Few People Know This Beautiful Natural Arch In Indiana Even Exists
By Tori Jane|Published October 21, 2022
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Fountain County, Indiana, doesn’t exactly make the news very often. It’s a low-key, chilled-out place, with lots of peace and quiet to be had. Nestled within Fountain County is one of the most fascinating and visually captivating natural wonders in Indiana: a strange arch carved out of sandstone over thousands of years (if not longer). It’s the Portland Arch, located at – surprise – the Portland Arch Nature Preserve near the Wabash River. Come explore this breathtaking natural display of the planet’s power.
Portland Arch Nature Preserve is 435 beautiful acres of some of Indiana's most breathtaking woodlands.
When compared to the rest of Indiana's geography, you'll find that it's quite unique in many ways. It isn't like the rest of the state, and that's part of what makes it so delightful to us.
The arch itself is one of the only of its kind in the entire state.
During the spring and summer months, the entire area is ridiculously lush and a deep shade of emerald green. In the fall, the entire area lights aflame in brilliant color. And in the winter, it becomes a strange wonderland with icicles and patchy snow.
There's something about places like this - ones that are a perfect blend of natural beauty and geological wonder - that ignite the imagination. Just think of all the things these rocks have seen... all the stories they could tell.
The strange little dam ruins you'll find around here are pretty fascinating, too.
No matter when you visit, or how long you stay, the Portland Arch Preserve will carve its way into your heart and you'll find yourself wanting to return time and time again.
There are trails weaving through the preserve - two of them - and both are definitely worth the effort. You'll access the Arch itself best via the North trail.
Come back for each season, and see the way the Arch changes... but remains the same.
