Near North Vernon in Jennings County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Muscatatuck Park

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 3, 2025

1. Muscatatuck Park Marker, Side One

Inscription. Recognized for its natural beauty and recreational potential, Vinegar Mills State Park opened in 1921 as Indiana's fourth state park. Initially named after a stone-cutting mill here, it became Muscatatuck State Park in 1922. The Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps built shelters, stairways, a fire tower, trails, and retaining walls in the 1930s.

The nearby home of William Read, owner of the stone-cutting mill, became an inn for the park. Quail were raised in the park from 1954-1962 and it was renamed Muscatatuck State Park and Game Farm. A state youth camp began here in 1962. In 1968, the State returned the park to Jennings County for recreational uses. Walnut Grove Schoolhouse (1913) was moved here in 1990.

Erected 2020 by Indiana Historical Bureau • Jennings County Parks and Recreation Department.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 38° 59.413′ N, 85° 37.016′ W.

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Marker is near North Vernon, Indiana, in Jennings County. It is at the intersection of Indiana 3 and Muscatatuck Park Road, on the right when traveling south on Indiana 3. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 435 IN-3, North Vernon IN 47265, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Walnut Grove One-room School 1913 (within shouting distance of this marker); Morgan's Raid (approx. half a mile away); Vernon Historic District (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Morgan's Raid (approx. 0.6 miles away); New Survey Markers Set (approx. 0.6 miles away); Jonathan Jennings (approx. 0.6 miles away); Jennings County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Morgan is Forced to Turn Back,

Muscatatuck Park Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 23, 2019

2. Muscatatuck Park Marker, Side Two

(approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Vernon.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Muscatatuck Park (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Muscatatuck Park Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 3, 2025

3. Muscatatuck Park Marker

William Read Home image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 3, 2025

4. William Read Home

Built c. 1850, it was an inn for Muscatatuck State Park during its early years, then as a bed and breakfast and later, a senior center. It now houses the Jennings County Parks and Recreation Department's office as well as a visitor center/museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 139 times since then and 110 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 26, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4. submitted on December 9, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.