Indian Steps Museum

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Museum front facing the river
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Totem Pole

Trying to take advantage of a beautiful autumn day, we took the family down to York County to the Susquehanna River where a tucked-away historical landmark sits right off of the sparkling river.  The Indian Steps cabin, erected in 1912 by John Edward Vandersloot is a unique structure built in the “Arts and Crafts” style and contains clever stonework featuring embedded Indian artifacts.  The cabin, which is a lot bigger than its name suggests, was designed to hold Vandersloot’s large Native American antiquities collection.  Now a museum, it celebrates the history of the Native Americans who occupied the Susquehanna Valley thousands of years before colonists settled here.

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Bald Eagle

We arrived just in time to participate in a free program, geared towards children.  We sat in the picnic area and the director explained the different roles of men and women in Native American culture, encouraging participation from the children. We then went on a scavenger hunt looking for non-natural materials hidden ahead of time.  The children were to quietly “hunt” for the items without letting others know they had seen anything, mimicking the native style of hunting.  My oldest daughter Eliana particularly enjoys these types of activities, so it was a hit with my girls. My son, nearly a teenager wasn’t so thrilled, but at least it was beautiful and peaceful in the woods.  We received a bonus when a bald eagle pair circled overhead multiple times to the delight of the group!

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Museum interior

We made our way inside for a tour of the museum where we were greeted by a taxidermy display of a two-headed calf!  Each floor of the three and a half story cabin contains multiple rooms filled with artifacts and displays of Native American culture.  Jon and I would have enjoyed reading each inscription and carefully examining the exhibits, but with a three-year old, our tour went a little quicker than would normally be required.  The children still enjoyed running from room to room trying to find items listed on a scavenger hunt page especially designed to engage children with the displays.  We enjoyed climbing the narrow steps to the special lookout on top of the cabin. After touring the museum, we made our way outside to wander around the lovely grounds.  Among the highlights were the totem pole, a man-made pond, and a rock outcropping over the Susquehanna River.  Had we gotten moving quicker in the morning, we would have taken a short hike on a wooded trail, with an opportunity to see a refreshing waterfall.  Unfortunately, not all my plans come to fruition, Lilah was getting cranky and it was way past lunch time….time to hit the road.  I could have lazed around in the warm sunshine taking in the fall beauty for quite a bit longer.  Actually Indian Steps could be a great little date spot, and more couples are taking advantage of the romantic atmosphere and are getting married on the grounds.  During our visit, an engaged couple was having their “Save the Date” pictures taken.  Make sure you come during fair weather to enjoy the full amenities of this site.blog-photo-indian-steps-date-river

Homeschool groups and school field trips are encouraged and there are special arrangements and programs geared for them.  See the website for details.

Hours:  Open April 15-October 31, Thurs. and Fri. 10AM-4PM, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 10AM-5PM

Admission:  $15/family or $5/person.

Indian Steps Museum                     

205 Indian Steps Road

Airville, PA 17302

(717)-862-3948

Check out www.indiansteps.org for more information!

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Day Tripper Mom

Jeanette Knaub is a wife and an at-home mom to four children; Jackson (17), Eliana (15), Amalia (13), and Lilah (8). During the school year, she works part time as a Classroom Aide. In what little spare time is left, she enjoys volunteering at church and community organizations, reading, running, and of course researching and blogging about her family’s next trip!

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