This magnificent formation is not widely known and is one of Indiana's best kept secrets. The Seven Pillars, (known locally simply as "The Cliffs"), lies about four miles southeast of Peru Indiana along the Mississinewa River. This breathtaking formation was created over the centuries as wind and water eroded the limestone, carving rounded buttresses and alcoves into the north bluff of the river.
The famed Frances Slocum Trail, which runs along the north side of the Mississinewa River, passess along the top of the formation. The view from atop the Pillars is a spectacular view of the area from as high as fifty feet above the river! But the best view from which to see the full splendor of the pillars is from the south bank of the river.
In 2005, the staff of the Peru Tribune held a contest to determine the '7 Wonders of Miami County'. Not surprisingly the Seven pillars formation was voted number one.
The Miami People have always held and continue to hold this as a sacred formation. During pre and early contact with Europeans and Americans, we had often held council meetings and other activities within these isolated rooms. At one point there was even a trading post operating from the site. Today, the Tribe owns land on the south bank of the Mississinewa River, directly across from the 7 Pillars, where we conduct our sacred Long House ceremonies as well as host our annual Miami Heritage Days at the Pillars.
To see the Seven Pillars for yourself, follow Indiana 124 east from Peru to the Frances Slocum Trail road, turn south and travel about two miles. To visit the south bank, follow Indiana 124 from Peru to 300 East, turn south and proceed to Mississinewa Road. Turn east and follow this along the river for about one and a half miles.
Thank you to Tribe Member Diana Evans for the use of her photos!