Ouabache State Park advisories
- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has adjusted services, events and operations to protect Hoosiers and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Please visit on.IN.gov/dnrcovid19 for a listing of what is open, closed, restricted and canceled.
- Blue-Green Algae: Found in lakes year round. More information.
- Description
Ouabache is difficult to spell, but easy to pronounce. Simply say "Wabash," just like the river that forms the southwest boundary for the park. This is the French spelling of a Miami Indian word, "waapaahšiki," so don't be surprised to hear many folks call it o-ba-chee. The full name of the Wabash River in the Miami language is "waapaahšiki siipiiwi." See how the river's name was pronounced by the Miami tribe.
Kunkel Lake offers excellent fishing. During the summer months, a naturalist will provide information about the natural wonders of the park. A lodge recreation building is ideal for special gatherings and is now available all year.
During the summer, beach hours may change because of weather and staffing. Please contact the property office for exact times before your visit.
- Activities
- Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Services (seasonal)
- Bison Exhibit—A 20-acre exhibit consisting of American bison in a natural setting
- Picnicking/Shelters
(Shelter Reservations) - Picnic Tables
- Fishing / Boating
- Hiking Trails
- Paved Bicycle Trail
- Swimming beach. Check office for hours.
- Tennis Courts
- Basketball Courts
- Volleyball Court
- Playgrounds
Camping - See campground maps under MAPS tab
- Electric
- Youth Tent
- Dumping Station
INFORMATION
- Description of Hiking Trails
Note: For trail locations, view the property map under the MAPS tab.
1. EASY (1 mile)—Circles wildlife exhibit, starting at exhibit parking lot.
2. EASY (1.5 miles)—Begins at north end of campground. Winds north through pine plantation, then south along tennis & basketball courts and back east to campground.
3. EASY (1.5 miles)—Begins at north end of campground, travels east through magnificent stand of oak and hickory, passes a woodland marsh, and winds back to the point of origin.
4. MODERATE (3 miles)—Begins at wildlife exhibit, branches north through heavy pine plantations, then west through more pines, hawthorn, etc., and back east along the southern edge of Kunkel Lake to the point of origin.
5. MODERATE (6 miles)—The “Ouabache Trail” begins at the wildlife exhibit and circles the entire property, using portions of all trails. Trail 5 may be started and finished at any trail entrance. The trail will take you through virtually all types of trees and terrain available in the area. Several interesting footbridges dot the trail.
PLEASE STAY ON MARKED TRAILS.
- Maps