Near Valparaiso in Porter County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Prairie
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, February 21, 2026
1. The Prairie Marker
As Indiana moved toward statehood and eastern settlers migrated westward they encountered a territory included in the Northwest Ordinance, an area that today comprises the upper Midwest. The eastern portion of this region was wooded with savanna and prairie openings scattered throughout. The western area was primarily tall grass prairie. Taltree is located at the eastern edge of what once was the beginning of the tall grass prairies. Taltree is working to restore an example of the prairie that existed in this region when Indiana became a state.
"Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better."Albert Einstein
Erected by Taltree Arboretum & Gardens.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Natural Features • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 41° 26.646′ N, 87° 9.016′ W. Marker is near Valparaiso, Indiana, in Porter County. It can be reached from West 100 North west of Summerhill Drive, on the right when traveling east. This marker is located on the grounds of Gabis
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Building the Railroad (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Coal Mine (about 400 feet away); Civil War (about 400 feet away); A Changing Land (about 400 feet away); Lincoln's Funeral Train (about 400 feet away); Small Town Life (about 400 feet away); Logging (about 400 feet away); Jim Melton (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valparaiso.
More about this marker. Taltree Arboretum was renamed Gabis Arboretum after it was acquired by Purdue University Northwest in 2018.
Flower photo captions: Black-eyed
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, February 21, 2026
2. The Prairie Marker in context
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2026, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2026, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
