Metamora: The Canal Boat Town, I Used to Know (Metamora, Indiana)

[@Isaiah-ip4xj]

Thank a bunch Roger for shining a light on my hometown , I’ve lived 1/2 mile east of Mattymore for 60 years , seen much off what the World has to offer and wouldn’t trade life here for any other. We cling to the simple things round here and try hard to pass that on to the next generation. Rodger out. . . . .

[@AdventureswithRoger]

If I had the money, I would buy Metamora a new boat. As one of my fondest memories, I’d like future generations to enjoy it, as much as I have.

[@patriciamurfitt4590]

I went as a child as well. I loved it and have often thought of going back. I'm in Indiana so I could go. It's heartbreaking to see it so changed. 💔

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I haven’t been back since I made the video, but someone said the State fixed the mill wheel, was dredging the canal, and at least offered to go half on the boat. The boat cost includes the horses and other operational things, rumored to be $2 million. That’s too much for a small town, without a grant.

[@myrealfakename6068]

When I was a kid I had a great uncle who lived nearby.. every spring my family would visit him, tent camping and hunting mushrooms in his wooded property. Afterwards we would visit the shops in Metamora before heading back north. Lots of fond memories from that part of Indiana. 😊

[@AdventureswithRoger]

In all of my journeys, it was one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. Sure do miss the canal boat, and if they ever get a new one, I will be back for a ride! 🙂

[@bartgarrett7710]

I live in Greensburg and you're right . Going to Metamora is like stepping back in time ! ❤

[@davereece2470]

Such a wonderful story. I happened upon this town back in the summer of 2010 with the love of my life as we travelled from Indianapolis to Cincinnati. I've travelled across most of this country & I've never seen a town as well preserved & as peaceful as Metamora.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Metamora is truly delightful! While not as quiet, Madison is also a very well-preserved town. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited!

[@sciencereactions8221]

I went there as a kid, too. Honestly had kinda forgotten about it. We live in Bloomington, but the family farm is in Greensburg so maybe I’ll take the family to Metamora the next time we are that way! Another great video! Thank you!

[@trishaboggs662]

As a shopkeeper and resident I'd like to thank you for this incredible tour of our little town. Stop by The Blue Umbrella Bistro & Bakery in Duck Creek Crossing next time you come to town.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

My pleasure, Trisha! Metamora has a special place in my heart, and I hope for many good things in its future!

[@shirleymanuel4138]

I love living here but wish more people realized this town exist because the charm of this town and the community is amazing. Would love to see the boat be rebuilt and the horses come back. The stores here are amazing and new shops have just opened along with the treasured shops that are already here. It's a great place to come spend a weekend day just taking your time and really soaking in the town. There is still wonderful fudge and ice cream not to mention the delicious food. If you have not been here give it a chance you might just find yourself enjoying a great day 😊

[@AdventureswithRoger]

100%

[@suegeew9727]

Beautiful place. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@deannamarshall4287]

One of our favorite spots to visit every year Roger, you definitely captured the beauty and tranquility of it. I also remember taking an amazing trip on the Ben Franklin as a child ❤

[@AdventureswithRoger]

They recently repaired the mill water wheel, and the state has promised $7 million if Metamora can match it, for the boat. That’s just a lot of money for a small town. Hoping for a miracle, it’s such a wonderful memory!

[@mattskustomkreations]

Awesome! We went there on a field trip in 3rd grade in the 70s. And it too left a huge impression on me! It’s a truly magical place. I remember the Miller showing us how the mill worked and the boat ride was fantastic. I hope they get a boat back.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

The boat made the town. I’d come back tomorrow and buy a ticket, if one was there.

[@Bigfoughty]

I love that place. I remember going there for many years with my dad and grandpa for Canal Days and coming back to do the bell ringing. Hot chocolate was the best part

[@slade7354]

What a beautiful little place. Thanks for the video. I think the wife and I will visit.

[@rogerashmore6720]

Loved your video of the History of Metamora. Great job!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Thanks, Roger!

