Indiana State Parks: the First 100 Years

Indiana State Parks: the First 100 Years.

…our parks and preserves are not mere picnicking places. They are rich storehouses of memories and reveries. They are a solace to the aged and an inspiration to the young. , Richard Lieber, Founder , Indiana State Parks

, Setting the Stage , Alarm over the nation's disappearing natural landscape gave birth to the parks movement. Richard Lieber and others advocated for the creation of a state park system as Indiana's 1916 centennial gift. , First Parks , Land for Turkey Run came up for sale at an auction, but was lost to a higher bidder. McCormick's Creek was purchased in time for the State's centennial celebration. Within the year, however, Lieber's group purchased Turkey Run. By 1932, ten parks dotted the state. , State Park Inns , Inns provided accommodations for early park visitors. Many early visitors would stay for over a week. , Gatehouses , Indiana State Parks was a leader in implementing a "User Pays” model to support operating costs. , Nature Guides , Almost from the beginning, Indiana State Parks provided nature guides to interpret the natural and cultural stories of the parks. , Civilian Conservation Corps , During the Great Depression, the CCC put jobless young men to work. They constructed buildings, trail systems and infrastructure in the parks. , Post-World War II , Following the war, many veterans earned college degrees, entered the work force and started families. Increased income led to more travel and a demand for parks. , Reservoirs , Beginning in the 1950s, the US Army Corps of Engineers constructed dams for flood control. Land was managed for camping, hunting and fishing by the Division of Reservoir Management (later merging with State Parks). , Conserving Resources , The 1960s brought new understanding and concern for the environment. State Parks began management practices to conserve and maintain valuable ecosystems. , The Next 100 Years We continue to be a leader in state park conservation and management. We hope you and future generations will continue to use and support Indiana State Parks, Make your own memories!