Ouabache State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Roush Park Lehman Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ouabache State Park, located in northeastern Indiana, covers over 1,100 acres of land and features a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
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Summary
Some of the main reasons to visit the park include its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance.
One of the most popular activities at Ouabache State Park is hiking, with several trails winding through the park's wooded areas and along the Wabash River. In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife watching. The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered species.
Some of the specific points of interest to see at Ouabache State Park include the campground, which features modern facilities and amenities; the Nature Center, which offers educational programs and exhibits about the park's history and ecosystem; and the historic Hominy Ridge Lodge, which was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is now available for group rentals.
Interesting facts about Ouabache State Park include its name, which is derived from the French word for "Wabash," and its status as the site of several important Native American settlements in the region. The park is also known for its diverse bird population, with over 200 species having been spotted in the area.
The best time of year to visit Ouabache State Park depends on the activities and attractions that visitors are interested in. Spring and summer are popular times for hiking and boating, while fall is a great time to see the park's colorful foliage. Winter offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Roush Park
Lehman Park
Hanna City Park