Walks Along the River


There never is a bad time to take a walk along the river. Each season brings something new to the river whether it is the blossoming dogwoods of the spring, or songbirds and flowers in the summer or the beautiful bright bursts of reds, oranges and yellows of the fall or a bald eagle soaring overhead in the winter. You just never know what you might see along the way! The walks listed here are available year-round and are self-guided walks. However, at times, guided walks are scheduled in communities along the river. Please check back often for updated information on guided walks.

CARROLL COUNTY
Towpaths and Lime Kilns
Sponsored by the Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal, Inc., this one mile, one and a half hour easy trail walk departs from the "dock" in Canal Park , 1030 North Washington Street in Delphi. Busy times began in 1857, when the canalside Hubbard & Harley Lime Kilns were constructed. Shipments of plaster and whitening products from six massive kilns went by canal as far as New York City. To the north, Founders Point, the tip of the trail "loop" commemorates the vision shared by the canal group's founders. The return trip features a stop at the restored, ornate 1874 Camden Iron Bridge. This walk is offered at 9 a.m. on Saturday.Canal Hotline at 765-564-6572.

The Walk of Yesterday
This walk is approximately 1.5 miles (2hours). This walk leaves from Courthouse Square Monument at the corner of Main & Washington Streets in downtown Delphi. The walk highlights historic points east along Main Street and back on Monroe and Franklin Streets. Of special interest is the beautiful homes near downtown, the Opera House, Holt & Rinehart's Hall, the Crosby Hotel and the grand architecture of Delphi's era of development from 1830 through the "Golden Era". Canal Hotline at 765-564-6572.

Locks and Paper Mills
This 2 hour, 1.4 mile easy trail walk leaves from Trailhead Park, 1 mile southwest of Delphi on SR 25. The hike begins by crossing the suspension bridge and follows the Robbins Trail to Sunset Point, where Deer Creek meets the Wabash River. Then along the Vanscoy Towpath Trail past the 1839 Irish Canal Construction Camp (archaeology site) and on to the Obear Millrace Trail. See also the Rinehart Paper Mills, Lock #33, and the lockkeepers house sites. Canal Hotline at 765-564-6572.

TIPPECANOE COUNTY
Clegg Botanical Garden Walk
Clegg Botanical Gardens, located near 400E and 200N, is one of the loveliest areas of our county. It is on the banks of the Wildcat Creek and the beautiful wildflowers, ravines and natural surroundings make it a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors. Contact the Lafayette-West Lafayette Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information at 800-872-6648.

Historic Downtown Lafayette-West Lafayette
Self-guided architectural tours are available by using a brochure or an audio tour from the Lafayette- West Lafayette Convention & Visitors Bureau to make your stroll through our downtown more enjoyable. The Main Street audio tour and equipment is available from the Visitors Bureau for a minimal deposit, which will be returned after the completion of your tour. It is designed to take about 45 minutes, but you may want to allow time to visit the many interesting shops and eating establishments you will discover. Brochures are also available to tour Mr. Digby's Lafayette, the original platted area or the Tippecanoe County Courthouse that was built in the mid-1880's. For more information call 800-872-6648 or 765-447-9999. The Visitors Center is located off of SR 26 E on Frontage Road behind the Cracker Barrel.

http://www.homeofpurdue.com/

The Wabash Heritage Trail
Shaded by cottonwoods, sycamores, maples, oaks and other trees, the Wabash Heritage Trail winds for more than 13 miles along Burnett Creek and the Wabash River. But you don't have to walk it all to enjoy its beauty! Choose from segments of just one-half mile to six-and-a-half miles. And pack a picnic, if you'd like. Trail maps and conditions are available at the Wah-ba-shik-a Nature Center at Tippecanoe Battlefield, call 765-567-2993 or 765-463-2306.

FOUNTAIN COUNTY
Historic Downtown Attica
Downtown brochures are available at Craft's Appliances at the corner of Main & Perry Streets. Most of the buildings were constructed during the time of the Wabash & Erie Canal. Attica is the only town in Indiana with the Main Street having a dogleg curve that follows the bank of the Wabash River. Self-guided brochures are available at Craft Appliances. For more information, call Sue Craft at 765-764-4420

NATURE RESERVE IN PROGRESS
Visit NICHES' new Pecan Basin Cates Clawson Reserve for a walk highlighting the restoration efforts and natural features of this 155 acre property. There is a handicapped accessible loop trail leading to a section of the old Wabash and Eric canal along with an upland area with deep ravines and large trees. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The lowland trail is level and easy , but the upland trail is a bit steep in places. To reach Pecan Basin go to the bridge over the Wabash River on SR 32 by Perrysville. Go east to the first intersection and turn right onto Silver Island Road. Go 1.5 miles south and watch for the parking area and sign on your right. For more information call 765-583-2275.

VERMILLION COUNTY
Skinner Farm Museum
There are ten buildings of historic interest, including log cabins, a blacksmith cabin, print shop, and the Wittenmyer House, a two-story brick building built in 1844 and moved in 1979. A huge 1830 warehouse which once housed canal and river goods is now part of the museum and contains numerous artifacts. The Thomas Cunningham cabin was built in 1826 and originally overlooked the Wabash River. The cabin is filled with pioneer era items. There are over 50 tractors, steam vehicles and other artifiacts and farm equipment that can be viewed at the Skinner Farm Museum and Village. The museum is located 3 miles west of SR 63 on SR 32. The Annual Skinner Farm Museum and Village Steam & Gas Powered Show is the third weekend in August...... . Call 765-793-4079 for more information.

PARKE COUNTY
Hometown Tour
Billie Creek Village, The Covered Bridge Tour gives a full history of the bridges and buildings of the Village, and is given in a horse-pulled wagon. Fun for all ages! Meet at the General Store, which is located on US 36, just east of Rockville. Dogs on leashes allowed. Tours are offered continously throughout the day. Admission charge to Billie Creek Village. For more information call 765-569-3430.

Statewide Trails
The Indiana Division of Outdoor Recreation keeps an Indiana Trail Inventory that lists over 1000 miles of trails that provide a wide variety of experiences from short paved urban walks to 50-mile backwoods hikes. The inventory lists trail locations and contacts for more information and can be accessed on-line at: www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/hike/ Trails that are included in this database are managed by federal, state, county, city and private organizations.

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This page last updated February 16, 2005