Welcome

Welcome to Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs’ Healthy Parks, Healthy People Initiative. Walk, hike, swim, ride and relax your way to better health at your favorite park or reservoir!

We want to keep our parks and reservoirs healthy, too. Our Hoosier state properties feature great natural resources, ranging from giant sand dunes to deep, rocky canyons. They are priceless gems and it takes staff, expertise and funding to manage and protect them.

Biking Has Never Been Better at State Parks and Reservoirs

Mountain bike trails are now available at several state parks and reservoirs around the state. Get out your helmet and your knee pads and take a ride through forests and meadows in some of Indiana’s most scenic places.

Trails are now available at

• Brown County State Park
• Versailles State Park
• Potato Creek State Park
• Spring Mill State Park
• Salamonie Lake
• Roush Lake

Mountain biking trails are under development at O’Bannon Woods State Park and Harmonie State Park. If you are interested in volunteering to assist with trail construction and maintenance, contact the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association or one of the properties listed above.

What’s New for You in 2008?

Each winter, state parks and reservoirs staff spend many hours making improvements to campsites, trails, restrooms, interpretive centers and other facilities.

While out visiting these properties, check out some of the following changes:

Brown County State Park

• A brand new indoor water park with swimming, a water slide and a “lazy river” will be opening in the summer of 2008 for guests to Abe Martin Lodge.
• Additional mountain bike trail mileage has been added this winter.
• Park and campground roads have new asphalt and several campsites on Taylor Ridge have been improved.
• A trail extension connecting Lake Ogle and Trail 9 was constructed.
• The Family Cabins are receiving a face lift with kitchen and flooring improvements.

Brookville Lake/Whitewater Memorial State Park

• Property staff will be operating the Whitewater Memorial camp store, and a new rental building has been added at the Mounds SRA camp store.
• Whitewater Memorial State Park office and gatehouse received internet connectivity upgrades, which will make service quicker for visitors entering the park.
• Several trail improvements were made, including the replacement of a bridge on the Memorial Loop Trail.
• Several of the Whitewater Memorial family cabins have new furniture and new outdoor stairs.
• Two new accessible concrete pit toilets were installed at Whitewater Memorial State Park.
• The Brookville Lake property office received new vinyl siding.
• Additional trees were planted in the Mounds SRA campground.

Chain O’Lakes State Park

• A new wastewater treatment plant, including a new laboratory and testing facility, was constructed and is now in operation.
• The campground gatehouse has been rebuilt from the ground up to provide quicker service and a better environment for staff.
• A new vault toilet was added in the youth tent area. This is one of 12 vault toilets that have been replaced recently.

Cagles Mill Lake/ Lieber SRA

• Look for renumbered campsites (1-216) in the modern campground this spring.
• A number of campsites have been improved with longer pads and larger living areas.
• A water line is being extended out to Collins Point parking/picnic area.
• Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon SRA) and Historic Mansfield Roller Mill
• Renovations have been made at the campground dump station, including removal of a vault toilet and installation of a bathroom kit with running water.
• A potable water station has been added to better accommodate guest with camping units. 
• The Historic Mansfield Roller Mill has installed new interpretive signage that will help the visitor better understand how the mill helped build the community and how the machinery associated with the milling process worked.

Charlestown State Park

• Two new hiking trails are now open. Trail 5 begins near the modern campground. Trail #6 starts near the Ohio River boat ramp parking lot and offers great views of the river valley.
• We have a new Ohio River boat ramp with a new road and access to new acreage.

Clifty Falls State Park

• A new ADA overlook and shelter were added at Lookout Point and provide a magnificent view of Clifty Canyon.
• New playgrounds were installed in the modern campground and at Clifty Shelter.
• New charcoal grills were added in picnic areas.
• A new 52” HDTV media wall was installed in the interpretive center.

Falls of the Ohio State Park

• A temporary exhibit is featured on John James Audubon to celebrate the bicentennial (1808-09) of his time spent at the Falls of the Ohio. The exhibit features taxidermy of the birds he painted while there (including the ivory-billed woodpecker, passenger pigeon, and Carolina parakeet, three now-extinct species), examples of an elephant portfolio and original prints.
• Seven new security cameras were installed in parking lots around the interpretive center.
• A New “Clark’s Point Rendezvous” is planned with period re-enactors and American Indians. This event with an historical theme, will be located at the Clark Cabin, and replaces the Sun Circle celebration. The event takes place on June 7-8.

Fort Harrison State Park

• A new creative and natural playground area between Reddick and Sycamore picnic shelters will be ready for families by the end of May.
• A new practice green is under construction at The Fort Golf and Resort.
• A successful prescribed fire to control invasive plants and enhance native species growth was completed in the Camp Glenn area.

Hardy Lake

• Additional wood duck boxes and new blue bird boxes have been added to help these two native species with nesting habitat.

