Tippecanoe River is a state park in Pulaski County, Indiana, United States. It is located 58 mi south-southwest of South Bend, Indiana. It was formed in 1943 when the National Park Service gifted the land to Indiana's Department of Conservation land to form a state park; other land along the river becoming the Winamac Fish and Wildlife Area. Noted for a grove of old-growth white pine trees, the park also preserves more than 2 miles (3 km) of undisturbed wetland shoreline on the Tippecanoe River, attracting some 127,495 visitors in 2018–2019.

History

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the national government established the Recreational Demonstration Area in the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The Park Service located low-quality farmlands with high-quality park potential. Along the Tippecanoe River, the Federal Government purchased 7353 acres. The high sand content of the soil made these poor-quality farmlands. The riverway and forest made it quality parklands. Development of the Demonstration Area was undertaken by the Works Progress Administration. In 1943, the property was transferred to the State of Indiana's Department of Conservation as a state park. On January 1, 1959, 4592 acres were transferred to the Division of Fish and Wildlife as the Winamac Fish and Wildlife Area. The state park retains 2761 acres of the original development.

River

Canoeing is very popular in the park, as the Tippecanoe River stretches seven miles (11 km) along the park's borders. A canoe-exclusive campsite has ten sites. It is also a river otter release area. Bluegill and bass are commonly fished from the river. The river is too dangerous for swimming, so those camping in the park can go to the Bass Lake State Beach five miles (8 km) away.

Enjoying the park

There are ten miles (16 km) of hiking trails and thirteen miles (20 km) of horseback trails. Cultural arts programs and a seasonal naturalist are also available. Most visitors drive to the park, although pilots can land at the nearby Arens Airport and have a courtesy car take them to the park. Things to do

Protected areas