The Huntington City-Township Public Library (HCTPL) serves the people of both the city and township of Huntington as well as the town of Markle. Teachers and students in the county schools, another primary/secondary school with a presence in the service area, or Huntington University are also eligible for library cards. It has a large room dedicated as the B. Joan Keefer Genealogy and Local History Center in the main branch, and a small History Room in the Markle branch.
Timber Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities either for the day or overnight when staying at their campgrounds. Swimming, hiking, zip lining, fishing, and boating are among the usual activities. There is a charge for all activities, but some fees are reduced or eliminated for overnight guests.
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At one time there were billions of passenger pigeons in the U.S. Flocks were so large that migrations would take over twelve hours to pass overhead. Stories indicate that the birds had a roost in this area. It is unknown if this was a nesting place or a resting place. Either was possible in this part of Indiana. The last passenger pigeon known to have been hunted in Indiana was in 1902 in far southeastern Franklin County. The last known pigeon died in captivity in 1914.
You wouldn't believe it looking around the corner of 300 W and 8000 N now, but in the mid-1800s this was a forested wilderness. Near this very intersection a Wills Stallsmith and his horse were chased home by a pack of wolves.
Much of western Warren Township was originally swampy land. Now, there are just pockets here and there. The swamps probably drew bears for a couple of reasons: good fishing and few people. Carroll Ditch is part of the system of ditches and drains that were installed to make the land arable (farmable).
The Salamonie Interpretive and Nature Center is the headquarters for visiting the state parks at both Salamonie Lake and Mississinewa Lake. There are trails for every ability level and many different conveyances (foot, bike, horse, snowmobile). The building and nearby grounds include: a wildlife viewing area, interactive reservoir exhibits, natural & cultural history displays, a children's room, and the Salamonie Raptor Center (which rehabilitates live birds of prey).
Pirates Cove Marina is a full service marina and boat rental business located on Salamonie Lake near the Interpretive Center. Most rental boats are pontoons, but fishing boats, kayaks and paddle boats are also available. Some boats are available at an hourly rate, others for a day rate or both.
Modoc the elephant spent her third night of freedom in the woods to the north. Somewhere near here, Kenneth Kindley and Modoc ran into each other. Kenneth was left with a spinal injury which had him walking with the aid of a pair of crutches for the rest of his life.
Rustic River Outfitters provides canoe and kayak rental on the Salamonie River. It also provides a performance and event venue, wine bar with food. Trips are also available on the Wabash River by reservation. It is locally famous for its taco nights (watch for them on Facebook).
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Modoc the circus elephant was captured just to the southeast of this spot in 1942. After five days on the run, she could rest, recuperate, and rejoin her sister pachyderms.
Established in 1941, “the object of this club is to create and maintain interest in horses and equine activities in and around Huntington, Indiana; to maintain and improve the current club property in such a way to serve the equine community; to foster social activities and good fellowship, and to work together for the common advantage of all who participate in equine activities.”
J. E. Roush Lake was originally named Huntington Lake and was formed in 1967 by damming of the Wabash River for flood control. It was later renamed after the local congressman who was instrumental in getting the flood control projects for the Wabash, Salamonie, and Mississinewa River basins. Co-managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the lake and surrounding park provide hunting, fishing, camping, and wildlife-watching opportunities. Day passes are required, and self-service kiosks are provided near the main office on IN-5, at the entrance to the Kil-So-Quah Recreation Area and several other places throughout the park.
Part of the Acres Land Trust, the Tel-Hy Nature Preserve provides a single 1.1 mile walking trail which takes you through gently rolling forest and along a bluff over the Wabash River. There are a couple of small side-loops.
The Sheets Wildlife Museum was founded as a way to honor Sumner Sheet who had a passion for hunting.In Jun 2022, the Sheets Museum closed its doors for good, selling off the contents of the museum.
Part of the Acres Land Trust, the Pahokia Woods Nature Preserve provides a main 1.9 mile walking trail which takes you through rolling upland forest and across or along a number of 20 foot ravines. A couple of small ponds are passed on the trail. A number of branching loops are provided.
This Tour is a Thematic Tour or Heritage Trail.
Get a QR Code for this tour
The sites on this tour relate the natural history of Huntington County by exploring sites where nature and man connected, as well as places you can visit to explore or be educated about nature.
