Turkey Run State Park & Cataract Falls

The forecast indicated that we would have a break in the wet, humid weather for a few days this week. I took a chance on clear skies and headed out for a quick overnight trip to Turkey Run State Park. I had 2 very nice days in west-central Indiana which I share with you here. 

In the history of the state park system, Turkey Run is the second park. The land was purchased in 1916 which was the same year the state park system was established. 

Sugar Creek runs through the park and is a destination for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. The park is known for the suspension bridge spanning Sugar Creek which is the access point for most of the hiking in the park, another big draw for visitors. 

The exposed bedrock along the creek is called Mansfield sandstone. Over time the sandstone has been carved into today's formations by the erosion of melting glacial waters.

The trails take you past scenes such as this one with the powerful presence of rock walls and thriving plant communities. These lush, damp scenes contain every green on the spectrum. 
The human history of the park includes that of the Lusk family who settled in the area and, through hard work, created a community there. Salmon Lusk served in the War of 1812 and was paid in land for his service. He settled first in Vermillion County but later, in 1826, he and his bride, Mary, built a new mill at the Narrows of Sugar Creek in Parke County. By 1830 they were operating a general store and in 1837 Lusk became the Post Master of the newly built Post Office. The community was known as Lusk Springs.

In 1841the Lusks built this Federal & Greek style brick home for their family of ten. It is located above the flood plain on a plateau facing Sugar Creek and the mill. 

Salmon Lusk eventually owned over 1400 acres, a large portion of which he left untouched. Eventually his decision to preserve natural areas left a legacy which is now Turkey Run State Park.

Turkey Run is in Parke County which is known for it's Covered Bridges. A Covered Bridge Festival is a big draw every year. 

There is a spot near the Inn at Turkey Run that is called Sunset Point. It overlooks Sugar Creek. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934-35 along with various Shelter Houses, a saddle barn and other sandstone trail structures. It is a wonderful spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature and observe the dusk falling on Sugar Creek. 

From Sunset Point

 And on the way home I made a stop at Cataract Falls.

 Lower Falls

And Upper Falls.

And now, this weekend another weather front is passing through bringing rain and humidity again...so I'm grateful for the two clear, sunny and humidity free days earlier this week. 

Thanks for looking!