GOIN’ on a bear hunt
Stay tuned! We are working on getting the bears installed. We cannot wait to get them to their homes!
Goin’ on a Bear Hunt is a creative public art initiative that brings together local history and outdoor exploration. The project is inspired by Bears of Blue River, the 1901 children’s book written by Charles Major in Shelbyville. Set in the 1820s, the story follows the adventures of a young boy living with his family along the Big Blue River.
As a tribute to the story, seven five-foot fiberglass bear sculptures have been painted by professional artists and placed in outdoor locations across the county.
The bears have appeared at:
Shelby Mills River Deck (Shelbyville)
Meltzer Woods – Liberty Township Schoolhouse No. 2 (Shelbyville)
Blue River Memorial Park – Fishing Pier (Shelbyville)
Morristown Community Park (Morristown)
Flat Rock Community Park (Flat Rock)
Fairland Community Park (Fairland)
Geneva United Methodist Church (Flat Rock)
Residents and visitors alike have been invited to discover all seven bears and take part in a self-guided tour through the scenic spaces of Shelby County.
This project was developed by Blue River Community Foundation and is a part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VIII Match Initiative. Grants from MIBOR REALTOR® Association and Shelby County Indiana Tourism and Visitors Bureau also provided generous financial support toward the project. Thank you!
