Prophetstown State Park
 | This article contains promotional content. (September 2014) |
| Prophetstown | |
|---|---|
  Location of Prophetstown State Park in Indiana | |
| Type | State Park |
| Location | Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States |
| Nearest city | Battle Ground, Indiana |
| Area | 2,000 acres (810 ha) |
| Created | 2004 |
| Operated by | Indiana Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Official Website |
Prophetstown State Park, named after Tenskwatawa ("The Prophet"), a religious leader and younger brother of Shawnee leader Tecumseh, is located near the town of Battle Ground, Indiana, United States, about a mile east of the site of the Battle of Tippecanoe. Established in 2004, it is Indiana’s newest state park. The park is home to the Museum at Prophetstown, which recreates a Native American village and a 1920s-era farm.
History
The park was originally proposed in 1989, but didn't receive funding from the Indiana legislature until 1994. Land acquisition continued through 1999 when the legislature funded $3.7 million for the creation of the park The park was formally dedicated by then Indiana Governor Joe Kernan in 2004. The campground opened the following year and was a partnership with Lafayette as part of the Lafayette Inn tax.[1] Construction of the aquatic park began in October 2012 and was completed in 2013 after lobbying by local officials to drive more visitors to the park and Tippecanoe County.[2]
The Farm at Prophetstown has suspended operations effective August 31, 2014 due to a shortfall in donations. All animals have been returned to their owners and are no longer on the property. The organization hopes to resume operations in November for the 2015 season.[3] The Farm at Prophetstown is a non-profit organization that rents approximately 125 acres (51 ha) from Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Campground Details
The campground is split into two distinct sections The lower section includes approximately 55 full hook up sites, including several extended-length pull through sites. The pull through sites are sites 100-122 (even). A campground map can be found here. The upper section has 55 electric only sites and includes a "Comfort Station" (restrooms and shower).
During the summer months there is an onsite "Camp Host" located just inside the lower section (site 101). The camp host is also the location where campers may purchase firewood for $5 per bundle The Camp Host changes monthly.
Like all Indiana state parks, reservations may be made through the website or phone. Hours vary by season. The gate houses will display a "Campground Full" notice when the park is full. During busy periods, and most weekends, check-in occurs at the campground gatehouse. During other times check-in occurs at the main park gatehouse on Swisher Road.
Generally site 101 is reserved for the Camp Hosts and there are 4 other sites the park withholds as back-up for the regular sites. In full hook-up, lower section, sites 139 and 157 are not in the reservation system. In the electric only, upper section, sites 227 and 251 are also withheld. These sites are generally unoccupied, even on "sold-out" weekends. The Department of Natural Resources camp gate attendant says they will offer them once all sites are reserved and all paid campers have checked in for their stay.
Facilities and Activities
- Historic Prophetstown Farmstead - 1920s living history farm with animals including Belgian mares, Berkshire pigs, Romney sheep, Milking Shorthorn cattle, chickens
- Woodland Indian Settlement - replicas of a Shawnee council house and medicine lodge
- Hiking trail (2.75 miles (4.43 km))
- Bicycle trail (2.4 miles (3.9 km))
- Interpretative Naturalist services
- Picnicking Areas
- Picnic Shelters
- Camping
- 110 campsites
- Dumping station
See also
References
- ^ Poston, Heather (2003-06-25). "Prophetstown park receives funds, promises activities for all Hoosiers". Purdue Exponent. Purdue Exponent. Retrieved 2014-09-01.
- ^ "State Park Timeline". Journal and Courier. Lafayette (IN) Journal and Courier. 2013-06-15. Retrieved 2014-08-31.
- ^ Clark, Dartunorro (2014-08-29). "Financial woes hit Farm at Prophetstown". JCOnline. Lafayette Journal and Courier. Retrieved 2014-09-01.
External links
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources' official Web page
- The Museum at Prophetstown
- "Indiana Campgrounds Online". Indiana Campgrounds Online. Retrieved 2012-10-19. (Indiana Campground Database)
