Mccormicks Creek State Park

Open — The campground is closed indefinitely due to tornado damage from March 31, 2023. The park itself, nature center, Canyon Inn, cabins, and some trails remain open year-round.

About

McCormick's Creek State Park holds the distinction of being Indiana's first state park, offering visitors a chance to explore spectacular limestone canyons, flowing creeks, and scenic waterfalls. The park features diverse forest ecosystems with native wildflowers, spicebush, and mature hardwoods. Historic features include a Civilian Conservation Corps fire tower, stone arch bridge, and the Old State House Quarry, which furnished limestone for the Indianapolis State Capitol building. The park offers approximately 3.7 miles of open hiking trails ranging from accessible paved paths to rugged canyon trails. Trail highlights include Wolf Cave Nature Preserve, McCormick's Cove Nature Preserve, and Echo Canyon with ADA-accessible overlooks. The nature center is open Thursday through Monday, and Canyon Inn provides dining and lodging for visitors. Additional amenities include an Olympic-sized pool open weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day, picnic shelters, and family cabins. On March 31, 2023, an F3 tornado caused extensive damage to the park. While the main park, nature center, Canyon Inn, cabins, and some trails have reopened, the campground remains closed indefinitely as cleanup and recovery efforts continue. Many trails also remain closed due to ongoing restoration work.

Directions

From the north: I-70 or SR 67 south to US 231 south to Spencer. At intersection of US 231 and SR 46, take SR 46 east about 2 miles to entrance. From the south: SR 37 north to SR 46 west, about 7 miles west of Ellettsville to entrance. From the east: SR 46 west through Ellettsville, about 7 miles to entrance. From the west: SR 46 east through Spencer continuing to entrance.

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