[@chrisblack8390]

Thanks Roger. My dad drove me through that town in 2016. It was so cute. Alot of shops were closed because it was November an i been wanting to go back ever since. Loved that place.

[@snootdingo9365]

I live a couple of minutes away from a nice section of the Erie Canal, the Wabash River and the Little River. A very good friend of mine lived in a house right in the middle of the canal's towpath. In front of their house was the canal and behind was the Wabash River. It's incredible to see just how deep they dug and how perfectly they shaped the canal. I'm fascinated by that aqueduct! I will have to check it out! Great video!

[@edwardh1591]

Very interesting Roger. First time I ever heard of this town.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

My sincere pleasure, to bring old places to light! It used to be a much larger tourist attraction, than it is today. They absolutely need that boat, to bring in more people!

[@Pauleysteph]

Thank you Roger. I have been there several times, in the winter enjoying the holiday season and how amazing the town is. Unfortunately, I was never able to ride the canal boat, but had thought about it often.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

My pleasure! I hope the canal boat somehow makes a comeback, I miss it!

[@keithosterkamp6207]

I’ve spent a few nights there. It’s great to be able to ride the boats pulled by horses. The aqueduct is something to see. Amazing to think that products went up and down thru a set of locks. There is some amazing canoeing just south of there in Brookville.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Brookville is one place I’ve never visited! My wife’s family have visited the lake though.

[@Soaken]

I have been up in this part of Indiana many times and never heard or noticed this town. Really cool that the boat was pulled by horses.

[@thelostdogs2328]

Roger - yep! A dreamy place right out of the past. A plain air artist’s Heaven on earth. I would love to donate paintings for an auction to support that boat!

[@ginamaria2579]

What a cool place and another awesome video. I always look forward to your vids and often watch them more than once 😂☺️👍🏻

[@RuralJuror101]

Wow you bring some great information about a state that I would never have imagined all the interesting history there.. I will definitely visit now Rog..

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Lots to love here! Have travelled Indiana, since I was a kid, and still find things I’ve never seen before! 🙂

[@scark00]

Great video Roger, my wife is from Batesville. We go to Metamora often.

[@brucevanderzanden9638]

Hello Roger. I enjoy your videos. I am from Oregon. I have a sister that lives in Shelbyville. Been to Mettamora a few times with her when visiting. Such a peaceful place as you mentioned. Looking forward to going there again on my next visit!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Metamora is definitely one of my favorite memories! Hoping they bring the boat back soon. I was in the Shelbyville area earlier this year, filming for the Indian mound project. The entire area is very peaceful and filled with friendly people. 🙂

[@angieburnett4341]

Wow, great video for anytime but it was perfect for after work--so relaxing!! I am putting this on my list to visit this summer. I've always wanted to go (my Mom used to talk about it) and no time like the present, you've talked me into it! Thank you, this was beautiful. Love, hugs & God Bless you 💕💕

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

Oh my goodness! What a beautiful and tranquil town. Hated to see the boat damaged beyond repair. Maybe the town could set up a "Go fund me" type of page to accept donations for new one. Just a thought..... I'm sure they've probably already thought of that. Great video Rodger loved the little town. Thanks for taking us on the adventure.

[@SukoYote]

Metamora is quite the gem. I used to go there on field trips in elementary school. And to my understanding, a new Benjamin Franklin boat is in the works.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Metamora is definitely a wonderful place, and I have so much hope for that town. From what I’ve heard, the state offered $7 million to get a new boat, clean the canal, and make other improvements, but it’s contingent on the town matching that $7 million. That’s not reasonable for such a small town. I think it could be done cheaper, and hope a solution comes forth to get the boat rides running again!

[@SukoYote]

@@AdventureswithRoger I know they built and installed a new water wheel.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

That was a positive development, for sure! 🙂

[@shannonhamilton9513]

My sister works at the gem store there

[@jamiegrubbs5613]

Best fudge and Rock Candy around and you can't forget the western shootouts.

