Bringing People to the Park

Bringing People to the Park. . , Since its dedication in 1925, Pokagon State Park has sought opportunities to grow in size and in accessibility., Early in the park's history, major roads bypassed the region, keeping it less accessible., The construction of I-69 and the east-west Indiana Toll Road brought travelers right to Pokagon's doorstep. Businesses developed along the route. One of these was the Pokagon Motel. Built in the 1950s, the motel was located on this spot. The 12-room motel operated until the late 1990s., The Pokagon Motel property borders the park. When it came up. for sale, fundraising began to purchase the critical piece for the park. A local group, the ACRES Land Trust spearheaded the movement. Funds from organizations and individuals made it possible to acquire the 28-acre addition (and later 29 acres to the north). Some contributors had fond memories of staying at the Pokagon Motel., During world war two, General Eisenhower had seen how Germany's highway system (the autobahn) was its key asset in quickly moving Germany's troops and equipment. As president, he wanted to replicate Germany's ingenuity and energized the development of a similar system. The interstate highway system was born.,

A network of modern roads is as necessary to defense as it is to our national economy and personal safety. , President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953

, [Caption:] , From this point, viewers can enjoy the panoramic view of the rolling glacial topography. The Steuben County landscape pictured above is typical of what makes this corner of Indiana so beautiful.