There may be no finer labyrinth in the state of Indiana than the New Harmony Labyrinth, also known…read moreas the Harmonist Labyrinth.
For those unaware of New Harmony, it's a small historic town located on the Wabash River that is considered part of the Evansville metro area but is actually located in Posey County. New Harmony has always had strong religious roots, usually of a more alternative nature, and was originally known as Harmony due to being founded by George Rapp and the Harmony Society in 1814.
The Harmonists largely existed in three areas - this location along with Economy, Pennsylvania and Harmony, Pennsylvania. In each location, they built churches, homes, businesses, and a labyrinth.
It should be noted that the existing labyrinth in New Harmony is not the original from 1815, but instead a 1939 recreation. It is constructed out of natural materials based upon an architectural drawing that was available in the Harmony Society archives. There's an amazing grotto in the center of the labyrinth that is a recreation of an existing grotto that still exists in Economy, PA.
The Harmony Society believed strongly in the symbolism of a labyrinth and felt it to be a central part of their philosophy, beliefs, and practices as a commune. Indeed, the Harmony Society believed very much in communal living.
The New Harmony Labyrinth is open from sunrise to sunset every single day and is free to visit. The grotto, while at the center, can be accessed through a series of gates for those not wishing to actually do the labyrinth - I will confess I have a hard time imagining not doing the labyrinth prior to visiting the rather amazing grotto.
For labyrinth lovers, it may be worth noting that this is one of two rather magnificent labyrinths in New Harmony.
As you can tell from the included photos, the New Harmony Labyrinth is a hedge labyrinth that has been somewhat updated over the years while keeping the core of its design. While not quite as wheelchair friendly as I'd like (the path is somewhat narrow), I still consider it to be Indiana's finest labyrinth and the surrounding community in which it's located maintains its deeply spiritual roots.
I don't get down to New Harmony nearly often as I'd like. It's a terrific day trip - probably about 2 1/2 hours from Indy, but there's easily enough to do in New Harmony to justify a day's trip. If you need creature comforts for shelter, you can always slip over to Evansville. However, there's options here in New Harmony and when I visit I'm always glad I did. While most of us will leave COVID-19 and want to spend time around people, for those who appreciate quiet, meditation, prayer, and solitude, the New Harmony Labyrinth is one of Indiana's best kept secrets.