Ouabache state park history

Ouabache state park, an indiana state park located near bluffton. The men not only learned valuable trade skills, but also received a classroom. Marion and clark are the only counties to have two parks. There are several other caches in the park, so make sure you get your moneys worth and find them all. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. All the while, the tower remained one of the parks most memorable amenities. Ouabache state parkhas lost one of its pieces of history. The indiana department of natural resources has adjusted services, events and operations to protect hoosiers and prevent further spread of covid19. Ouabache state park has partnered with friends of ouabache and wells co. This is the french spelling of an indian word, so dont be surprised to hear some folks call it ouabache state park, an indiana state park located near bluffton, decatur. During warm months naturalists are on hand giving tours and discussing the nature of the park, picnic areas, shelterhouses, playgrounds, hiking trails, campgrounds, 4 modern cabins, archery range.

After the native americans were removed to reservations in kansas and oklahoma during the 1830s and 40s, the area was rapidly settled and cleared for farming. Ouabache is a state park in indiana situated about 30 miles 48 kilometres south of fort wayne, indiana. Restoration finished on indiana parks 1930s fire tower restoration work has been completed on a 100foottall fire tower in a northeastern indiana state park that dates to the 1930s. Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this stations fcc public inspection file by contacting the station with the information listed below. Sep 07, 2018 our day trip to ouabache wabash state park. Campground details ouabache state park, in indiana. A 100foot 30 m fire tower offers an excellent view of the park. We are so glad you found the bison, hiking trails, picnic areas, and bocce ball court. Dec 27, 2018 ouabache, the state park with the peculiar name, is also one of indianas most unique parks. The wabash river runs through the park, which provides fishing and nature viewing. Experience all the charming beauty that the park has to offer when you stay at ouabache campground.

Restoration finished on indiana parks 1930s fire tower. Find out what shes carrying and ask about weekend events. Rustic oak shelter, ouabache state park, bluffton, in. Ouabache state recreation area the mission to the ouabache this project is made possible by a grant from the u. Ouabache state park in bluffton indiana is a campground or rv park that is publicly managed. Friends group ignites fire tower renovation indiana landmarks. Bison inside their enclosure at ouabache state park. Ouabache state park bluffton 2020 all you need to know. Brown county, the largest state park, has the greatest number of visitors, followed by indiana dunes state park. The number of state parks rose steadily in the 1920s, mostly by donations of land from local authorities to the state government. This is the french spelling of an indian word, so dont be surprised to hear some folks call it. Hiking trails, small beach, canoes, kayaks, playgrounds and an enclosed lodge are just minutes away from my hometown.

Ouabache trails park campground in vincennes, indiana. In 1962 the park was designated ouabache state recreation area, administered by the division of state parks. The state parks range in size from the 165acre falls of the ohio state park on indianas southern border, to the expansive, 15,776acre brown county state park in south central indiana. The state department of natural resources is planning a dedication ceremony on friday for the tower in ouabache state park near bluffton. Daily and annual boat launch fees have been replaced by annual lake permits for privatelyowned boats and seaplanes using or mooring at state parks, state managed lakes, state forest and division of outdoor recreation lakes. Friends of ouabache state park has started a fundraising campaign on to restore and reopen the tower.

Ouabache officially became a state park in 1983 after being a state recreation area. It is hidden in ouabache state park near bluffton indiana. Huntington reservoir little turtle state recreation area kilsoquah state recreation area. Ouabache state park allows its guests to get up close with the legendary american bison a once in a lifetime experience. Kunkel lake, ouabache state park, bluffton, in, 46714, usa sounds heard sitting on the shore of kunkel lake canadian geese slapdown, ouabache state park, bluffton, in, 46714, usa recorded by randy harkins. Kunkel lake, ouabache state park, bluffton, in, 46714, usa sounds heard sitting on the shore of kunkel lake canadian geese slapdown, ouabache state park, bluffton, in, 46714, usa recorded by randy harkins by kay westhues. Of the initial twelve parks, only muscatatuck state park. Ouabache is a 503milelong 810 km river in ohio and indiana, united states, that flows from the headwaters near the middle of ohios western border northwest then southwest across northern indiana turning south along the illinois border where the southern portion forms the indianaillinois border before flowing into the ohio river. Currently there are 10 males and one pregnant female that is due in may 2016. Ouabache state park has a 20acre wildlife area featuring american bison. Ouabache state park, an indiana state park located near. The indiana master naturalist program is governed by an advisory council with participation from the indiana department of natural resources, purdue cooperative extension service, resource conservation and development councils, soil and water conservation districts, city andor county park departments and indiana master naturalist alumni.

