Location: Drive north from West Lafayette on Hwy. 43 (North River Road). After you pass I-65, it’s six miles to Brookston, 5 to Chalmers, 5 to Reynolds. Keep on north of Reynolds (43 is now 421) for two miles to Co. Rd. 200N; turn right, then right again on the first road and pull of to the side. There’s no trails and no parking area; just walk in.

Description: Spinn is a small prairie remnant preserve, only 29 acres, bordering the railroad that borders the highway. As you drove north from about Brookston on, you will have noticed that all along the railroad right of way (between the highway and the rails) is a narrow unmowed strip of weeds and grasses; Spinn is this only moreso. Railroads are the accidental savior of (some of) Indiana’s prairie plants. If you take your time and look around at Spinn Prairie you’ll find quite a bit to interest you, including that poison ivy around your ankles. There are many of the typical prairie species found here. Birdwatching here can be worthwhile also.

Deptford Pink

Nearby Points of Interest: This is smack in the middle of Indiana corn country. What do you expect to find? Try stopping at the Klein Brot Haus German bakery in Brookston--could be worth it. Brookston is also home to Dave's Computer World, our ISP host.

Cautions: Poison ivy already noted--I’m not kidding about this. There are a few marshy spots, and consequently some mosquitoes during the summer. Don’t forget to look before crossing the railroad!

Ownership: The Nature Conservancy

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