Pioneer Villiage: Spring Mill State Park

While visiting southern Indiana, my sister and I visited the Pioneer Village, located at Spring Mill State Park, located in Mitchell, Indiana.  Information about the park is at http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2968.htm.  I have been to many other historical parks, but this one is better than most.  The buildings are well preserved and well decorated with items from the early 1800s.   All of the buildings were constructed well before anyone lived in Grand Marais, and most of the U.P. for that matter. 

The state's website describes the park:

Spring Mill State Park offers a powerful illustration of the link between the natural and cultural worlds. The water flowing from several cave springs led to the founding of an industrial village in the early 1800s. Pioneer entrepreneurs took advantage of a constant water source that never froze, using it to power several gristmills, a wool mill, a saw mill, and a distillery. In turn, pioneer settlers shaped the landscape around the village, clearing land for agriculture and timber.

My sister, Diana, sitting next to the spring-fed river....

The first building's sign...

Cool and very different fence..

The grist mill....

Artifacts found on the property....

One of the gardens...