[@chevysslady100]

Your right"The Best Fudge"!

[@kencaruso4037]

Great video !!!👍

[@tammylewis5876]

They still have metmoria days every year

[@chevysslady100]

Metamora,this is my fiance hometown. He drove me here on our 1st date. As I stepped out of the vehicle, I felt like I literally had gone back in time! As the sun set, we had the whole town to ourselves. Special memories at the Gazebo. Now it's my Hometown!! Thank u so much Rodger for highlighting Metamora. ♡

[@AdventureswithRoger]

My pleasure! Metamora holds special memories for me, ones I will always cherish. 🙂

[@chevysslady100]

Awww. Next time u visit, check out the Trail! It runs through the town towards Brookville. Historical sites along the way and beautiful scenery. :)

[@jbkerns]

Roger, thanks for the introduction. I may ride over the first week of June for some Strawberry Shortcake!

[@jbkerns]

Strawberry Daze trophy achieved! Thanks again Roger for this introduction!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

And best of all, the memory of going will stick with you a long time!🙂

[@RetiredLovingIt]

We’ve actually never hear of that Indiana town. Very interesting!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

You educated me about St Augustine Fountain of Youth water being mineral water, it’s the least I can do! 🙂

[@brayTraps]

My oh my, i love metamora. Grew up in peppertown until 6th grade and then moved to batesville from 6th to 12th grade. Just graduated this may and i still remember going on the old boat rides and train. I love canal days in the fall. I used to go all the time with my grandparents and now we cant do so as often. My grandfathers health has declined but we still come here often. We usually get ice cream and go to the music shop. Unfortunately i was talking to the music shop owner and ive played music with him, he said business isnt booming any more and his wife and him are ready to move back to there home of florida

[@AdventureswithRoger]

They need that boat: that was the main draw. Not having it is killing the town.

[@brayTraps]

@@AdventureswithRoger my grandmother lives up the road from metamora and we agree the boat is nice. But they can barely raise enough money for the fireworks I believe and I don't know if there trying to even bring the boat back according to the locals. Money is scarce nowadays for metamora and almost a ghost town

[@AdventureswithRoger]

For sure. Last I heard, the state of Indiana pledged $7 million for the boat and improvements, but the town had to match it. There is no way that’ll happen! I realize the canal, horses and personnel require money, but $14 million? There’s got to be another way.

[@brayTraps]

@@AdventureswithRoger yea currently with the way metamora is, i don't see them being able to come up with 7 million to match the state

[@AdventureswithRoger]

@@brayTraps Miracles happen! In southern Indiana, the Cook foundation saved West Badens historic hotel, the French Lick Hotel and Becks Mill.

[@twohandsandaradio]

And if you go to the left instead of the right to go to Metamora you'll see the Metamora castle.

[@JIMRECURVEGUY]

Been there many times.

[@dkp2112]

I miss the schoolhouse fudge. They had the best fudge in town

[@geraldmeehan8942]

Thank you for video. I will have to check my Indiana atlas to see where Metamora is

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Southeast of Indianapolis. Northeast of Greensburg.

[@geraldmeehan8942]

@@AdventureswithRoger lol, it looked pretty flat up there!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

INDEED! I recently did a humongous tour of northern Indiana, for a project I’m doing about Native Americans. I picked up some smaller segments, like this one. But while there, I saw miles and miles of flat land and windmill farms. It’s so very different from southern Indiana.

[@orderoftheaardvark6956]

Thanks for the video, Roger! I always love to go to Metamora, what a great time. Anyone know what that monastery looking place on the hilltop north west of town is?

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Are you talking about the castle? steemit.com/travel/@tecnosgirl/mount-metamora-unearthing-the-mystery-of-the-castle

[@orderoftheaardvark6956]

@@AdventureswithRoger yes, that is the one. Thanks for sharing the article Roger!

[@SidLaw500]

I am so there in 3 weeks!

