My children fully surprised me at this particular labyrinth. The finished surface of the granite is striking, and the flower-shaped center gives it additional visual appeal. It is situated in a lovely park-like setting and surrounded by green grass and lovely flower beds. While it did not have the lovely 3-D green qualities of the hedge labyrinth, this one was every bit as beautiful. Instead, it was a large circular slab of granite with a pathway clearly marked in the granite’s matte and polished surfaces. This labyrinth was not defined by hedges. Next, we made our way further into town to see New Harmony Cathedral Labyrinth. This path could be defined by neatly trimmed hedges or by walls or even just lines marked upon the ground. The term labyrinth simply refers to a singular complex winding path meant to guide your steps as you walk in contemplation or meditation. Seeing their delight brought smiles to our faces and joy to our hearts.Īnother Fun Fact:Not all labyrinths are hedge paths. Afterall, the laughter of children can also be a source of spiritual renewal. We were the only ones there at the moment so I allowed them to continue to play and horse around within the hedges. The kids loved zooming through the path at top speeds – sometimes with the little kids riding upon their teenage brother’s shoulders. However, we were there with my three children. Walking this lovely path is spiritual by nature and is supposed to be a calming moment of quiet reflection.

It was just what I expected to see – one long singular trail winding through beautiful green shrubbery with a small circular building at the center of it all. Our first labyrinth experience was at the Harmonist Labyrinth. It is a slow walk meant to encourage contemplation and/or meditation. Unlike a maze, it is not a puzzle but a singular pathway. Similar to a maze, a labyrinth features a long winding path. I was super interested in visiting these labyrinths, and they were every bit as lovely as I had hoped they would be.įun Fact:Many people assume that a labyrinth is a maze. New Harmony has two (yep, not just one but two) labyrinths.

You can learn more about New Harmony’s interesting history from the town’s website. Wander through this small thriving town and you will see beautiful spaces, historic and modern buildings, and all sorts of wonderful things to ponder. The resulting effect of creativity and beauty within the community is still apparent today. They encouraged reforms to eliminate social classes and a growth mindset in the areas of science and education. Owen bought the area, and then, he and Maclure attempted to create their vision of a “perfect society” in the town which became known as New Harmony. The first Harmonie was considered very successful and attracted the attentions of the ambitious philosopher Robert Owen and the respected educator William Maclure. In fact, there was not just one but two attempts to establish utopian communities there. It was founded as a utopian community around 1814. New Harmony (originally called Harmonie) may be a small town but it has a rich and fascinating history. Reason #1 – Its Backstory (New Harmony’s History) And after reading my reasons, who knows, you just might fall in love with this wonderful little town, too. Let me share with you a few reasons why I am in love with New Harmony, Indiana. Related:You can read about other excursions from this same vacation here. There is so much to see and do and learn and explore there! On the way there, we stopped briefly in New Harmony, and as I’ve already mentioned, I fell head-over-heels in love. They took us on a day trip to the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area (which is amazing, by the way) in nearby Illinois. Last Spring, our family spent a weekend in southern Indiana visiting my brother and his wife. We discovered the lovely town of New Harmony while on our way to the Garden of the Gods in Illinois. During a recent vacation, I met and fell in love with New Harmony, Indiana. I have fallen in love with a town filled with beautiful spaces and encourages mindfulness. I have fallen in love with a town that was originally founded as a utopian community. I have fallen in love with a quirky little community where the locals travel around town on bicycles and golf carts.

New harmony inn