Just relaxing and taking in nature
In my previous post on July 4, 2008, I gave a list of all the Indiana State Parks and included my favorite. In the next few months I am going to give you information on what I feel is the best 5 State Parks in Indiana. Of course, this is just my opinion and some of you may not agree. All in all, Indiana has I believe one of the best state park system in the U.S.
So here we go, STARTING AT NUMBER 5. Tippecanoe River State Park
I have already said, that Tippecanoe River State Park is my favorite and one of the reasons is because it is located 5 miles north of a small rural town more than 40 miles from any major city. Why does this make a difference? There are very few sight seeing attractions, there is no lake or pool on the property although there is the Tippecanoe river and like most small towns, there is very few things to do for out-of-towners. With this in mind, Tippecanoe River State Park is seldom packed out and because it is a smaller park there is less noise from campers and camper traffic. This is why Tippecanoe River has become my wife’s and I favorite state park. I ranked this number 5 because the park has no area for swimming, the lots are very wooded with sparse grassy areas. The mosquitos are heavy most of the summer months (they do fog most evenings). They do have nice walking trails, bath houses are kept clean, camping lots are level, there is a camping area to camp with your horses and horse trails, although there is no camp store on site, you can get what you need in Winamac which is just 5 miles South of the state park.
WHAT THE PARK OFFERS
The park offers some of the finest recreation in the state. Extensive trail network offers the hiker a variety of terrain and vegetation and has over 22 miles of easy to moderate trails. Tippecanoe River State Park offers 112 class A campsites (electric) and 4 sites that are handicap accessible. A large group camp site that offers facilities for 160 people with kitchen facilities. In the winter they offer cross country skiing which allows the opportunities of exploring the hill and woods previously unavailable during the winter season. They have modern facilities, combined with a very unique natural area. While you may launch your own boat into the Tippecanoe River, the river is extremely hazardous so no swimming is allowed. The picnic areas have tables, grills, toilet facilities, playground equipment, shelters and playfields. They also have a Horse camp, where you can bring your horses and camp with them on 56 sites. These sites however, are non-electric. The park offers over 14 miles of horse trails.
HISTORY OF TIPPECANOE RIVER STATE PARK
In the 1600’s and 1700’s Northern Indiana was the land of the Potawatomi Indians. The Tippecanoe River was a major highway used for trade by early explorers seeking Indian camps to exchange blankets, utensils and any other items the explorers may have for beaver pelts. Indians and traders alike used the river waterways in journey to other settlement posts.
Settlement came slowly but inevitably came into the area and in the 1830’s clearing, draining and farming of the lands was taking place. The Potawatomies were removed to a Kansas reservation and new settlers poured into the area. The land in the vicinity of the park was cleared and farming became the prime activity as most of the wild life in the area slowly began disappearing.
U.S. Department of the Interior, through its National Park Service, acquired about 7,353 acres of land in an area bordering Tippecanoe River and U.S. 35 approximately 5 miles North of Winamac. Most of the land which has a high sand content was not well suited for agricultural use. The area was called the Winamac Recreation Demonstration Area.
In 1943, the land was transferred to the Indiana Department of Conservation for operation as a state park. On January 1, 1959 4,592 acres were transferred to the Division of Fish and Wildlife and named Winamac Fish and Wildlife Area. The remaining 2,761 acres became the Tippecanoe State Park. (information taken from Indiana Department of Natural Resources)
For more information on Tippecanoe River State Park and rules and regulations visit Indiana’s DNR web site at: http://www.in.gov/dnr and look for the Tippecanoe River link.
