Indiana Landmarks released its annual list of 10 Most Endangered, citing which historical Hoosier landmarks are most at risk this year.
The list for 2025 was released on Aug. 18, and includes a rare polygonal barn, a historic Black social club, a Spring Valley hotel, a covered bridge and more. Historical sites placed on the 10 Most Endangered list often face a variety of issues rather than a single threat — such as abandonment, neglect, dilapidation, obsolete use, development pressure or owners who lack the financial means to make repairs, according to a press release.
READ MORE: Community Arts Calendar: Places to be and things to do this September
“Indiana Landmarks uses its 10 Most Endangered list in several ways. Sometimes it serves an educational role. It functions as an advocacy tool. And it can assist in raising funds needed to save a place,” Brad Ward, president of the nonprofit preservation organization, said in a statement. “Each endangered place tells a distinct story, and each faces its own set of challenges. In all cases, when an endangered place lands on our list, we commit to seeking solutions that lead to rescue and revitalization.”
10 Most Endangered Hoosier sites in 2025:
- College Hall, Merom Camp & Retreat Center, Merom
- Emily Kimbrough Historic District, Muncie
- Kiwanis Field, La Porte
- Mineral Springs Hotel, Paoli
- Rudicel-Montgomery Polygonal Barn, Waldron
- Shields Memorial Gymnasium, Seymour
- Sollman School, Snake Run (near Fort Branch)
- Sposeep & Sons Building, Wabash
- Traders Point Covered Bridge, Indianapolis
- West Side Recreation Club, South Bend
Since the introduction of the list in 1991, demolition has only claimed 21 of the 172 Most Endangered sites while 105 sites have been completely restored or are no longer endangered, according to a press release.
For more information about each of the 10 Most Endangered Hoosier landmarks, visit indianalandmarks.org or call 317-639-4534 or 800-450-4534.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