The bisons tale is uniquely intertwined with the hoosier states first people and its history. Camping is limited to campground b during this event. Ouabache a most unique park rec the journal gazette. Best trails in ouabache state park indiana alltrails. Bluffton less than an hours drive from fort wayne, ouabache state park is part of a tract of indiana land that was once home to the miami native americans.

Ouabache state park will host a dedication celebrating the restoration of its iconic fire tower on friday, aug. The 100foot fire tower at ouabache state park has fallen into disrepair. Some hoosiers mispronounce the name of this indiana park as oobachee. Americas state parks traveling and exploring across america. It was originally the wells county state forest and game preserve, formed in the early 1930s. Had a sunny break in the middle of snowstorms so drove out to our state park to view the herd of bison and see if the fire tower is open yet. The gate fee may be higher for outofstate vehicles. It was originally the wells county state forest and game preserve that was formed in the early 1930s. What better way to touch the history of america than see the near threatened species of bison that once used to roam these lands is vast herds. The first state park in indiana was mccormicks creek state park, in owen county in 1916, followed in the same year by turkey run state park in parke county. Find information about driving directions to driving directions to ouabache state park, an indiana state park located near bluffton, decatur. Mar 23, 2020 this area of wells county was once occupied by the miami, whose villages flanked the banks of the wabash river that forms the southern property boundary. Take a bath or shower with warm soapy water after coming in contact with lake water. These days, other than the presence of some of the original buildings, the parks appearance scarcely resembles that of its early existence.

Ouabache state park 4930 e state road 201 bluffton, in parks. Ouabache trails park vincennes 2020 all you need to. Click here to access the online public inspection file. The firetower was very nice to climb and see the views of the area in a distance. One of the newest, yet the third mostvisited of the state park system behind only brown county state park and indiana dunes state park, it is open yearround and supports various activities and facilities, including fishing, hiking. Ouabache was first acquired and operated as the wells county state forest and game preserve in the early 1930s. The indiana department of natural resources has adjusted services, events and operations to protect hoosiers and prevent. Visiting 24 state parks in indiana, nathan strange and matt williams describe and photograph the features that make each park beautiful and unique. Institute of museum and library services, administered by the indiana state library.

Today, the park is wells countys premiere outdoors attraction, and theres certainly no shortage of fun. Potato creek state park is an indiana state park located in north central part of the u. We have a long history of bison both in indiana and at this particular state park, said dustin clark, property manager at ouabache. Ouabache, the state park with the peculiar name, is also one of indianas most unique parks. Really enjoyed watching the bison and walking the trail that encompasses their pen. Due to safety concerns, the access to the tower was closed in the spring of 2015. Walkway park behind markle health care bicyclewalking trail other features. Well pick at random two people from the comments to win a tshirt. Each park profile includes an engaging history of the parks origins, plus images or descriptions of landscapes, wildlife, and adventures available. Ouabache is difficult to spell, but easy to pronounce.

