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Indiana Gifts and Souvenirs

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Looking for a Gift or Souvenir From Indiana?

I've lived in Indiana for much of my life. When most people think of Indiana, they think of flat, open spaces filled with corn and bean fields. Perhaps some cows and pigs, but not much beyond that. For those of us who live here, we know that although farmland is certainly common and important, there is more here.

As I've wandered around the state, I decided to capture a few photographs that show some of the diversity and beauty that can be found in the area. Then I created a few gifts using pictures that capture some of that beauty for others to enjoy. Those who love Indiana will treasure them, and others can simply appreciate what nature offers. If you haven't been to these locations and are considering a visit based on the photos, I've added a link to some information to help you learn more about the area.

I've started my collection here, with pictures taken in some of the Indiana State Parks.  I will add more images gradually, so be sure to come by occasionally to see what's new. First I'll share my pictures and provide a bit of background and then lower on the page will be the gifts.

Some Background on the Pictures

First: Pictures of Brown County

This first image was taken at Strahl Lake in Brown County State Park in October 2009. The foliage was not yet at "peak" but some trees had begun to change. Although this park can become quite crowded in the fall, a weekday before the height of the season left it quiet and somewhat secluded. It was around 3:00 p.m. and one bank was brightly lit leaving the lake itself and the opposite bank quite shaded and dark. Trail 6 which encircles the small 6 or 7 acre lake, was the perfect spot for a glimpse of the changing leaves.

To me it's a peaceful scene and one that isn't uncommon in many parts of the state where the land begins to undulate and is covered by pretty hardwood trees. The sounds of the birds was still present before their departure south ahead of the oncoming winter. These crystal clear, brightly lit days rejuvenate and bring a sense of excitement with the change of season.

This image is used on some of the gifts featured below.
This second Brown County image was also taken along Trail 6 around Strahl Lake. At this point, the conifers took over on the right hand side of the trail, leaving just a few smaller, yet colorful maple, elm, and ash trees between the path and the lake to draw my attention. An old wooden fence guards passersby and casts a shadow along the trail as well.

The walking here was easy, the sun warm, and the colors enchanting. Several gifts below feature this image as well.
This picture was taken in mid-October also. Morning was slipping away as I walked around Lake Ogle at Brown County State Park. I had photographed several scenes of the lake itself, but this one is merely a trail picture that seemed very "earthy" to me. I feel the photo puts you in the midst of the trees, the fallen leaves, and the earth itself, with the glimmering sun merely providing a nice backdrop to allow you to see your way.

There is only a hint of the color that is to come in the following days, a promise of the glory that will follow. This is the handoff between summer and fall. The photograph here is used on a number of the gifts available lower on the page.
Looking across Lake Ogle in the late morning, this was the scene. The light frost had lifted. The trees on the opposite shore, beginning to show their colors, are reflected in the water and framed by the trees in the foreground. I liked the three dimensional effect and the sense of being in a protected spot where I could gaze out without being seen. The quiet seems evident to me, and was certainly part of the charm of the moment.

This is the last of the scenes I currently have featured from Brown County but check back for more from time to time, as I add to the collection periodically. This photograph is featured on mugs, mousepads, postage stamps, and cards below.

Next: Pictures From McCormick's Creek

McCormick's Creek State Park is another park in the western half of the state. It is of course, rolling and wooded and offers small creeks and waterfalls. Some of the trails in fact, take hikers straight up the rocky creek beds for a while and provide plenty of pretty natural scenes.

This first scene was taken from the trail above the waterfall, although hikers can also view it at eye level, and even at it's base. This photograph was taken in late September of 2009, before the autumn colors began to show themselves. It's lovely at any time of year, but refreshing in the hot and humid Indiana summers. For anyone who has visited this park, this should provide some nice memories. There are several gift items below featuring this image.
I always like to include images that put the viewer in the midst of the woods; surrounded by lush foliage, lit by natural sunlight, and giving you the sense that you can smell the earth, hear the birds, and breathe the clean air. This photograph was taken from the trail, peering down at a small stream through the trees.

This picture was also taken in late September. Although there is backlighting, the hint of yellowing is not just the sun; the leaves have begun the first stages of their change. For those who long to be out on the trail rather than couped up in an office, this image should sound a chord and bring an automatic sigh of relief.

