This Lesser-Known Indiana Nature Attraction Is Making A Comeback
By Tori Jane|Published March 27, 2024
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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.
Indiana is a state filled with surprises. While most folks simply dismiss it as corn fields and prairies, there’s actually an assortment of fascinating natural wonders and features that make it totally worth visiting (or moving to). For example, did you know that there are a handful of naturally occurring bogs in Indiana that feature oddball flora and fauna you’d never expect to see in the Midwest? It’s true; take Celery Bog, for instance. Covering 195 beautiful acres of boggy delights, this amazing natural wonder in Indiana is one you’ll surely adore. Come see why!
Once upon a time, these beautiful wetlands were a veggie farm.
Celery was one of the major crops grown here - perhaps obviously - but efforts to grow onions, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, peas and cabbage were also quite successful.
Following a catastrophic fire, however, the bog was left to be - and nowadays, it's just a smidge different.
What used to be a farm is now life-giving wetlands, and one of the most beloved natural attractions in Indiana among those who know it exists. It's considered one of the most significant natural sites in the state, and if you ask me, it's totally underrated.
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With more than 120 species of birds that call this amazing place home, hiking through here is an experience unlike any other.
You'll also spot unique plant species protected by the bog's status; it's amazing to see what Indiana's wilderness does when left to its own devices. I never thought I'd see some of the things you'll see while you're here - it's all truly unique.
The Cattail Trail is 4.3 miles long, and there's also a 1.5-mile pathway with some awesome views along the way.
While you're here, be sure to pay a visit to the Lilly Nature Center, where you can learn all about the ecosystem that surrounds you, which ought to help you appreciate it all that much more.
Please note that there's no fishing or swimming allowed here to protect the fragile ecosystem. Stick to the trails, wear good walking shoes, and enjoy - it's a true wonder.
Following a period of limbo during the Covid-19 pandemic, Celery Bog has now roared back to life as if nothing ever happened.
Sure, we humans may not have had access for a hot minute... but during that time, the park flourished, and now we get to reap the endless rewards.
For more information about Celery Bog, including the most up-to-date hours and upcoming events, be sure to check out the official Home of Purdue website. If you’d like to take your hiking game to the next level, check out all the perks with AllTrails Plus. I have no idea how I hiked without it!
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