Cultural/Recreational Activities

Jay County has a rich history in both cultural and recreational venues that serve both the citizens of the county and many visitors. The amenities abound in Jay County, providing you, your company and your family a wealth of activities.

Cultural Activities

Arts Place – Arts Place presents dozens of events throughout the year including concerts, plays, comedic acts, exhibit receptions, Arts in the Park, summer workshops and much more. Arts Place is your regional arts network for East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio. The mission of Arts Place is simple – Arts Place nurtures the creative spirit by making arts experiences, education, and services accessible to the region’s residents, artists, and cultural organizations. For more information call 260.726.4809 or www.artsland.org

Concerts in the Park (Dunkirk) – Webster Depot Park, Saturdays during the summer – free entertainment in the Park. For more information call 765.768.6948.

Jay County Historical Museum (Portland) – The Jay County Historical Museum holds thousands of artifacts preserving the history of the county dating back to 1838. For further information call 260.726.7168 or www.jaycountyhistory.org

National Center for Great Lakes Native American Culture (Rural Portland) – NCGLNAC was founded to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Native peoples of the Great Lakes area. While we respect and appreciate the traditions, arts and crafts of all American Indian People, NCGLNAC is dedicated specifically to preserving Great Lakes Native culture. NCGLNAC is not sponsored by any tribe or government agency. It is empowered by a membership of Native and non-Native people as well as private donors who wish to ensure that the Great Lakes Indian Heritage will be preserved and passed on to future

NCGLNAC now owns nearly 30 acres (generously donated by the Jay County Fair Board) of beautiful, wooded land, complete with pond and wetlands, located just north of the Jay County Fairgrounds in Portland. The first ethno-botanical hiking trail is nearing completion and will be open to the public in 2008.

For further information call 765.426.3022 or visit www.ncglnac.org

The Glass Museum (Dunkirk) – Glass making is America’s oldest industry. Its product is thought to be fragile, but many examples of the craft have survived from thousands of years. See 25 leaded glass windows, 25 hanging lamps, and hundreds of hand-blown and hand-pressed glass creations.

The Glass Museum is located in central Indiana (Dunkirk, Indiana). – Gas was discovered here in 1896 and dozens of glass houses were soon in operation. The museum is open from May through October. Special tours can be arranged. For more information call 765.768.6872.

Museum of the Soldier (Portland) – This museum is dedicated to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the armed forces of the United States. The museum houses exhibits material from the five branches of the U.S. military, Red Cross, USO, Salvation Army, and Merchant Marines. The museum is dedicated to those who have served. For more information call 260.726.2967 or www.museumofthesoldier.com.

Limberlost State Historic Site (Geneva) – The State Historic Site was once home, playground, laboratory and inspiration to Hoosier author Gene Stratton Porter. Visitors to the site will learn about the author, her works and the Limberlost swamp.

Antique Engine and Tractor Show (Portland) – An event that attracts nearly 100,000 people to Jay County held in the late summer of each year. Antique engines, tractors and other motorized vehicles are on display along with related parts are on display. For more information call 765.369.2656 or visit www.tristateengine-tractor.com.

Jay County Fair (Portland) – One of the nation’s largest county fairs which brings people into the community from all over. A variety of activities can be viewed on www.jaycountyfair.com or for further information call 260.726.9616.

Jay County Library – The Jay County Library is a 24,000 sq. ft. building that is handicapped accessible. The book collection numbers over 80,000, with more than 200 periodicals, and numerous audio books, music CDs, and DVDs. Many reference materials can be found in printed books, CD-ROMs or on-line sources. The library has a variety of programming that is attractive to all ages. For further information call 260.726. 7890 or www.jaycpl.lib.in.us.

Dunkirk Pubic Library (Dunkirk) – The Dunkirk City Public Library provides educational, informational and recreational services for all ages throughout the community. Thousands of books are available along with numerous other services. For further information call 765.768.6872 or see www.dunkirkpubliclibrary.com.

Pennville Library – The Pennville Twonship Library is located in downtwon Pennville and has thousands of opportunities for learning. For further information pleae call 260.731.3333.

Recreational Activities

Salamonie Reservoir – A reservoir area with 12,433 acres of land and a 2,665 acre lake – all with swimming, boating, hunting and fishing located in an adjoiing county. For further information call 260.468.2125 or www.visisthuntington.org/salamonie

Grand Lake (St. Mary’s, Ohio) – Located about ½ hour east of Jay County in Mercer County, Ohio, Grand Lake is a 13,500 acre lake, with hunting, fishing, swimming beaches, a nature center and boat rentals. For further information call the Park Office at 419.394.3611 or visit www.dnr.state.oh.us/tabid/737

Portland Golf Club – The Portland Golf Club is a 18 hole, par 70 course encompassing about 6,505 yards. The course is located south of Portland on U.S. 27. For further information, please call 260.726.4646.

Wabash Valley Golf Course (Geneva) – The Wabash Valley Golf Course is a 18 hole, par 71 course encompassing 6,454 yards, located in Geneva, Indiana. The course is located between Berne, Indiana and Portland, Indiana on U.S. 27. For further information, please call 260.368.7388.

Swimming Pools

Dunkirk – A pool with one diving board, one slide, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day

Portland – 144 feet long, L-shaped pool with three slides, 2 diving boards, open from Memorial Day to Labor day, seven days each week

Jay Community Center

Located in downtown Portland, the Community Center has a myriad of activities for the family. Work-out equipment is abundant and also two large gyms for basketball and a walking track. For further information call 260.726.6477 or visit the website at www.jaycc.org.

West Jay Community Center

Located in Dunkirk, Indiana it provides a great place for the family to enjoy a variety of exercise and athletic activities. For further information, please call 765.768.1544 or e-mail at wjcc@insightbb.com.