Portland Arch Nature Preserve, Natural arch and sandstone cliffs in Fountain County, Indiana.
The 436-acre preserve contains rocky cliffs, deep ravines, and forest trails along Bear Creek, a tributary of the Wabash River.
The site served as a Boy Scout Camp until 1966 when The Nature Conservancy purchased it, leading to its designation as a State Nature Preserve in 1972.
The sandstone formations in the preserve provided shelter for Native American communities and early settlers throughout the region's history.
Two one-mile loop trails guide visitors through the preserve, with parking areas along Scout Camp Road offering access to both north and south trailheads.
The natural sandstone bridge, formed by water erosion through Mansfield Sandstone dating back 230 million years, stands as one of Indiana's few natural arches.
Location: Fountain County
GPS coordinates: 40.21860,-87.33580
Latest update: March 2, 2025 22:03
Indiana features a variety of natural and cultural sites across its counties. Visitors can explore underground networks such as the Bluespring Caves, which extend over 34 kilometers, view the sandstone canyons and geological formations at Turkey Run State Park, or admire the Cataract Falls on Mill Creek. The state also has 19th-century covered bridges like the Bridgeton Bridge built in 1868, as well as religious sites such as the Cave of Our Lady of Lourdes replicating the Lourdes sanctuary. History and art enthusiasts will find preserved residences like the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, with the painter’s original studio and period furnishings. The area also features unique structures such as the New Harmony Labyrinth, a stone replica of the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth, and the Artcraft Theater from the 1920s still showing films in its original setting. These destinations offer insights into Indiana's architectural heritage as well as its conserved natural spaces.
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