This June is First Ever Limestone Month

The Limestone Heritage Festival will be the grand finale to the first Limestone Month in Lawrence County, Indiana. Lawrence County’s rich limestone quarrying and carving history began in the early 1800s. In fact, limestone from Empire Quarry in Oolitic was used to build the Empire State Building! Today, Lawrence County is known as the Limestone Capitol of the World and the limestone heritage of this area is celebrated. This June will be the first-ever designated Limestone Month in Lawrence County and nearby areas.


The Limestone Heritage Festival is held June 26-July 4 in Bedford and will be one of the final events during Limestone Month. The festival is a celebration of Lawrence County’s heritage and includes activities for visitors to experience this area’s limestone quarries and view carvers’ work. The best part- it's only a day trip (or weekend trip if you prefer), for those from the Valparaiso area!

On Saturday, June 27 guided tours to Elliot Stone underground quarry are available through Elite Tours for $13 per person and advance reservation. On Saturday, July 4, an exhibit of limestone carvers’ work will be open to the public. On Saturday and Sunday, July 4-5, Carousel Winery in Bedford is hosting a Limestone Artisan Fair with live music, food, wine tasting and artisans with limestone-related wares. The Lawrence County Museum of History and the Land of Limestone Museum will be welcoming visitors as well.

In addition, the Limestone Heritage Festival offers additional activities for all ages, including an old-fashioned ice cream social, band concert, parade and Fourth of July fireworks display!