GOIN’ on a bear hunt

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) *close to the Storybook Trail along the Blue River Trail behind the Shelby County Tourism and Visitors Bureau

• Meltzer Woods – Liberty Township Schoolhouse No. 2 (Shelbyville)

• Blue River Memorial Park (Shelbyville) *behind the Cross Country Course across from the public restrooms by the Green Bridge

• Morristown Community Park (Morristown) *Near the basketball courts

• Flat Rock Community Park (Flat Rock) *near the Flat Rock Volunteer Fire Department

• Fairland Community Park (Fairland)

• Geneva United Methodist Church (Flat Rock) *near the Geneva Bridge

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.

To learn more about the bear artists, artwork, and locations, click on the images. Thank you to all of the bear hunters who submitted the following pictures to us!