Tippecanoe River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tippecanoe River State Park |
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Location | Pulaski County, Indiana, United States |
Nearest city | Winamac, Indiana |
Area | 2,761 acres (1,117 ha) |
Created | 1943 |
Operated by | Indiana DNR |
Tippecanoe River State Park is a wonderful place to visit in Pulaski County, Indiana, United States. It is located about 58 miles (93 km) south of South Bend, Indiana. This park is special because it has a forest of old white pine trees. It also protects more than 2 miles (3 km) of natural wetlands along the Tippecanoe River. The park was created in 1943. The National Park Service gave land to Indiana to make it a state park. Other land along the river became the Winamac Fish and Wildlife Area.
Contents
How the Park Started
During the 1930s, a time called the Great Depression, the United States government started a program. This program looked for farmland that was not very good for growing crops. Instead, they wanted to turn these areas into beautiful parks.
Along the Tippecanoe River, the government bought about 7,353 acres (2,976 ha) of land. The soil here had a lot of sand, which made it poor for farming. However, the river and forests made it perfect for a park. The Works Progress Administration helped develop this area.
In 1943, the land was given to the State of Indiana. It became a state park. Later, in 1959, about 4,592 acres (1,858 ha) were moved to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. This part became the Winamac Fish and Wildlife Area. The state park still has about 2,761 acres (1,117 ha) of the original land.
The Tippecanoe River
The Tippecanoe River is a big part of the park. It stretches for seven miles (11 km) along the park's edges. Canoeing is a very popular activity here. There is even a special campsite just for people who arrive by canoe.
The river is also a place where river otters have been released. You can often catch Bluegill and bass in the river. The river can be dangerous for swimming. If you want to swim, you can visit Bass Lake State Beach, which is about five miles (8 km) away.
Fun Things to Do in the Park
Tippecanoe River State Park offers many ways to enjoy nature. There are ten miles (16 km) of trails for hiking. You can also find thirteen miles (20 km) of trails for horseback riding. The park sometimes has cultural arts programs. A naturalist is also available during certain seasons to teach visitors about nature. Most people drive to the park. However, pilots can land at the nearby Arens Airport. A special car can then take them to the park.
Activities to Enjoy
- Boating: The park has a small place to launch boats on the river.
- Camping: You can choose from five different ways to camp here:
- Family camping
- Potawatomi Group Camp
- Youth Tenting
- Rent-A-camp cabin
- Canoe camping (from the river)
- Fishing: The river is a great spot to fish for bluegill and bass.
- Horseback Riding: There are trails and a basic campground for people with horses. About 14.5 miles (23 km) of trails are shared by hikers and horse riders.
- Hiking: The park has a total of 19.1 miles (31 km) of trails for hiking.
Special Nature Areas
The park has two special nature preserves. These areas help protect unique plants and animals.
- Sand Hill Nature Preserve: This preserve is at the end of the park. You can reach it by taking Trail #8, which is called the Bluestem Trail.
- Tippecanoe River Nature Preserve: This area is along the river near the middle of the park. You can get to it by following Trail #4, known as the Oxbow Trail.