A century-old landmark in Greene County is getting some new life.
Community members are working to turn the Tulip Trestle into a tourist attraction - as soon as this spring.
You may remember the famous train dodge scene in the movie "Stand By Me."
Well that sight is not just for Hollywood....there's one right here in the Wabash Valley - and could soon be better than ever.
The Greene County Viaduct is one for the record books.
Built in 1905, the massive project was completed just one year later - and trains still use it to this day.
And while it's a hidden gem in Greene County, the community is ready to show it off.
"It's a very historic place. Quite an accomplishment that was done over 100 years ago, and I think for people to see that and realize what kind of construction, an accomplishment it really was for that time," said property owner Jack Craig.
Jack Craig and his wife own the six-and-a-half acre site.
They're teaming up with government agencies to transform the land below, and let you take in the majestic beauty through all four seasons.
"Trying to educate the public on conservation and the best way to keep up with the land," said Adam Grossman, watershed coordinator for the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Craig adds, "I think it's quite an asset for the county, and I love to see them take advantage of that."
The group has big plans for the area, and it's all thanks to grant money and community donations.
In just a few weeks, volunteers will plant prairie grasses and wild flowers, which could bring native species back to the area.
"We're hoping to maybe even get a festival together that will revolve around the Viaduct and using to try more people to the county," said Grossman.
And the 2,700-ton steel structure - that reaches heights of 157 feet - could help put Greene County on the map.
"Oh I think it's going to be great. It will thrill me to know that other people are seeing the beauty that can be. The flowers, the grass, the birds... It's going to be great," said property caretaker Dolly Vandeventer.
Craig adds: "I think we are put here on earth to help other people and give to other people and so it's a privilege and honor really to be able to create something that other people can enjoy."
Plans for an observation deck and audio tour are also in the works.
For more information on how you can get involved, contact Adam at (812) 345-5581 or agrossman@ymail.com.
You can also click here.
Community members are working to turn the Tulip Trestle into a tourist attraction - as soon as this spring.
You may remember the famous train dodge scene in the movie "Stand By Me."
Well that sight is not just for Hollywood....there's one right here in the Wabash Valley - and could soon be better than ever.
The Greene County Viaduct is one for the record books.
Built in 1905, the massive project was completed just one year later - and trains still use it to this day.
And while it's a hidden gem in Greene County, the community is ready to show it off.
"It's a very historic place. Quite an accomplishment that was done over 100 years ago, and I think for people to see that and realize what kind of construction, an accomplishment it really was for that time," said property owner Jack Craig.
Jack Craig and his wife own the six-and-a-half acre site.
They're teaming up with government agencies to transform the land below, and let you take in the majestic beauty through all four seasons.
"Trying to educate the public on conservation and the best way to keep up with the land," said Adam Grossman, watershed coordinator for the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Craig adds, "I think it's quite an asset for the county, and I love to see them take advantage of that."
The group has big plans for the area, and it's all thanks to grant money and community donations.
In just a few weeks, volunteers will plant prairie grasses and wild flowers, which could bring native species back to the area.
"We're hoping to maybe even get a festival together that will revolve around the Viaduct and using to try more people to the county," said Grossman.
And the 2,700-ton steel structure - that reaches heights of 157 feet - could help put Greene County on the map.
"Oh I think it's going to be great. It will thrill me to know that other people are seeing the beauty that can be. The flowers, the grass, the birds... It's going to be great," said property caretaker Dolly Vandeventer.
Craig adds: "I think we are put here on earth to help other people and give to other people and so it's a privilege and honor really to be able to create something that other people can enjoy."
Plans for an observation deck and audio tour are also in the works.
For more information on how you can get involved, contact Adam at (812) 345-5581 or agrossman@ymail.com.
You can also click here.