Harmonie State Park

• Two new interpretive wayside signs have been installed to provide visitor information.
• New playgrounds have been installed in the campground and in several picnic areas.
• A new bee observation hive and a small pond for the resident alligator snapping turtle are in place in the nature center.
• New picnic tables and fire rings were installed in the modern campground.
• The family cabins have new appliances, furniture, beds, and newly-painted colorful interiors.
• A new mountain bike trail and additional horse trails are being designed and will be under development soon.

Indiana Dunes State Park

• A 700 foot accessible boardwalk along Dunes Creek trail now link the picnic area and beach to the campground.
• Picnic tables and grills have been replaced throughout the property.
• New interpretive wayside signs and directional signs have been installed throughout the park
• The main picnic area has been renovated.
• GPS units are available for rent at Nature Center by geocachers.

Lincoln State Park

• The group camp dining hall has a newly refinished floor.
• Property is launching a year-long celebration of President Abraham Lincoln’s 200th Birthday with one of five national Signature Events on Mother’s Day Weekend.
• New paving

J. Edward Roush Lake (Huntington Lake)

• A dump station has been located in Kilsoquah SRA for campers.
• Campsites have been improved in Little Turtle SRAs primitive campground.
• Additional boats have been purchased for rent at the beach in Little Turtle SRA.
• Roush Lake’s state-of-the art shooting range now includes fun shoots; contact the property for dates and times.

McCormick’s Creek

• An ADA interpretive trail was constructed at the Interpretive Center.
• Three new ADA vault toilets (2 in the primitive campground and 1 at Pine Bluff picnic area).
• Rough-sawn cedar ceilings were installed in 13 family cabins.
• The McCormick’s Creek Falls overlook and trail were improved and the stone CCC stairway at the Falls overlook was repaired.
• Improved Trail 3 from the Canyon Inn parking lot to the Falls overlook and replaced the wooden fencing on the south side of the canyon to keep visitors safe and provide erosion protection.

Mounds State Park

• Complete renovation of swimming pool and addition of a splash/play area for children.

Monroe Lake

• New vault toilet facilities at Moores Creek SRA and Cutright SRA. Mississinewa Lake:
• A fishing pond is under construction in the campground to provide a great outdoor activity for family campers.
• A vault toilet has been added in the rent-a-camp cabin area.
• A campstore/concession operation is now available at the beach to serve campers and swimmers.
• All new picnic tables have been added at the beach.

O’Bannon Woods State Park

• New furnishings and paint were provided for the group camp.
• A new gatehouse has been constructed.
• Comfort stations have new plumbing and showers.
• New hitching posts have been added in the horsemen’s campground.

Ouabache State Park

• The modern campground restrooms have new plumbing and shower fixtures in both the north and south buildings.
• An asphalt paving project provides new service drives to modern shelterhouses, boat launch access, and the swimming pool filter building.

Patoka Lake

• A new courtesy dock was installed at South Lick Fork Ramp and a similar dock is being installed this spring at Lick Fork Ramp.
• Nine new holes were added to the disc golf course; it is now a full 18 holes
• The ADA hunter access area has been developed to allow use of an ATV or truck.
• Property restrooms are being completely remodeled.

Pokagon

• Installed a new playground on our main beach.
• 2.5 miles of new trails established and opened in 2006 Built a new full-court basketball court.
• Dead ash trees infested by the Emerald Ash Borer are being removed regularly.
• Two new wetlands were installed for viewing wildlife and improving habitat.
• Added heated rest rooms in the campground; 3 are open year round.
• Built new, lighter toboggans for easier transport and use by visitors.
• Hosting two new annual events, including the Toboggan Time Trials (scheduled for December 6, 2008, and the Pokagon Triathlon (scheduled on May 17, 2008).

Potato Creek State Park

• New stone is being added to campground pads.
• New roll away beds were installed in the Family Housekeeping Cabins and upgrades and repairs were made.
• Restoration work continues on wetlands and prairie projects.

Prophetstown State Park

• New interpretive wayside signs are being installed to provide visitors with information about Prophetstown’s history and natural features.
• The park will have a seasonal interpreter offering lots of programs this year, following a year without one.

Salamonie Lake

• An additional dump station was added in the Lost Bridge West Modern Campground.
• A new 4-mile single track loop (Kintionki Trail) for mountain bikers was added to the Bloodroot Trail.
• Repairs to the Lost Bridge West launching ramp have improved courtesy dock and ramp access and safety.
• Water drainage has been improved in the both the Apple Orchard Primitive Campground and the Horseman's Campground.
• New campsites constructed in the Horseman's Campground will be available for the public this season.

Shakamak Lake

• Updated and improved part of electric campground
• Cabin 9 now open year-round
• Group camp facilities now open year-round
• Adding horseshow pits by Memorial Day weekend

Spring Mill State Park

• The Butternut restroom near the Pioneer Village has been completely remodeled.
• The Nature Center auditorium has a new roof and newly renovated interior.
• The new footbridge on Trail 5 that passes over the spillway will be open by Memorial Day.