Gc1f78 ouabache cache traditional cache in indiana. Kunkel lake, ouabache state park, bluffton, in, 46714, usa. In 1962 it became the ouabache state recreation area, before finally achieving state park status in 1983. If you would like to learn more about nature in an indooroutdoor handson setting at a state park then this master naturalist program is for you. Ouabache state park 4930 e state road 201 bluffton in 46714. Turkey run state park is hosting history hikes, demonstrations and crafts on each of the 100 days. The friends of ouabache state park is a new, nonprofit group dedicated to the preservation of the history and facilities at the. In the year 1962 it became the ouabache state recreation area, before finally being given the status of a state park in the year 1983. Ouabache state park has everything to offer to its rv campers. Ouabache state park has lost one of its pieces of history. Visit ouabache state park on your trip to bluffton or united.

Generally these types of parks have stricter rules on camping. This campground or rv park is a public park managed by a state, federal, or municipal agency. Effective tuesday, april 7th, all indiana dnr campgrounds will be temporarily closed through at least monday, april 20, 2020. Every state is unique and had different characteristics, from the rugged coastline of maine to the. It is located 30 miles 48 km south of fort wayne, indiana. Division of state parks parks planning population camping sports outdoor recreation cost estimates maps further information on this record can be found at its source. A number of indiana state parks were built, improved, or expanded by the ccc, which was and remains one of the most popular programs of the new deal. Ouabache is the french spelling of the american indian word wabash. You wont feel guilty about enjoying a little relaxation when you spend your down time throwing that fishing line into kunkel lake or exploring the nearby trails to drink in more of the scenic landscape. The french spelling of wabash is ouabache, but many travelers mistake it for a name from the time when miami indians occupied the area. From camping, bike trails, a bison exhibit, a holiday light display, to one of indianas last remaining fire towers, here are the reasons that you need to plan a visit to ouabache state park.

All 2 electric 122 rec building 1 shelter 5 youth tent 4 campground details. The revered animal was fittingly commemorated during. Join us on wednesday, july 1, 2020 for our annual patriotic pops concert presented by the fort wayne philharmonic at ouabache state park. Dnrarchive wonderland of lights, ouabache state park. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible yearround. Ouabache state park bluffton all you need to know before. Until the 1960s, when the practice was stopped, it was the greatest producer of chicks of pheasants and quails in the united states, making it known as the greatest wildlife laboratory in the u. At that time, ouabache was still designated only as a state recreation area, and it would be nearly half a century before the area would be recognized officially as a state park. Celebrating on 100 days for 100 years property centennial. Ouabache state park, bluffton ticket price timings. Rustic oak shelter, ouabache state park, bluffton, in, 46714, usa baby on a swing at the rustic oak shelter playground, ouabache state park, bluffton, in sounds recording by jeremy and carter miller. Exploring americas state parks we are fortunate to have a great park systems in the unites states.

Description paved bicycle trail from park into bluffton. Weve been to ouabache wabash trails park many times for family get togethers, but this was our first time staying in the campground. The natural beauty across our 50 states is amazing, and often times that is exactly where you will find a state park. Ouabache is french for the indian pronunciation of wabash. However, ouabache state park in bluffton, indiana is actually named for the wabash river, which runs through it. Celebrating on 100 days for 100 years property centennial celebration dates may 15 ouabache state park centennial baseball game july 23 may 28 29. In 1983, the state recreation area became a state park. Ouabache trails park campground vincennes, indiana.

Over the past six years, we noticed a steep decline in pool visitation. Driving directions to ouabache state park, an indiana state. Friends of ouabache state park has partnered with the indiana department of natural resources to restore the fire tower at the ouabache state park. Ouabache state park offers indiana master naturalist class do you love our natural world and sharing it with others.

Ouabache state park in bluffton, indiana funcityfinder. Rustic oak shelter, ouabache state park, bluffton, in, 46714. Be in shape for the 6 mile hike that takes you on a tour of the entire park and alongside the. Aug 21, 2019 the state department of natural resources is planning a dedication ceremony on friday for the tower in ouabache state park near bluffton. Bison are right at home in an enclosed 25acre range at ouabache state park near bluffton. In addition, a separate state agency operates white river state park in downtown indianapolis. This enthusiasm for ccc history was focused in an effort that created the friends of ouabache state park under the leadership of myrna and rocky myrtle.