Northwest Indiana Birding Opportunities - Tippecanoe River State Park
With well over 90% of northwest Indiana consisting of urban areas and farmland, Tippecanoe River State Park serves as an oasis for birds and other wildlife. A diversity of ecological communities attracts a variety of species.
Much of the property is wooded, including dry sandhills and river bottoms. In the northwest section of the property, Sand Hill Nature Preserve protects a small oak savanna. Eastern Whip-poor-wills can sometimes be heard in the summer near the rental cabins and around the Tepicon Recreation Building. Observation decks located in the River Picnic Area are good locations to scan for waterfowl, herons and other wetland species. The park also has a small, shallow lake, another good spot to find water-related birds.
The Tippecanoe River borders the property for seven miles on the east side; a canoe or kayak trip in the right conditions provides a unique birding experience, including waterfowl, herons, and nesting passerines. The summer-only nature center in the River Picnic Area features a feeder station, and is a good place to get a map and other information.
eBird Hotspot Link:
ebird.org/hotspot/L3172456
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Address:
4200 N US Highway 35
Winamac, IN 46996
Three miles north of Winamac on Highway 35
Hours: The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Ownership: Indiana DNR, Division of State Parks
Admission: Indiana State Park entrance fees apply. $7 in-state vehicles, $15 out-of-state vehicles. No gate fees on certain off-season days.
Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations that occur at state parks. For details, go to in.gov/dnr/state-parks/property-rules-and-regulations.
Parking: Parking is available on the east side of the waterfowl area/lake, in the River Picnic Area, near the park’s fire tower, at the Tepicon Recreation Building, and in several other locations throughout the park.
Nearby Amenities: Vault toilets are available throughout the park. Modern restrooms are available at the property office. Winamac (about 3 miles south) has restaurants and gas. Lodging is available in Rochester (about 30 miles east). Overnight options on site include rent-a-camp cabins and electric and primitive campsites.
Accessibility: A short, paved riverfront path with benches and an overlook provides the easiest access. Tippecanoe River State Park has an accessible waterfowl overlook. An accessible parking lot for this overlook is available at the Walnut Picnic Area with a paved walk leading to the overlook deck. The rest of the trail network is soft surface, with some stairs and natural grades.
Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/tippecanoe-river-state-park
Phone Number: (574) 946-3213
Written by: Vern Gillum
Photo by: Ryan Sanderson