There will be a mandatory GPS field lab on Saturday morning (June 14) at Turkey Run State Park. We have reserved a shelter which will serve as a base for all the activities. Lunch will be provided through Marriott Food Service. The afternoon activities are up to the participants. We have chartered a commercial bus and will make use of the three department vans. This will provide for a variety of afternoon activities in Parke County.

Sugar Valley Canoe Trip located across from the Turkey Run State Park Campground.

Trip #1 is a 3 1/2 mile float on Sugar Creek that offers the canoer to see two covered bridges while appreciating the beauty and history of West-Central Indiana. The trip takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours to complete, but the organization allows up to 3 hours for the trip. The trip departs hourly from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick-ups are every 30 minutes. Cost per canoe, which holds 2 persons, is $8. A $5 deposit will be refunded with the return of the canoes. This makes the cost $6.50 per person with $2.50 being refunded at the end of the trip. Reservations are needed so if interested, please contact Vince asap. Common Sense rules for Sugar Valley Canoe Trips, Ltd. include: 1. Wear tennis shoes. 2. Avoid sunburn. 3. Don't litter. Trash bags available at office. 4. Do not trespass on private property. 5. Wear straps on glasses. 6. Don't take keys - check keys in at office. 7. Don't take valuables. 8. Observe laws on alcoholic beverages. 9. Make sure all persons have life preserver before starting trip. 10. Dock at Cox Ford Covered Bridge for pick-up.

Turkey Run State Park

A Little History:
Glacial ice did cover the north portion of the park. As the glacier melted, the debris collected by the moving ice was deposited. Stones of many shapes and sizes were ground against the softer sandstone by the rushing melt-water. This grinding action helped carve the Sugar Creek stream bed as well as many of the canyons of Turkey Run. Remains of these hard rounded stones, called glacial till, may be found in the stream beds today. In the last few hundred years, the erosion of the sandstone has continued at a slower pace. The gorges are very similar to what was seen by Native Americans and pioneers. The Miami Indians walked many of the trails that todays park visitor still use. The last Native American, Johnny Green, is said to have died while fishing from Goose Rock. The early pioneers have left traces of their heritage. The historical Lusk home and mill site are reminders of early enterprise and ambition. Acquiring the land in 1825, Captain Lusk built a grist mill that was completed in 1829. The Lusk's stewardship of the land preserved the pristine nature of the land. The Lieber Cabin, located on Sunset Point, was built in 1848. It was moved to Turkey Run by Richard Lieber in 1918. The cabin commemorates Lieber's contributions to Indiana State Parks. The log church acroos the concrete bridgs near the inn was originally constructed in 1871. It was moved to the park and re-dedicated in 1923. It stands as a reminder of the religious heritage left by our forefathers.

Visiting a local winery

I am checking on the possibility of visiting Terre Vin Winery in the afternoon. The proprietor's told me that they would be happy to offer a special tour for us, as the winery does not usually have visitors. Much of the wine that is made in Rockville is sold in Terre Haute at a retail store located in the Honey Creek Square Mall.

Parke County Covered Bridge tour

Parke County, Indiana is known as the Covered Bridge Capital. Nearly forty historical covered bridges are still standing around the county. There are many self-guided tours available.

Visiting the Antique & Craft Amish Markets

Annual festival held in Rockville.