David Steele is the first to complete the T.C. Steele Historic Trail by visiting all 7 Trail Stops and stamping his digital passport with his phone. David and Laura Pence are the architects of the Trail progressive web app, and are seen here celebrating David’s final passport stamp.
The Trail app uses geolocation to determine if you are physically at a Trail Stop, and then validates your passport with a digital stamp.
David remarked “This is one of the coolest travel experiences I’ve had. Watching the app detect you at a location, prompt you to stamp your passport, then seeing the trail stop stamp turn to color on your phone is certainly progressive.”
Laura Pence, creative director for the Trail app, said “I didn’t expect to be swept away by the story of Steele’s artistic journey during the development of the web app, but it was truly inspiring.” She added, “We put a lot of focus on the user experience, interactivity, and accessibility of the PWA. Early analytics show above-average engagement and fast load times. I hope many more visitors will go on to enjoy the Trail, both virtually and in person.”
David went on to say “Driving the 300 miles that comprises the trail allows travelers to enjoy the beautiful Indiana countryside; this was one of the nicest drives I have ever experienced in the Hoosier State.”
Trail travelers can enjoy the ease of state and county backroads between each of the 7 sites. All state and county roads are in great shape, and you will enjoy the diversity of Indiana from the ridges and valleys of Brown and Owen Counties, the lush farmland and Sugar Creek near Waveland, the cityscape of Indianapolis, and the rolling hills of the Whitewater River Valley near Brookville.
Be sure to stop at local restaurants and enjoy lodging at one of the nearby state parks:
- Trail Stop 1: McCormick’s Creek State Park, Canyon Inn
- Trail Stops 2 & 3: Turkey Run State Park, Inn & Cabins
- Trail Stop 5: The Hermitage Bed & Breakfast (private ownership)
- Trail Stops 6 & 7: Brown County State Park, Abe Martin Lodge & Cabins
