PARK HISTORY

The first parcel of Turkey Run State Park's 2,382 acres was purchased during our State's centennial in 1916 when the State Park system was first established. Turkey Run is Indiana's second state park.

There are many legends about how Turkey Run got its name. One story says that wild turkeys, finding it warmer in the canyon bottoms, or "runs", would often huddle in these runs to avoid the cold. Pioneer hunters would herd the turkeys through these natural funnels into a central location for an easy harvest. Since historic accounts suggest that large numbers of turkeys lived here, it follows that turkeys in the runs prompted the area's name, Turkey Run.

The early pioneers have left traces of their heritage. Find out more about the historic sites at Turkey Run State Park.