Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Indiana
12

Indiana State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Indiana
Western Region
Shades State Park
start slideshow
Shades State Park © Lauren Rogers
Shades State Park © Lauren Rogers
Shades State Park © Lauren Rogers
Shades State Park © Kelsey Tillema
Shades State Park © Kelsey Tillema
Shades State Park © Lauren Rogers
Shades State Park © Lauren Rogers
Shades State Park Valley © Lauren Rogers
Shades State Park © Dale Smith
Shades State Park © Dale Smith
Shades State Park © Dale Smith
Shades State Park © Dale Smith
Shades State Park © Brynn Gibbons
Shades State Park The Devils Punchbowl © Tim A. DeVore
Photographed at Shades State Park on 07/21/2007. This photo has been featured in Weird US, Weird Indiana edition and is the first full page photo in the book.
Shades State Park Eastern Tiger Swallowtail © Tim A. DeVore
Photographed along Sugar Creek at Shades State Park on 07/21/2007.
Shades State Park © NP Treadway
Shades State Park © NP Treadway
Shades State Park Shades © Erin Parker
This photo was taken in September 2008. The photo has not been edited besides the change in size from its original resolution.
Shades State Park Canyon Floor © Joseph Herring
On the canyon section of trail 2, you hike along boulders and past cliffs completely carpeted with moss.
Shades State Park Pearl Ravine © Joseph Herring
Trail 2 winds along the bottom of Pearl Ravine and is very rugged.
Shades State Park Inspiration Point © Joseph Herring
Located on trail 1, the Point affords a a view of Sugar Creek and Canoe Island far below.
Shades State Park Trail © Erin Parker
Shades State Park Shady shot © Erin Parker
Same as another uploaded photo, different shot.
Shades State Park Sugar Creek Bed © Erin Parker
At the trails edge we walked out onto the quite dry sugar creek bed.
Shades State Park © Erin Parker
Shades State Park Serene Stream © Erin Parker
September 2008 Going uphill on the very-rugged trail
Shades State Park © Keisah Shea
Shades State Park © Keisah Shea
Shades State Park Maidenhair Falls © Joseph Herring
An interesting waterfall in a pristine setting, it is located on trail 2.
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
SHADES STATE PARK
SHADES STATE PARK
7751 S 890 W
Waveland, Indiana   47989
(lat:39.9295 lon:-87.0725) map location

Phone: (765) 435-2810
Toll Free: 800-457-8283
Reservations: 765-435-2810
Shades State Park is that peaceful place you've been looking for. Located about 17 miles southwest of Crawfordsville (off S.R. 47), it is a favorite for hikers and canoeists.

The beautiful sandstone cliffs overlooking Sugar Creek and numerous shady ravines provide the backdrop for your journey through this nature lover's paradise.

Adjacent Pine Hills Nature Preserve affords spectacular topography for those willing to take a fairly long hike.
Passes
State park permits can be purchased at any of the state park property locations across Indiana. State park permits can also be ordered online by visiting the INDINIA ENTRANCE FEE web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Sheltersyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Nature Programsyes
CampingPrimitive, #105
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Youth Group Campyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
* Non-Electric / 105 sites * Youth Tent Areas * Dumping Station
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in Sugar Creek, home to smallmouth bass and panfish. Canoeing is also popular for fishers.


Location
Shades State Park is located near Crawfordsville, West Lafayette
Nearby Parks

Picnicking
1. Shades State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills.
2. Picnic shelters are available for larger groups or events.
3. Some picnic spots offer beautiful views of Sugar Creek.
4. Backpack camping includes a carry-in, carry-out picnicking option in the backcountry area.
5. There's no reservation needed for individual family picnics; it's first-come-first-served basis.

Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 100 species, including warblers and woodpeckers. It features several trails for optimal viewing. The Pine Hills Nature Preserve within the park is a popular spot for spotting birds of prey such as hawks and eagles. Birdwatchers are advised to visit during spring or fall migration seasons for best sightings.
Area Attractions
* Picnic areas w/shelters (Shelter Reservations) * Hiking Trails * Fishing * Interpretive Naturalist Services (Seasonal)

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 22 Shades is the place to be!! by Keisa
park review stars; one to five I live in the city (Indianpolis) but when i can i escape to shades. I stumbled upon shades and it was the greatest adventure Id had. Its never to croweded always quiet, and the trails are beautiful! Turkey run isnt to far away and though its quite nice and popular it makes for crowded trails people yelling and no parking. I just love shades. Its my all time favorite!
May 17 STAR GAZING PARADISE
park review stars; one to five WE ARE PLANNING OUT 2012 CAMP TRIP TO SHADE SECOND WEEK IN JUNE. I HOPE OUR FAVORITE SITE IS NOT TAKEN. HOEP THEY GOT LARGER PICNIC TABLES.
January 19 My Escape by Austin L.
park review stars; one to five 10pm in the middle of January and here I am on the Shades website planning my trip(s) this coming summer with butterflies in my stomach. Enough said.
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Nearby Parks

state route ranger badge
Indiana
12

Indiana State Parks

X