Then: Some Pictures from Turkey Run and Shades

Turkey Run and Shades State Parks are two of my sentimental favorites. I grew up hiking the trails in these parks frequently. I have fond memories of family gatherings here. However, I love them too for their small canyons and ravines which provides some lovely views and hikes that can be challenging at times. They both lie along Sugar Creek and the limestone in the area lends itself to erosion resulting in the geographical features that you will sometimes see in my photos.

I have much to add, but for now these two images will suffice. This first one is of a gorge created by a stream rushing down toward sugar creek at Turkey Run. Hiking along the gorge, near the "punch bowl", can be difficult in times of high water, but wonderfully refreshing although a bit slippery in warmer weather. Hikers sometimes have only a small ledge or stone steps carved into the cliffs to negotiate along the trail. This is a sight that should be well known by those who have visited Turkey Run State Park and you can see it on a number of the gifts below.
This image was taken hiking up a very small creek bed as I left the banks of Sugar Creek at Shades State Park. It was a late morning in early June 2009. It was warm but moist as you can see. The sun was quite evident that morning, but the heavy woods muted it and the deep greens of late spring made for a very lush scene. I like the subtle variations in the greens and the sense that the spot is totally undisturbed by the trappings of man. This is proof that the abundant moisture and fertile land of Indiana grows more than just good crops.

For anyone who has hiked through Shades, this should be a familiar scene; one which precludes scrambling up tall ladders where limestone has been washed away by the rain and small streams.This photograph can be found on a variety of gifts below as well.

Also: Some Pictures From Indiana Dunes State Park

In the northern part of the state, along the shores of Lake Michigan, lies Indiana Dunes State Park. This photograph was taken along a laborious hike up the sand dunes away from the beach below. It was a hot day over the Labor Day weekend and there was no short supply of sun. From this vantage point you can see how vast Lake Michigan is; Chicago is a relatively short drive to the west, but it can only be viewed at night from here. For those native to the midwest, this scene seems rather foreign. Being primarily landlocked, sandy beaches with a bit of surf aren't typical sights, but here on the southern tip of this Great Lake, you can feel like you've been transported a thousand miles away.

This image is evidence of the diversity across the state and so I added it to some of the gifts offered here.

Indiana Gifts

Mousepads Featuring Indiana Pictures

Indiana Gifts That Are Both Beautiful and Functional.

The photos featured on these mousepads come from various Indiana State Parks. You can pick your favorite scene and order one or many of the mousepads below. You can click on the items to obtain a larger, more detailed view.
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Mugs Featuring Photographs of Indiana

Indiana Gifts for Coffee and Tea Drinkers

Each of these mugs highlights one of the beautiful state parks in Indiana. You can personalize these items if you wish and even change the background and border colors or the overall mug design. You can click on the item to obtain a larger view that will demonstrate the quality of the image more accurately.
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Postage Stamps with Indiana Pictures

Indiana Gifts to Make Mail Personal

These US postage stamps feature photographs of Indiana State Parks. Stamps are approved by the postal service and come in three sizes. They are available in a variety of rates; from $.28 postcard stamps to $4.95 priority mail rate. Click on any one of them to see an enlarged image.
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Note Cards with Photos of Indiana

Indiana Gifts to Make Your Messages More Meaningful

These blank note cards have scenes from Indiana State Parks on the front of them. They come in two sizes, can be personalized, and ordered in any quantity. You can get a closer look at the photo quality by clicking on any of the items pictured.
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Postcards with Indiana Pictures

Indiana Gifts that Make Great Souvenirs

Postcards are the traditional way of keeping in touch when you travel. They can also be a great travel log when you keep them as souvenirs. These postcards have scenes from the various Indiana State Parks and have a high quality gloss front to assure they age well. They can be ordered in any quantity. To see a larger image, just click on the items you like.
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Indiana Pictures Collage Poster

This poster features pictures from several of the state parks in Indiana. Turkey Run, Shades, Brown County, and McCormick's Creek state parks are shown in colorful detail. Now you can enjoy some of Indiana's natural wonders anytime, anywhere.
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Rural Indiana Bumper Stickers

Bumper stickers are a great way to show off the Indiana you love. These bumper stickers highlight the various parks and rural scenes around the state. You can even customize these bumper stickers by changing the text or color. Buy one for yourself or give one to a friend.
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mulberry

As I've explored around the state I've taken many pictures. With these photos, I decided to create some gifts that feature the beauty of Indiana. Thes... more »

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