Heidi's Hidden Gems: The Sycamore Stump
Hidden in Highland Park, the Sycamore Stump is a towering testament to Howard County’s rich natural history. Originally standing over 100 feet tall along Wildcat Creek, this massive tree once dominated the landscape. Even after storms reduced it to a hollow stump, it remained an awe-inspiring sight with a 57-foot circumference and branches as thick as eight feet in diameter.
TKP Photo | Heidi Pruitt
Believed to be between 800 and 1,500 years old, the stump was relocated to Highland Park in 1916 to preserve it as a relic of the area’s pioneer days.
The move was a monumental task, involving a 35-horsepower tractor and a carefully planned route to navigate the stump’s 21-ton weight.
The journey took two days, with crowds gathering to watch as the stump made its way to the park, where it now stands as a powerful symbol of the region's history and natural beauty.
You can now find the stump on display in Highland Park for all to see the record-breaking spectacle!
Located at 1402 W. Defenbaugh St., Kokomo