Pokagon State Park

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Pokagon State Park
Wetlands in Pokagon State Park
Wetlands in Pokagon State Park
Location Indiana, USA
Nearest city Angola, Indiana
Coordinates 41°42′50″N 85°01′31″W / 41.71389, -85.02528
Area 1,260 acres (5 km²)
Established 1925
Governing body Indiana DNR

Pokagon State Park is located in northeastern Indiana close to the village of Fremont and 5 miles (8 km) north of Angola. Named for the 19th century Potawatomi chief Leopold and his widely-known son, Simon Pokagon by Richard Lieber's suggestion, the 1,260 acre (4.9 km²) park has an inn, camping facilities, and a staff of full-time naturalists.

Contents

[edit] Overview

The park is bordered by Lake James on the west and south and Snow Lake on the north. Various wetlands can be seen throughout the park and the Potawatomi Nature Preserve makes up a large portion of its east side. Over ten miles (16 km) of hiking trails wind through the park.

The Wisconsin Glacier, the last of the Ice Age’s four glaciers that covered Indiana, is responsible for the rolling terrain found in Pokagon. Glaciation’s influence can be seen in many of the features of the park, including Lake Londiaw (a kettle lake), Hell's Point (a kame), and various glacial erratics.

The toboggan run is a popular destination during the winter. Visitors can reach speeds of 35-40 miles an hour (60 km/h) on the quarter mile (400 m) long track.

The Spring Shelter, so named because of the artesian spring nearby, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937.
The Spring Shelter, so named because of the artesian spring nearby, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937.

[edit] History

Pokagon State Park was created in 1925. Through fundraising efforts, the citizens of the county purchased the first 580 acres (2.3 km²), much of it farmland, on the shores of Lake James. The county citizens donated this land to the Department of Conservation, State of Indiana, which added two additional parcels the following year, bringing the park up to 707 acres (2.9 km²). In 1927, the newly-christened Potawattomi Inn opened its doors.

In 1934, chapter 556 of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) arrived at Pokagon. During the ensuing 8 years, the CCC constructed many of the best-known buildings at Pokagon including the Gate House, the Spring Shelter, the Saddle Barn, the first 3 incarnations of the tobaggon run, and, not least, the CCC Shelter, a National Register of Historic Places site.

The CCC also planted trees -- sometimes in precise lines -- and created roads and trails. They even published their own newsletter, the Pokagon Chieftain. The CCC was instrumental in transforming Pokagon into the rustic park it is today.

Presently at 1,260 acres (5 km²), efforts have been made to secure a property across the street from Pokagon. It was officially transferred in June of 2007. It will be managed by Pokagon State Park, and called Trine State Recreation Area.

The Beach House, on the western edge of Pokagon, as seen from Lake James. Behind the Beach House, the land quickly rises to a bluff overlooking the lake.
The Beach House, on the western edge of Pokagon, as seen from Lake James. Behind the Beach House, the land quickly rises to a bluff overlooking the lake.

[edit] Facilities and activities

  • Bicycle Trail
  • Hiking Trails
  • Pokagon Nature Center
  • Picnicking
  • Playground Equipment
  • Swimming / Beach
  • Sand Volleyball Court
  • Saddle Barn
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Potawatomi Inn
  • Cabins
  • Meeting and Conference Facilities
  • Reservable Shelters
  • Camping - Reservations recommended
    • Electric Hookup 200 sites
    • Non-Electric 73 Sites
    • Youth Tent Areas
    • Group Camp
    • General Store
    • Dumping Station
  • Winter Activities
Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park, as seen from Lake James looking north.
Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park, as seen from Lake James looking north.

[edit] Equipment rentals

  • Pontoon
  • Paddleboat
  • Rowboat
  • Toboggan (weekends only, in season)
  • Ski Rental (winter)

[edit] External links

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Indiana State Parks
Indiana State Parks
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