The Park holds a varied pallet of ecosystems. From open grassy areas to lowland marsh and woodland, much can be learned by examining the traits of these places and the nature that inhabits them.

This pocket of land, set in an “oxbow” of the White River, is often influenced by bordering ecosystems. Whether it is the wildlife that inhabit the river (beavers felling trees) or the force of the water itself (flood erosion), the river’s ecosystem impacts the land, causing it to become an all-encompassing organism that survives at the whims of nature.

The Lake

• Approximately 35 acres in size and 40’ at its deepest point.
• Acts as a reservoir when collecting flood waters from the river and thus reducing damage from high waters down stream.
• The fish in the lake are the same types found in the river (i.e. bluegill, crappie, bass, etc.)
• Swimming is prohibited, however, fishing with artificial bait is allowed.

The White River

• Native American name, Wapehani, means White Sands.
• The west fork of the river wraps around the Park, creating an oxbow.
• The watershed (drainage area) for this river is 1,265 sq miles, extending north and east of Indianapolis, including the counties of Hamilton, Tipton, Madison, Delaware, and Randolph.
• Flood stage for the Park happens when the river exceeds 16 feet.
• View the current height of the river.

The Trails

• About 3 miles of trails have been created to aid in the visitor’s experience.
• The 3 miles of trails are made of finely crushed limestone making them ADA compliant. There are other trails around the lake that are natural.
• Emergency call boxes are located throughout the property along the trails.