunn's Woods to stop the spread of this plant, but it has proved itself very persistent.

3. Kirkwood Observatory

Indiana University's Kirkwood Observatory was completed in 1901 and named in honor of Daniel Kirkwood, a renowned astronomer and Indiana University math professor who died a few years prior. The observatory offers programming and resources that combine history and science. The domed observatory houses a .03 meter refracting telescope that is open to the public every Wednesday after sunset from March through November. The observatory also offers a solar telescope and a variety of exhibits and educational programs.

4. Removing the Invasive Species of Dunn's Woods

The invasive species of Dunn's Woods include the Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana), the Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) plants, the purple wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei). This topic of invasive species in the Woods is one of the most important topics to discuss since these types of species have the potential to ruin an environment and the biodiversity within the area. Without knowledge about these species, no one will know what plants should be removed and which ones should be preserved in that environment. Hence, through the removal of these invasive species, we can save an environment by protecting the variety of plants and animals there, and by preserving what makes the place unique.

5. Stewart's Hideaway

Stewart's Hideaway is a bench seating area in the middle of Indiana University's Dunn's Woods. The area is dedicated Milt and Judi Stewart, two IU benefactors. Milt Stewart graduated from Indiana University in 1971 with a J.D. Established in 2016 after the Stewart family donated $7.7 million to IU's Maurer School of Law. The site is marked with an engraved stone that reads "May this special place always provide opportunity for respite, reflection, and rejuvenation."

6. Dunn's Woods and the Invasive Species Within

Dunn’s Woods is a perfect picture of southern Indiana Woodland. It has remained a managed ecosystem even as Indiana University (IU) continues to expand around it. “Dunn’s Woods was the heart of the original campus, the university’s commitment to preserving a woodland character with abundant green space has been at the heart of its ongoing expansion (Mincey and Fischer, 2009). David Mottier, head of the Botany Department at IU from 1898 to 1937, is credited with developing the “plan for the walks and drives” across the campus. In 1929 the Olmsted Brother of Brookline, New York were hired to design a plan for the campus “the designers of New York City’s Central Park strongly advocated for retention of Dunn’s Woods as a park” (Mincey and Fischer, 2009)

7. Tree Carvings in Dunn's Woods at Indiana University

According to Mincey and Fischer (2009) Dunn's Woods was sold to the Indiana University in 1883 for $6,000 by Moses Fell Dunn. The woods have changed a fair bit since the original purchase in 1883, but the university provides little intervention in the woods. However, this does not stop students from carving different initials and symbols into the trees in the woods themselves.

8. Well House, University of Indiana

The Well House is one of the oldest and most beloved structures on the IU campus. It was built in 1908 and covers the original well that served the college and community. In fact, water from this well saved old Wylie Hall from destruction during a fire in 1900. The structure was a gift from Theodore F. Rose in 1908.

9. The Sundial at IU and Important Points: Lovers Even Into Death

Visitors to Indiana University have been delighted by the history behind this little sundial as it incorporates the story of love and resilience. In 1868 the graduating class presented IU with the Sundial. Then in 1833, a fire destroyed the campus causing them to move it up on the hill. It wasn't until 1896 that they moved the sundial to the location it currently resides.

10. Dunn Cemetery

Dunn Cemetery is located directly to the east of the Indiana University Memorial Union next to Beck Chapel. Three heroines of the Revolutionary War are buried here: Ellenor Brewster Dunn, Agnes “Nancy” Brewster Alexander, and Janet Brewster Irvin. The women spun, wove, and created garments for the soldiers and cooked food for Washington and his army when they were stationed nearby. After the war, the three sisters eventually moved to Bloomington, Indiana. The plot of land it is located on was once known as the Dunn Farm. In 1883 a fire destroyed much of Indiana University at its former location (which is now Seminary Square) and Moses F. Dunn sold a part of the Dunn Farm for the new site of Indiana University. However, he did not sell the graveyard. This plot of land, also known as "God's Acre" is still owned by the Dunn family.

This Tour is a Virtual Museum or Site Tour.

Dunn's Woods

Created by Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology on August 7th 2019, 12:47:38 pm.

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After the 1883 fire that destroyed the old campus (Seminary Square), Dunn's Woods became the center of the Indiana University campus. Dunn's Woods, a twenty-acre beech and maple forest is the heart of Indiana University and an excellent place to observe nature, reflect, study, or relax. This wooded oasis hosts a diverse ecosystem, harboring rabbits, squirrels, wildflowers, mushrooms, Cooper’s hawks, and the northern short-tailed shrew. Native trees such as walnut, sycamore, basswood, buckeye, beech, maple, ash, oak, and hickory grow in Dunn's Woods.

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Dunn's Woods

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