Tippecanoe Township in Battle Ground in Tippecanoe County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Indiana State Parks: the First 100 Years
1916 - 2016
Photographed by Craig Doda, September 13, 2026
1. Indiana State Parks: the First 100 Years Marker
…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.
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.
State Park Inns
Inns provided accommodations for early
this page online
Gatehouses
Indiana State Parks was a leader in implementing a "User Pays" model to support operating costs.
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).
Nature Guides
Almost from the beginning, Indiana State Parks provided nature guides to interpret the natural and cultural stories of the 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!
[Legend:]
1. 1916 McCormick's Creek
2. 1916 Turkey Run
3. 1920 Clifty Falls
4. 1925 Pokagon
5. 1925 Indiana Dunes
6. 1927 Spring Mill
7. 1929 Brown County
8. 1929 Shakamak
9. 1930 Mounds
10. 1932 Lincoln
11.1943 Tippecanoe RiverPhotographed by Craig Doda, September 13, 20262. Indiana State Parks: the First 100 Years Marker
12. 1943 Versailles
13. 1947 Shades
14. 1949 Whitewater Mem.
15. 1953 Lieber SRA
16. 1960 Chain O' Lakes
17. 1960 Raccoon Lake
18. 1962 Ouabache
19. 1966 Harmonie
20. 1966 Monroe Lake
21. 1967 Salamonie Lake
22. 1968 Mississinewa Lake
23. 1969 Potato Creek
24. 1973 Hardy Lake
25. 1975 Brookville Lake
26. 1980 Patoka Lake
27. 1988 Summit Lake
28. 1990 Falls of the Ohio
29. 1996 Charlestown
30. 1996 Fort Harrison
31. 2004 O'Bannon Woods
32. 2004 Prophetstown
33. 2007 Trine SRA
Erected 2016 by Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 40° 30.038′ N, 86° 49.748′ W. Marker is in Battle Ground, Indiana, in Tippecanoe County. It is in Tippecanoe Township. It is at the intersection of Indiana Route 225 and North 9th Street, on the right when traveling north on Indiana Route 225. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4112 IN-225, West Lafayette IN 47906, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central 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 Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Welcome to Prophetstown State Park (here, next to this marker); The Prophetstown Story (here, next to this marker); Indiana State Parks (here, next to this marker); Medicine Lodge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Woodland Indian Settlement (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chief's Cabin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Village Structures (approx. 0.2 miles away); Granary (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Battle Ground.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
