Come with me to Tippecanoe River State Park where there is so much to discover! Hear about the history, fire tower, diverse ecosystems, wildlife, camping, generous community, and activities at this beautiful park.
I learned about the Works Progress Administration (later renamed Works Projects Administration) on several sites: Britannica, PBS, the state of North Dakota, Indiana DNR.
If you’re staying at the campground, go for a ride or run on the Panhandle Pathway.
Learn more about black oak savannas and their importance from the National Park Service. Watch this video of a glass lizard! They’re really cool!
If you want to help out with the Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park and stay up to date with events and the WPA cabin project, be sure to follow them on Facebook.
Listen to “Tippecanoe River State Park: History, Diversity, Community” on Apple or Spotify.
You are going to learn about:
The importance of the Tippecanoe River
Diverse ecosystems like black oak savannas the park is restoring
The park’s origins with the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s
How Winamac and the Friends group generously support the park
Follow and Share
Want to join my IN the Parks journey? Check out the podcast, follow along on Instagram and Facebook, and be sure to share with a friend. Now, go make some of your own memories, and I hope to see you in the parks!
00:55First Impressions of the Park
01:40Meet the Park Manager
03:15Park Features
04:20Access to the Panhandle Pathway and Erie Trail
04:50Tippecanoe River’s Ecological Importance & Clean Water
06:09Recreation on the River
06:46Fish and Mussels in the River
07:00The Importance of Mussels and Their Impact
09:19Otter Reintroduction Program
09:58Seeing Bobcats in the Area
10:35History of the Area Before the Park
11:15The Works Progress Administration Work at the Park
12:00Differences Between the Civilian Conservation Corps and WPA
13:29WPA work at Tippecanoe River
14:32Pine Trees Everywhere
15:00The Winamac Fire Tower at Tippecanoe River State Park
15:45Splitting off the Winamac Fish & Wildlife Area
16:25Support from the Community of Winamac
17:00Getting to all the State Parks
17:25Why Tippecanoe River State Park Feels Unique
17:41Why There’s So Much Sand
18:24Use of Prescribed Fires
18:45Black Oak Savanna Ecosystem Restoration
19:25What a Black Oak Savanna Is, Why It Matters, and How to Spot It
23:33Meet a Friends Group Volunteer
26:07Benefits of Being with People Who Love Parks
26:21Friends Group Park Responsibilities
27:40The Poker Paddle on the Tippie
28:32Fundraising to Move a WPA Cabin and Share Its History
30:12Best Time of Year to Visit the Park
31:45Halloween at Tippecanoe River State Park
33:53Connect with People Who Love the Park
34:33Why You Should Come to the Park
36:07Get Your Kids Involved with the Outdoors
37:52Restaurant Recommendations in Winamac