McCormick's Creek State Park is a jewel in south central Indiana

I wish I had a photograph of this lush, green Indiana State Park. Alas, but no - how did that happen? Below is a trail map of sorts with the park's highlights.

Perhaps if you live near Bloomington you know of this quaint park, surprisingly not far off an exit on Interstate 70 south of Indianapolis. Along the confluence of the White River and McCormick's Creek, beautiful canyons and ravines provide great hiking trails, camping and exploring in this diverse state park. The wonderful, old Canyon Inn houses lodging, a restaurant, outdoor handball courts, tennis courts, and a pool. A saddle barn offers trail rides and haywagon rides. And a nature center provides exhibits, bird watching, and naturalist-led activities.

Before white explorers found the spot, Miami Indians hunted and fished along these rugged banks. In 1816, the homesteader John McCormick claimed 100 acres and tried to settle in with lumbering, hunting and farming. In 1888, a physician purchased part of the homestead and made it a 'sanatarium,' a place for people to get well. In 1914, the deceased doctor's estate went for auction and was purchased by the state of Indiana.

So, in 1916, McCormick's Creek State Park was dedicated as Indiana's first state park. The peaceful Canyon Inn is situated on the site of the original sanatarium. We stayed there, ate, and walked down the trails to the creek from the lodge. It's peaceful, verdant, relaxing. We found a pair of abandoned trail shoes that we still own - don't know what happened to the owners. The newish kicks were too good to pass up and leave on the rocks.

We also took advantage of the saddle barn. Guides took us on a group trail ride through the forest, something I think is a great opportunity in a public state park. I loved walking and trotting the horses along the fragrant trails, seeing ferns and flowers, birds and squirrels. It made me very happy. Go find yourself some beauty outside when the weather will allow. Indiana is lovely - don't let any foolish television shows make you think otherwise. I recommend stopping here, especially for all my Hoosier and Illini friends.