Summit Lake State Park

• Packed stone has been installed to make the Beach Trail accessible.
• Riprap has been installed along the shore line in several places to reduce bank erosion and protect the Beach area.
• Interior restoration work is underway in one of the campground comfort stations.

Tippecanoe River State Park

• A new radio tower has been erected at the office, which will facilitate better communication on the property.
• Electricity upgrades are in process for Tepicon Hall in the group camp and for the rent-a-camp cabin area. 
• Primary metering is being installed at the south end of the property, which will save utility costs of approximately $300 per month. 
• Acquired a 22+ acre in-holding, complete with house and outbuildings. The use for this facility is yet to be determined.

Turkey Run/Shades State Parks Complex

• A new amphitheater for outdoor programming and rental use at Turkey Run will be completed and open by mid-June.
• An entire wing of rooms at the Turkey Run Inn have been remodeled and reopened following a fire.

Versailles State Park

• New picnic tables were added in campground B and in four shelter houses.
• An additional connector loop was built on the mountain bike trail system.
• The historic CCC Group Camp renovations continue, including new flooring in the dining hall and one cabin and a new roof on another cabin.

Healthy Habitats

Want to know more about why we eliminate some of the deer at our Indiana State Parks each year? Read our Deer Management Brochure for details.

Healthy Wildlife

Raccoons are a part of our properties but campground feeding of these mammals is unhealthy for the park and for the raccoons. Read more about raccoons in state parks and reservoirs.

Managing Canada Geese

Canada geese are fun to watch, but they never want to leave! Read more about how we make sure the Canada goose populations at our state parks and reservoirs stay in balance in these fliers: The Truth About the Canada Goose and Resource Management Spotlight: 2007 Goose Reductions.

What makes each
State Park & Reservoir unique?

Where can you find historic homes to visit at our properties? What properties have great wetlands for birding, or geologic formations to enjoy? Download a booklet, originally designed for teachers and students, that has lots of great information about the features and stories at each of our properties.

State Parks and Reservoirs:
By The Numbers

It takes a lot of products and people to keep our state parks and reservoirs running at full speed.

Here's a glimpse at some statistics for our system

• We maintain approximately 2,080 buildings.
• State Park Inns with 612 rooms, are the 4th large state park inn system in the country.
• We have more than 560 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails that wind through forests, cross meadows and skirt marshes teeming with wildlife.
• Reservoir properties offer approximately 69 thousand acres of public hunting land.
• The Division of State Parks and Reservoirs has over 39,000 acres of lakes, accessed by 75 boat ramps and 17 marinas.
• The Division of State Parks and Reservoirs has 7,452 campsites and 131 cabins.
• The Division of State Parks and Reservoirs has approximately 17,000 picnic tables, 174 picnic shelters and 163 playgrounds.
• Reservoir properties maintain over 350 wood duck nesting boxes.
• The Division of State Parks and Reservoirs manages 13 year-round Nature Centers and eight seasonal centers. These centers are visited by a half-million people each year. Educational and entertaining programs are attended by a quarter of a million students, teachers and families.
• Approximately 15 million visitors use the 178,330 acres managed by the Division of State Parks and Reservoirs each year.

Things to do this winter

Winter is a great time to enjoy a walk, play in the snow, hunt, ice fish and more. Physical exercise and mental relaxation will make you stronger and healthier. Here are some great ideas for winter visits to our state parks and reservoirs.

• Plan a deer hunting trip with your son or daughter at one of Indiana’s nine reservoirs.

• Get in a winter swim at an indoor pool when you stay at Potawatomi Inn, Abe Martin Lodge, Clifty Inn, Spring Mill Inn or Turkey Run Inn.

• Take your family sledding on our sledding hill at Fort Harrison State Park.

• Bring your cross-country skis and enjoy the trail in Lost Bridge West SRA at Salamonie Lake.

• Winter is a great time to enjoy the night skies! Read about all our winter programs.

• Visit Tippecanoe River State Park and go for a walk in Sand Prairie Nature Preserve. The mosquitoes are gone for the season!

• Don’t miss a chance to speed down the refrigerated toboggan at Pokagon State Park. The walk back up the steps with your sled for the next run is great exercise!

• Compete in a winter run – try out the HUFF Run at Roush Lake.

• Walk the loop road at Spring Mill.

• Get out your mountain bike and try out the trails at Versailles State Park, Brown County State Park, Potato Creek State Park, or Roush Lake.

• Plan a trip this season to climb the five open firetowers at Indiana state parks. You’ll find them at Brown County;
• Ouabache; Tippecanoe River, O’Bannon Woods; and McCormick’s Creek.

• Visit our interpretive centers, and relax in our warm wildlife viewing areas to watch the birds and small mammals.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources | 2007