T. C. Steele State Historic Site

The T. C. Steele State Historic Site is an artist's estate with a house, studio, and 211 acres of natural landscape where an American Impressionist painter worked and lived. The property includes five hiking trails that wind through the grounds, connecting the historic structures to the surrounding woodland and gardens.

Theodore Clement Steele and his wife Selma moved to this property in 1907 and created a space that became central to Indiana's art community. The couple's presence shaped regional artistic life until 1926, establishing a foundation for creative work that would be preserved for later generations.

The studio building preserves its original design for outdoor painting, where visitors can see how artists worked directly with natural light to capture landscapes. This approach to making art, still visible in the space today, shows how the place shaped the creative practice of its residents.

Visitors can take guided tours through the house and studio or explore the grounds independently on the hiking trails. Art workshops are offered regularly throughout the year for those interested in creative hands-on experiences.

The grounds include a family cemetery preserved as it was, along with a dedicated nature preserve named after Selma Steele. These spaces, often overlooked by visitors, offer a quieter glimpse into the family's personal story and legacy.

Location: Indiana

Part of: Historic Artists' Homes and Studios

GPS coordinates: 39.13056,-86.33861

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45