7 Must-See Stops on the Indiana Glass Trail
The Indiana Glass Trail links glass-related attractions and artists throughout East Central Indiana, bringing together the tradition and beauty of glass art for all to experience first-hand.
From artist studios and glass blowing demonstrations, to glass-focused festivals and glass museums and classes, to the oldest glassworks in the United States, this family-friendly trail highlights it all!
- Take a fascinating factory tour of Kokomo Opalescent Glass, the oldest art glass company in America. Go behind the scenes to watch as molten glass is hand-ladled from the 2,000-degree furnace and hand-mixed. Tours are offered Tuesday through Thursday with a variety of glass items to purchase in the OP Shop.
- 2) The Fort Wayne Museum of Art dedicated a new wing for glass sculpture in 2022. With major works from artists like Harvey Littleton, Martin Blank, Dale Chihuly, Peter Bremers, and dozens more, this collection of world class glass sculpture is open year-round, with selections changed intermittently.
- 3) Muncie has a rich history of glass, starting with the Ball Brothers whose “Ball Canning Jars” became a household name. The current site of Minnetrista Museum & Gardens is located on the same property where the Ball family lived, and you can watch glass blowing at the Glick Center for Glass on the campus of Ball State University.
- 4) Carol’s Legacy Crystal Art Glass in Elwood has been creating art glass for over 30 years. Contact them in advance to arrange a glass blowing demonstration. Seasonal art, memorial keepsakes, lamps, and more can be purchased in their adjoining showroom. Also, don’t miss the annual Elwood Glass Festival in August.
- 5) Visit one of the last American facilities practicing the art of cutting glass. Warsaw Cut Glass Company is one of the last U.S. companies cutting glass in its original building with vintage machinery offering distinctive hand-cut crystal gifts. Glass cutting demonstrations are offered by appointment.
- 6) The Glass Museum in Dunkirk houses over 20,000 pieces of glassware from 110 factories around the world. Explore a variety of artifacts including hundreds of hand-blown and hand-pressed glass creations, pieces from the Sistine Chapel and even the pink chandelier that actress Carole Lombard had in her home!
- 7) Richmond is home to a collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows. The Reid Center boasts 62 Tiffany windows. You can also view stunning Tiffany windows at Morrisson Reeves Library, available for viewing during their regular business hours.
To learn more about the Indiana Glass Trail, visit IndianaGlassTrail.com.
