Bryant IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bryant, Indiana.
1. Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve
PRISTINE WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve is a sprawling 440-acre property featuring wild wetlands, wooded areas, and diverse wildlife including birds, butterflies, and amphibians. Visitors can explore the preserve via a network of well-defined trails that weave through this natural wonderland. The preserve holds historical significance as part of the Limberlost region, which served as the setting for novels by acclaimed Hoosier author Gene Stratton-Porter.
2. The Tipsy Glass Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
The Tipsy Glass Winery offers visitors a chance to sample locally produced wines in a charming setting. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings while learning about the winemaking process from knowledgeable staff. The winery provides a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding during a visit to Bryant.
3. Swiss Heritage Village and Museum
SWISS SETTLERS HISTORICAL SITE
Swiss Heritage Village and Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Swiss settlers who made Indiana their home. Visitors can explore historical buildings, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of Swiss immigration and settlement in the region. The open-air museum provides an immersive experience into 19th-century Swiss-American life.
4. Berne Public Library
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Berne Public Library serves as an educational hub for locals and visitors alike, offering a wide collection of books, digital resources, and community programs. The library features special collections related to local history, including materials about the area's Swiss heritage. Visitors can enjoy the quiet reading spaces and regularly scheduled events that celebrate literature and learning.
5. Hudson Family Park
MODERN RECREATIONAL FACILITY
Hudson Family Park is Portland's most modern outdoor recreational facility, boasting amenities like a walking track, scenic pond, playground, and one of East Central Indiana's largest amphitheaters. The park hosts summer concert series and various community events throughout the year, organized by the Arts Place. As a town-owned and operated facility, visitors can enjoy all amenities entirely free of charge.
6. Jay County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
Jay County Historical Museum preserves the rich history of the area through its extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. Visitors can explore exhibits that chronicle the development of Jay County from its earliest settlements to modern times. The museum offers insights into the daily lives, industries, and notable events that shaped the local communities.
7. Museum of the Soldier
MILITARY HISTORY TRIBUTE
Museum of the Soldier honors the service and sacrifice of American military personnel through comprehensive exhibits of uniforms, equipment, and personal items. Visitors can learn about the experiences of local veterans and their contributions to various conflicts throughout American history. The museum serves as both an educational resource and a solemn tribute to those who served their country.
8. Arts Place
CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
Arts Place serves as a vibrant hub for art education and advocacy in the Portland community, offering classes, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year. The organization coordinates various cultural events, including the popular summer concert series at Hudson Family Park's amphitheater. Visitors and locals alike can engage with visual and performing arts through the center's diverse programming.
9. Mills Park
PEACEFUL COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Mills Park offers visitors a tranquil green space for relaxation and recreation in Bryant. The park features open areas ideal for picnics, family gatherings, and casual outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings while taking advantage of the park's amenities.
10. Wilbur D. Mills Park
RECREATIONAL OUTDOOR AREA
Wilbur D. Mills Park provides a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors to Bryant. The park features outdoor spaces for sports, relaxation, and community gatherings throughout the year. Families particularly enjoy the park's amenities and natural setting.
11. Hot Springs National Park
HISTORIC THERMAL SPRINGS
Hot Springs National Park preserves the natural thermal springs that have attracted visitors for their supposed healing properties for centuries. Visitors can tour the historic Bathhouse Row, featuring eight architecturally significant bathhouses from the early 20th century. The park combines natural beauty with cultural history, offering hiking trails, scenic mountain views, and opportunities to sample the famous mineral water.
12. Garvan Woodland Gardens
BOTANICAL GARDEN PARADISE
Garvan Woodland Gardens showcases 210 acres of meticulously maintained botanical landscapes on a peninsula extending into Lake Hamilton. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, including the spectacular Japanese Garden, the Children's Adventure Garden, and seasonal displays of tulips, daffodils, and other blooms. The gardens also feature architectural elements like the Anthony Chapel, a stunning glass and wood structure nestled among the trees.
13. 10 Fitness Bryant
MODERN WELLNESS FACILITY
10 Fitness Bryant offers state-of-the-art exercise equipment and facilities for fitness enthusiasts visiting the area. The center provides various workout options, including cardio machines, strength training equipment, and possibly group fitness classes. Visitors looking to maintain their fitness routines while traveling will find this facility accommodating to their needs.
14. Limberlost State Historic Site
AUTHOR'S INSPIRING HOME
Limberlost State Historic Site preserves the home of renowned author Gene Stratton-Porter, whose novels were inspired by the surrounding Limberlost swamp region that includes Loblolly Marsh. Visitors can tour the author's restored 1895 cabin and learn about her pioneering work as a naturalist, photographer, and one of the most widely read authors of her time. The site offers insight into how the natural environment of Indiana influenced American literature and early conservation efforts.
15. Jay County Fairgrounds
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
Jay County Fairgrounds hosts the annual county fair and numerous other community events throughout the year, showcasing the agricultural heritage of the region. Visitors can experience livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, food vendors, and live entertainment during the fair season. The grounds serve as an important gathering place that highlights rural traditions and brings together residents from Bryant and surrounding communities.