Ouabache State Park

06/01/2026

The Ouabache Junior/Teen Indiana Master Naturalist camp has begun with 53 kids ages 8-17! On the first day students learned about oak trees and caterpillars and their importance to the ecosystem. They even made some caterpillars. Part of camp is volunteering. Juniors did some painting, trimming back mow lines and picking up litter. The Teens made 30 benches in two hours! Funds were donated by several people to purchase the supplies. The benches will be placed on the trails for visitors to rest while exploring the park.
Learn more about the Indiana Master Naturalist program at www.indianamasternaturalist.org

05/31/2026

This baby pileated is getting ready to fledge!
The Pileated Woodpecker is native to North America, where it is the largest confirmed extant woodpecker species and the third-largest extant species of woodpecker in the world, after the great slaty woodpecker and the black woodpecker.
This woodpecker is primarily an insectivore, eating insects that live in trees; it is famous for making large, nearly rectangular carvings into trees, which are used to extract prey inside the tree or to make a nest.
Photo taken at Ouabache by Kevin Butts.
on.IN.gov/ouabachesp

05/30/2026

As you drive towards the Bison enclosure and fire tower, be sure to notice the beautiful masonry work on the rebuilt culvert!
on.IN.gov/ouabachesp
Photos by Brian Culy

05/29/2026

Here is what's going on at the park this weekend! All programs are free with paid park entry!
Saturday, May 30, 2026
10 a.m. Bison Feeding
Meet at the Bison Feeding shed to learn about our National Mammal and watch them eat a sweet treat.
11:30 a.m. Fire Tower Climb
Meet at Fire Tower to hear about the 90-foot structure and get the opportunity to climb to the top.
2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Creature Feature: Canada Goose
Join the Naturalist on the peninsula beside the beach to learn about Canada Geese.
Sunday, May 31, 2026
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Discover Ouabache Scavenger Hunt
Get a scavenger hunt from the Park Office and explore the park for clues. Come back to the Office when you finish your hunt to get a prize.
on.IN.gov/ouabachesp
Photo taken on Kunkel Lake by Mario Tijerina

05/28/2026

Thank you to our local historian, Alan Daugherty, for these photos and comments regarding the CCC and rebuilding of this culvert:
"Some of the bridge stonework originally placed at Ouabache State Park by CCC Co 1592 is being repaired with a couple of the workers as young as those early CCC Boys had been. The stones the CCC mined in the park's quarry were preserved for the rebuild job."

Learn more about the New Deal and other Indiana state park history at:
on.IN.gov/INStateParkHistory

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day! Today we honor the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Let’s celebrate with BBQs, family gatherings, and a heart full of gratitude. 🌭🍔 Spend time outdoors, remember our heroes, and cherish every moment together. 💖
on.IN.gov/ouabachesp
Photo by Brian Culy

05/23/2026

Boat rental available this weekend and next. Daily rentals will begin on June 1st.
Here is our yearly boat rental 101:
- Our Boat Rental facility on Kunkel Lake is currently open Wed, Thurs, Friday and Sunday from 9:30 am - 5 pm with the last rental going out at 4 pm. Saturdays the hours are 8 am to 7 pm with last rental going out at 6 pm.
- Boat rental is first-come, first-served. We do NOT take reservations for boat rental.
- A life jacket is included in your rental but if you have your own, please feel free to bring it.
- Parking is available across the street, and just a short walk to the rental facility
- Don’t forget you need a photo ID for rentals
- Prices: Canoes, Single Kayaks, and Row Boats: $10/hour + tax / Paddle Boats: $15/hour + tax
- If you’re bringing in your own boat, please don’t forget to buy a Non-Motorized Launch Permit at the Front Gate for only $5 for the calendar year (motorized - trolling motor $25).
Happy Paddling!
on.IN.gov/ouabachesp

05/22/2026

We hope you spend time with us this holiday weekend. Here are our programs. All are free with paid park entry.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
10 a.m. Bison Feeding
Meet at the Bison Feeding shed to learn about our National Mammal and watch them eat a snack.
11:30 a.m. Fire Tower Climb
Meet at Fire Tower to hear about the 90-foot structure and get the opportunity to climb to the top.
2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Creature Feature: Bison Trivia Hike
Come to the front of the Bison Enclosure to get a self-guided trivia hike from the Naturalist. Come with your questions about all things Bison!

Sunday, May 24, 2026
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Discover Ouabache Scavenger Hunt
Get a scavenger hunt from the Park Office and explore the park for clues. Come back to the Office when you finish your hunt to get a prize.
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Creature Feature: Raccoon Rave
Join the Naturalist in front of the Park Office and learn about raccoons. Come see what these “trash pandas” get up to around our park.

Monday, May 25, 2026 Happy Memorial Day!
Go on a self-guided adventure and learn all about the CCC on a 5.5-mile hike. Pick up brochure for our CCC Challenge Hike at the Park Office.
(Office Hours 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
on.IN.gov/ouabachesp
Photo by Jan Masterson

05/20/2026

This homeschool group from Indy enjoyed a few nights of camping and completed the CCC challenge and earned their stickers! (Mom's are giving a thumbs up in the background)! We appreciate that they were able to learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps and their contribution to our State Parks.
Learn more at: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/cultural-resources-and-history/the-new-deal-and-indiana-state-parks/