Shades State Park in located in Waveland, Indiana about 15 or so miles East of Turkey Run State Park. From the 1880s till around 1947 the area was known as the Shades of Death but there is some speculation as to why.
Why visit?
This area in Indiana doesn’t look like the rest of the state, instead these areas resemble old growth forests in the Pacific Northwest with large trees and ferns that provide a unique backdrop for hiking and exploring. There are several different types of hiking and some more challenging ones, including climbing up ladders to get out of canyons.
What is with the Shades of Death name?
One theory is because of an old Native Americans legend that there was a battle here between two tribes that resulted in the death of over 600 Native Americans and left almost no survivors on either side. Unfortunately, there is no confirmation of this story.
A second theory dates back from the 1830s, there is a very gruesome story is about a “Mrs. Rush”, who is said to be a very young girl married to a drunkard, wife beater known as Moses Rush who lived in a remote area near Pine Hills. According to Mrs. Rush, Moses came home drunk one night, stated he would kill her, but fell asleep so she took an axe and split his head open. She then turned herself in and was acquitted, possibly because everyone felt sorry for her, or because it’s said that she did them a favor since Mr Rush was a known outlaw. Another theory is simply because the area has the illusion of deep shadows underneath a never ending canopy of forest creating an eerie feeling.
History
Back in the 1800s a government survey of the lands took special note of several natural springs in a ravine and the land was purchased and turned into a health resort and recreation area called “The Shades”. They build an Inn and saved the area for recreational, swimming, hiking, and fishing. The Inn unfortunately had fire damage and forgone maintenance that caused it to be bulldozed. A holding company saved the area from loggers until the public raised money so it could be purchase, and it became Indiana’s 15th state park.
Geography
Sugar Creek runs through this park with many gorgeous sandstone cliffs and several ravines to hike up! This park also connected to the Pine Hills Nature Preserve with even more hiking. There are also natural springs and lots of old growth trees that have been untouched. It’s striking cliffs and ferns will have you thinking you are in the Pacific Northwest rather than Indiana.
Things to do
Camping
Shades offers camping, but be warned that they are non-electric sites with no hook ups. They do have flush toilets, hot water and showers. They also allow for backpack and canoe camping. There are lots of space to camp with 101 sites. We did not camp here, as we were staying at Turkey Run since we prefer sites with hook ups. You can book a site here: https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/unifSearchResults.do
Hiking
This park has around 10 miles of trails varying from easy to rugged. You can participate in the 6 Ravine Hiking Challenge through the park, which is just shy of four and half miles, and includes over 500 steps and 3 climbing ladders! My youngest daughter is a big fan of the ladder hikes at Turkey Run State Park and Shades State Park. Obviously really young children and pets shouldn’t go down the ladder trails.
Most of the trails can be strenuous, with steep elevation changes. The trails we hiked through the deep, steep ravines to the river follow the creek beds, so water proof hiking boots are recommended because of muddy areas and the need to walk through an inch of two of water in couple spots.
Fishing
You need a state fishing license but the park information states they have bass and bluegill, which I’m assuming comes out of Sugar Creek.
DNR – Interpretive Naturalist
If you check the park calendar they do have seasonal even lead by DNR with educational, interpretive and recreational programs.
Astronomy
Shades state park is one of the darkest sky parks in Indiana. Check the park calendar as the Wabash Valley Astronomical Society holds viewing events. If you are there past 11 pm you might need a permit from the park office so call ahead.
Covered Bridges
There are several covered bridges to visit in the area. I highly recommend getting a local copy of the covered bridge tour. It’s amazing to see these engineering marvels, some dating from the 1860s. Some of these you can still drive across, others are foot traffic only, and others are for viewing only. It does amaze me that these old bridges can support a car considering automobiles were not yet invented when these bridges were erected.
Read more about this park on the Indiana DNR website here: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/shades-state-park/
