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.

It was created over many millions of years as Bear Creek eroded through a layer of sandstone called the Mansfield Sandstone.

The result is fascinating and spellbinding; the rock is layered and smoothed along the edges, and the arch makes for an unusual visual centerpiece.

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.

It's been here, year after year, since long before any of us were even close to alive.

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.

Just as it has for, quite literally, 200 million years or more.

For more information about the Arch and the Preserve, be sure to check out the official Nature Conservancy website. For more amazing Indiana, you might want to check out this awesome road trip to some of the natural wonders of Indiana.

Have you ever been to Portland Arch Nature Preserve? Tell us about it in the comments!