21-05-2025
5 Indiana State Parks hold centennial challenges to honor park history
FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Indiana State Parks are celebrating their history by creating centennial challenges at the five parks that have been around for over 100 years.
The five Indiana State Parks holding the challenges are:
McCormick's Creek State Park
Owen County – est. 1916 *(oldest state park in Indiana)
Turkey Run State Park
Parke County – est. 1916
Clifty Falls State Park
Jefferson County – est. 1920
Pokagon State Park
Steuben County – est. 1925
Indiana Dunes State Park
Porter County – est. 1925
The Indiana Parks system was established in 1916, originally as a centennial gift to Hoosiers. The challenges are being set up to kick off the 100th anniversary of Indiana Dunes State Park and Pokagon State Park. Each challenge explores the history of each of the park's natural resources before it was turned into a park and explores important historical structures and stories. Guests who complete a challenge will receive a special sticker unique to each park.
'We have challenges at many parks that provide opportunities for physical activity through hiking, kayaking, or canoeing,' said Ginger Murphy, deputy director for stewardship for Indiana State Parks. 'We are happy to add these opportunities for Hoosiers to open a window into some of the people and places who helped to shape our state's history.'
The instructions for each challenge can be found at this website. You can also explore the history of Indiana State Parks in relation to Indiana history at this link. Guests who enjoy park history are also encouraged to check out the CCC Challenge that explores the Civilian Conservation Corps at Ouabache State Park.
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