Shades State Park: The Yosemite of Indiana

I pulled into the Shades State Park parking lot just after 7 a.m. on a lovely summer morning. It had been downpouring all day the day before, so the air was cool and humid as we got out of the car in the Hickory parking lot.

We’d stayed about 50 miles east on the outskirts of Indianapolis the night before. Given the proximity to a major metropolitan area, I was surprised to be the only car in the parking lot. My wife and I were on a road trip across the country and had planned a series of awesome stops along the way. Hiking in Shades State Park was one of them.

When most people think of Indiana, a few things come to mind: corn, basketball, and more corn. Well, let me assure you that the Hoosier State has plenty for those looking to spend some time outdoors.

We had planned on hiking through some ravines that I’d read online require the use of ladders here and there. They looked amazing. Think again: The trails 4 and 5, the ones we’d planned on hiking, were closed for maintenance.

Entering the the “Shades of Death”

After a quick look at a map, Devil’s Punchbowl or Trail Number 1 sounded too cool not to hike. The trail was a little less than a mile loop.

“You are entering an area that was known as the Shades of Death long before it became Shades State Park.” An ominous park sign warned. It explained some of the legends and lore of the “Shades of Death” area.

No one knows for sure how the Shades of Death earned its name. Folk tales passed down over generations offer several ways it came to be. There are whispers of tremendous Indian battles taking place here between warring. It is known that a Piankashaw Miami village was here at some point, and Shawnee and Kickapoo bands were also in the immediate area.

Or perhaps it was from superstitious early settlers when the area was a wild frontier. The towering hemlocks and dense surrounding forest soaring above the deep sandstone gorges cast moody shadows and blocked out most direct sunlight.

Murder in the Shades of Death

There are three murders known to have been committed within the boundaries of the park during the 1800’s. In 1836, the wife of Moses Rush killed him with an axe. She was later acquitted on the grounds of self-defense. In 1965, a double murder happened. Milton Wineland gunned down his father and cousin over an argument for an inheritance. Wineland was later killed trying to flee down the Wabash River.

I won’t speculate on which seems most likely; I hope they are all true. However, it does seem to reason that pious settlers gave Devil’s Punchbowl its name. After a short boardwalk, this hike started here. A steep set of stairs dropped us directly into a ravine creek bed.

Exploring the Devil's Punchbowl in Shades State Park.

Hiking Devil’s Punchbowl Trail

We started down the ravine. The trail was not clearly defined, and we skipped around, trying to avoid getting our shoes wet. “This is absolutely incredible,” I said to my wife. “I was definitely not expecting this!” “I know, right? I am so happy we stopped here.” She responded excitedly. It was noticeably cooler in the gorge, and the flowing stream was amplified by the neon green moss-covered sandstone walls, which grew more prominent the further we descended. After taking our time through the canyon, we came to another very steep set of stairs leading out of the ravine at the top of Silver Cascade Falls. We could not get a great view of the falls, but what we could see was stunning.

Inspiration and Prospect Points

After climbing out of the ravine, he came to Inspiration and Prospect Points, which feature incredible views from high above Sugar Creek. The view at Prospect Point was particularly lovely, so we decided to take a short break and enjoy it. Afterward, we looped back towards the parking lot through a dense forest hiding songbirds singing.

Shades State Park History

Shades State Park is steeped in history. The Shades of Death moniker was dropped as the area attracted more tourists. At one point, the area featured a 40-room resort called “The Yosemite of Indiana.” A 1937 flier said Shades is a “veritable, though miniature, paradise presenting some of the finest scenery in the state. It is Nature’s unadorned masterpiece fascinating the visitor with its wonderful rock formation(s), its rippling cascades, its quiet, somber gorges.”

It would become Indiana’s 15th state park in 1948. 10,000 people attended its dedication. Then Governor Ralph F. Gates said, “We are at the beginning of creating a recreation area that will be known as the ‘Yellowstone of the Midwest.’” Decades later, Shades State Park is mainly unknown to those outside Indiana. That said, if you live nearby or are passing through the area, make sure to make time for Shades of Death… excuse me, Shades State Park. The scenery is nothing short of outstanding.

Things to Consider

Where is Shades State Park

Shades State Park is located roughly 60 miles west of Indianapolis.

One hour from Terre Haute, Indiana.

3:30 from St. Louis

How much time do you need to visit Shades State Park

It’s entirely up to you. We spent about 2 hours there but could have easily spent more than a day.

Is Shades State Park worth visiting?

110 percent YES! This place was special. It’s off the radar of most people and seriously beautiful! We enjoyed our time and can’t wait to visit again.

When is the best time to visit the park?

Generally speaking, from the spring through the fall. Spring brings neon green leaf sprouts and wildflowers. The summer can be muggy, but don’t let that stop you. We visited right in the middle of summer and had a blast! I would like to visit in the fall when the leaves change colors.