[@香料國境]

Awesome

[@daledanowski9962]

acoustic jam session every 1st sunday of every summer month at the griss mill

[@angelawilson3325]

Did you see the family that hypnotizes chickens there? Fascinating!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

No, but guaranteed, I would film it if I saw it! 😀

[@dasshape00]

Been here. Went yo Brooksville lake and stopped here on way back

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Love Metamora! I sure hope they can get a new boat!

[@d.aardent9382]

I thought I heard the state politicians bragging they had billion(s) dollars in state coffers, why aren't they funding this great unique Indiana... countrywide even , attraction of living history of how things used to be to move goods and people around long distances. Its a wonderful place, I always mention it to people to go to visit when they are trying to decide where to go, so many don't even know about it. Its a shame. The Canal Days festival we have went to a couple times, I wished I had time to travel more or I would've been there much sooner again. Now its really sad to hear that the canal boat has disintegrated and no word about a restoration project. I though I had read they just did restoration on the canal itself over the last few years during the sarscov episode, as my friends went there last year to see the town upon my suggestion, and they said the canal was closed for work then. I always remember my family and I as a kid had good times riding the boat and the train and feeding apples to the draft horses and I found some great used books in the little book shop.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

One of my favorite places was the church that was an antique shop. I believe it burned down, did not see a trace of it

[@KentuckyGirl]

So sad about the boat.⛴️

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Me too!

[@davemeeks8109]

Can you tell me how deep is the canal. Though I live with Pigeon Creek in my side yard, I installed my own canal that runs through the center of the my property. 😊😊😊

[@AdventureswithRoger]

It doesn’t seem more than 5 feet, if that.

[@mattskustomkreations]

Pigeon Creek in Evansville? If so, I worked on the layout of the Pigeon Creek Greenway, but moved from IN before it was finished.

[@johnhubbard8490]

Beck’s mill was raised in 1807. When was the Metamora mill built?

[@AdventureswithRoger]

www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=44903

[@IndianalandFishing]

Is this the same town with that strange castle building up on the hill that has all kinds of myths and stories about it?

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Eccentric, religious man built the castleC but that’s all I know

[@fatcatlost]

I wonder can you put a kayak on the canal?

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Great question! In Indiana, all creeks and rivers are considered public domain, even if they cross someone’s property. A landowner cannot wake up one day and install a dam, prevent people from using the waterway, or charge a toll fee for its use. If you have a registered boat and BMV license, you are good to go. But this is a man-made canal and a little different. For a fact, if the canal boat were running, there wouldn’t be enough room for the both of you. But I can only wonder if public domain applies to the canal. I’d call either the BMV or DNR for clarification.

[@fatcatlost]

@@AdventureswithRoger DNR should definitely know. Thanks again for all you do. I greatly appreciate and I am very thankful for all the knowledge you share.

[@mattskustomkreations]

Next up - Conner Prairie!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Have been talking about it

[@mattskustomkreations]

@@AdventureswithRoger I’ve got the funniest story about Conner Prairie. I had a girlfriend that was studying architectural preservation at Ball State. She invited me to join her class for a tour of Conner Prairie. For those who don’t know the place is like a living history museum where the various craftsman dress in period clothing and show their way of life from the 1830s . Anyway, I met this guy from her class that was like a study buddy. He was a real dingbat. Right when we got there a bus load of Mennonites showed up and proceeded to tour the place too. They were wearing their homespun clothes bowl haircuts, bonnets and straw hats, etc. hilariously though, the kids were wearing Air Jordan’s and the like! We walked all over the place, and kept crossing paths with them in the buildings because they were so many of them. When we finally finish the tour, the knucklehead classmate looks at us, and says “Man, I can’t believe how expensive it must’ve been to hire all those actors!” Bwahahahaha That dumbass thought the Mennonites were part of the museum experience. 😂

[@ChasityAllen-iu1dl]

What a creepy town.... Children of the corn vibes

[@donedycus9343]

Start a go fund me page for a new boat. 😊