Unique limestone formations and scenic waterfalls are some of the beautiful highlights at Indiana's first state park, McCormick's Creek. You'll find this park along the White River, 14 miles northwest of Bloomington.

Hike through the thick wooded area or roam leisurely through the magnificent canyon surrounded by high cliffs. You'll notice the well-manicured grounds which were planted by the original owner and are being preserved to sustain the tranquil environment he created.

The turning point in the McCormick's Creek history came in 1888 when part of the area was purchased by Frederick Denkewalter, a physician who was interested in the scenic and restful qualities of the site. Dr. Denkewalter felt the tranquil peace of the canyon and its surrounding cliffs would be the perfect location to build a sanitarium, a place for the wealthy and the weary to 'get away from it all' and recuperate. The original sanitarium, built on the present-day Canyon Inn site, was a white-sided structure with long porches on every side. It offered guests plenty of access to the loveliness of the well-landscaped grounds where Denkewalter delighted in planting a variety of trees and shrubs. Meanwhile, local residents continued to picnic and hike along the canyon, making the spot a favorite of everyone for rest and relaxation.

With the death of Dr. Denkewalter in 1914, his estate went up for sale at a land auction. Both Owen County and the State of Indiana were interested in maintaining McCormick's Creek in its park-like setting, and so the land was purchased. McCormick's Creek State Park was dedicated as Indiana's first state park on July 4, 1916, as part of the state's centennial celebration.

Canyon Inn opened its doors in the old sanitarium building. A few years later in the early 1920's, the building was remodeled and new brick siding was added. Subsequent changes have brought new wings, a banquet room, swimming pool and recreation center, but the Inn today still rests on the original foundations of the Denkewalter sanitarium.

* Electric / 189 sites * Primitive / 32 sites * Group Camping * Youth Tent Areas * Dumping Station * Camp Store

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