From artist studios and glass blowing demonstrations to glass festivals, museums and classes, to the oldest glassworks in the United States, check out these must-see stops on the Indiana Glass Trail!
Tour Kokomo Opalescent Glass Factory, the oldest art glass company in the United States, operating in its original location since 1888. Go behind-the-scenes to watch as molten glass is hand-ladled from the 2,500-degree furnace and hand-mixed to create stunning sheets of glass. Factory tours are offered Monday – Friday (call ahead for reservations.) Purchase glass creations in the OP Shop or sign up to take a class. Find glass exhibits at Greentown Glass Museum and the Seiberling Mansion.
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s Glass Wing is the largest public collection of contemporary glass sculpture in the state of Indiana, with their collection of glass sculptures now numbering over 300 with major works from artists like Harvey Littleton, Martin Blank, Dale Chihuly, and dozens more. Open year-round, with selections changed intermittently.
Muncie has a rich history of glass, starting with the Ball Brothers whose “Ball Canning Jars” became a household name. Minnetrista Museum & Gardens has historical Ball Jars in their heritage collection. Watch glass blowing at the Glick Center for Glass on the campus of Ball State University and visit Albany Glass Museum which houses pressed glass patterns from 1893- 1903 – its collection includes over 800 pieces.
Glassblower Joe Rice is a third-generation art glass blower and continues the rich St. Clair family tradition. Visit The House of Glass in Elwood to find glass paperweights, decorative glass art, collector glass marbles and more. At Carol’s Legacy Crystal Art Glass, also in Elwood, find family heirlooms and memorial pieces, home décor and lamps. And don’t miss the annual Elwood Glass Festival held in mid-August.
Warsaw Cut Glass Company is one of the last U.S. companies practicing the art of cutting glass with vintage machinery offering distinctive hand-cut crystal gifts. You’re sure to find a treasure here – goblets, pitchers, platters, and bowls, just to name a few, all in gleaming handcut crystal. Watch glasscutters work their magic (by appointment only), then find that perfect piece to take home.
The Glass Museum in Dunkirk has over 10,000 pieces of glassware from 110 factories around the world. Explore a variety of its artifacts including pieces from the Sistine Chapel and don’t miss the pink chandelier that Carole Lombard had in her home! Today, Indiana’s highest-profile functional glassmaker is located in Dunkirk, Ardagh Group, supplying glass bottles to some of the world’s leading brands.
Richmond is home to a large collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows. The Reid Center boasts 62 Tiffany windows and is thought to be one of only ten churches in the country which have all Tiffany windows.
You can also view stunning Tiffany windows displayed at Morrisson Reeves Library. Carmel Arts & Design District is a premier arts and design destination, home to interior designers, art galleries, antique stores, and a variety of specialty retail shops, such as Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery. Visit to find glass artists and the studios displaying their work. They are a few of the many artists featured on the Indiana Glass Trail!
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