Posted in Indiana Nature April 12, 2022by Tori Jane

Snuggled about 17 miles outside of Crawfordsville, Indiana, is a little state park that if you ask us does NOT get the attention it deserves. You might recognize it; weve covered hiking trails at this particular state park a few times before. But the park itself is absolutely worthy of a look, too, and once you see these photos well you just might find yourself needing to pay a visit to Shades State Park in Indiana.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.

Indiana isn't exactly known for its rainforest vibes - it is, after all, one of the states that makes up the American Midwest - but Shades State Park is a place that feels like a rainforest SO much more than it feels like Indiana.

You'll feel like you've traveled to some mysterious, far-away destination somewhere in, say, Middle Earth, as opposed to Waveland, Indiana.

Be sure to wear your good hiking boots, though, especially if you do end up coming after a rain event; the trails can be quite muddy at times, and you'll need to cross some streams and ravines a few times depending on which trail you choose.

You'll meander within small gorges created by a winding ravine. You'll climb ladders, and scale boulders. You'll feel like you're somewhere exotic and wild.

More than 15 million visitors enjoy Indiana's state parks every year, but only a small portion of those folks ever come to Shades. Maybe it's because the park was once known as "Shades of Death" park, because that's the only reason we can think of as to why folks wouldn't be clambering to come see this paradise within our own backyards.

But, we digress. Shades State Park in Indiana is the ultimate warm-weather getaway destination if you prefer to tolerate fewer crowds than more popular state parks will attract.

Be sure to explore many more of Indianas hiking trails while youre here and if you live here, well, theres just no excuse: you gotta get out and enjoy this amazing state for all its got.

What are your favorite state parks to visit in Indiana? Tell us about your picks in the comments!

Address: 7751 S 890 W, Waveland, IN 47989, USA

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Shades State Park Is An Otherworldly Destination In West-Central Indiana - Only In Your State