Most people don’t think that a trip to a state park could end up with them spending the day as a farmer feeding chickens and collecting eggs, but that’s exactly what happened when I arrived at The Farm at Prophetstown. The Farm is just one part that makes Prophetstown State Park unique. Check out the list below to find something for you and your family!
Purdue University Student, Abigale Smith, shares this blog. This blog is part of a series of articles submitted to Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette through a cooperation with a 400-level travel writing class at Purdue University.
1. Visit The Farm at Prophetstown
Take a trip back to 1920s farm life at The Farm at Prophetstown, where you can learn how crops were harvested, help with animal chores, and explore the Gibson House, a replica 1920s farmhouse complete with original amenities. There are countless unique hands-on experiences to get involved in that make farm life a memorable part of this visit for everyone. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in barn chores every morning and afternoon, as well as encounter a variety of animals, including chickens, sheep, donkeys, horses, pigs, and ducks.
Be sure to visit the barn to see original machinery used for harvesting crops, stop by the Gibson House to discover what kitchens looked like before modern appliances, and check out the Blacksmith shop to learn how many of the farm’s tools were made. Throughout the year, The Farm hosts a series of educational and fun events to involve the community and provide opportunities for visitors to experience 1920s farm life.
2. Go Camping
If you’re looking to get away for a weekend while still being close to home, come check out the campgrounds. This park has 110 modern campsites, including electric and full-hookup options, making it available for those in tents, campers, and RVs. The sites are also all ADA approved, making this park comfortable and accessible for all!
Every September, longtime campground hosts Brent and Sally Burkhalter return to Prophetstown to welcome guests and clean the campground and park. Throughout their 11 years, they’ve thoroughly enjoyed building a mini community among campers and love being able to spend their retirement here in this beautiful park. You can find them at the first site in the campground, so feel free to stop by to buy firewood, ask any questions, or even just strike up a conversation.
Camp etiquette is very important at Prophetstown to ensure a positive, safe atmosphere for everyone. Quiet hours are observed every night, and campers are allowed to stay for up to 14 consecutive days before they must leave for two days before returning. Whether you’re an experienced camper or this is your first time, Prophetstown is a great place for your next adventure.
3. Hit the Trails
The trails at Prophetstown are a great way to experience the park’s scenery and enjoy its diverse landscapes. The park is home to four hiking trails, each under four miles and ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. These trails take you through vast prairies, wildflower fields, and beautiful woodlands, as well as including various lookouts to sit and enjoy the view or look for wildlife. Brent Burkhalter said that he and his wife love going out on these trails and birdwatching at the overlooks.
For those seeking an easier, family-friendly option, the park also features a 3.5-mile paved biking and walking trail. This path runs alongside the main road and stretches across the length of the park. Along the way are stops at shelters, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it appealing for families with young children.
4. Participate in Seasonal Activities
At Prophetstown, there are plenty of seasonal events and activities for people of all ages. Phenology Fridays takes place year-round, inviting visitors of all ages and experience to observe and track changes in plants and animal life within the park. In the summer, make sure to cool off at Prophetstown Aquatic Center, where you can find a lazy river, activity pool, tube slide, and more!
In the fall, don’t miss the Annual Trail of Scarecrows, where biking trails are adorned with scarecrows dressed up as anything from gardeners to movie characters! Before planning your visit, be sure to check the calendar of events at the Prophetstown State Park Visitor Center website for any upcoming events!
5. Visit Native American Village
Many people may not know this, but Prophetstown is named after the Prophet Tenskwatawa from the Shawnee Tribe, who founded the village by the Wabash River in 1808. The Prophet Tenskwatawa and his brother Tecumseh built a strong, thriving community that also included trading and meeting with neighboring tribes. They lived there until 1811, when they fell to U.S. Forces at the Battle of Tippecanoe. While the village was destroyed, Prophetstown State Park has reconstructed many central buildings, such as a medicine lodge and a wigwam. You can learn more about the history of the Shawnee people and visit these buildings at the visitor center and the corresponding trails nearby.
So, if you’re wanting to spend the day as a farmer at The Farm or an explorer out in the fields, come check out Prophetstown State Park. With all its unique opportunities, there is something to make your visit memorable for everyone.