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
27

Indiana State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Indiana
Region
Prophetstown State Park
Cardinal © stateparks.com
Cardinal
Campfire and Hotdogs © stateparks.com
Roasting hot dogs over an open fire.
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
PROPHETSTOWN STATE PARK
PROPHETSTOWN STATE PARK
5545 Swisher Rd
West Lafayette, Indiana   47906
(lat:40.5027 lon:-86.8321) map location

Phone: (765) 567-4919
Located where the Tippecanoe River meets the Wabash near Battle Ground, Indiana, the park's landscape has been shaped by ice from the glaciers, moving water, fire that helped maintain the vast tallgrass prairie and human hands. Native Americans hunted and lived along the two rivers for thousands of years. French trappers and traders found the land teeming with wildlife, and European farmers discovered that the rich, deep prairie soils grew healthy corn and wheat.

Through our unique partnership with Historic Prophetstown, visitors can discover 1920s farm lifestyles and take a stroll through a restored prairie. We are restoring native habitats at Prophetstown, such as wetlands, wet slopes called fens, prairie and open woodlands. We are creating places for you to enjoy the outdoors, with camping, hiking, birding and biking sure to top the list in the months to come.
History of the Area
The park is named for a Native American village located between the rivers established by Tecumseh, who was Shawnee, and his brother Tenskwatawa (The Prophet) in 1808. Tecumseh led his band there from Ohio, where pressure from white settlers had forced him to leave. Tecumseh believed the only way to repel the advance of European settlement was to form an alliance with other tribes. He traveled widely persuading tribes to join his coalition. Over 14 tribes set aside centuries old disputes to stop their common enemy. They met at Prophetstown, and heard The Prophet speak. Tecumseh anticipated their sheer numbers would be enough to stop the westward settlement.

William Henry Harrison, the governor of the Indiana Territory, was alarmed by the numbers at Prophetstown and moved 1200 troops to the site while Tecumseh was south gathering additional support. Wanting to avoid a fight, yet fearing an attack, The Prophet decided to strike first in the early morning hours of November 7, 1811. The battle lasted two hours. As darkness faded, the villagers withdrew through the marsh back to Prophetstown and then fled to Wildcat Creek. Harrison's men burned Prophetstown to the ground.
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
 Swimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
* Full Hook-up: 55 sites * Electric: 55 sites * Dumping Station


Location
Prophetstown State Park is located near Lafayette, West Lafayette and West Lafayette

Picnicking
Prophetstown State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills, perfect for family gatherings. Some spots have shelter houses available.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy a 3.5-mile paved trail, suitable for all skill levels. Be aware of pedestrians and wildlife.

The park's terrain is mostly flat, making it ideal for leisurely rides or family outings on bikes.

Remember to bring your own bike as rentals are not available within the premises.

Night biking isn't allowed due to safety reasons; ensure you finish before dusk sets in.

Always wear helmets while cycling and follow posted rules strictly for everyone's well-being.

In winter months, trails may be icy or snow-covered so exercise caution when riding during these times.
Birding
The park offers birding opportunities with over 180 species spotted, including rare ones like Henslow's Sparrow. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats such as prairies and wetlands. The park also provides a checklist for enthusiasts.
Area Attractions
* Shelters (Shelter Reservations) * Hiking Trails * Bicycle Trail * Camping * Interpretive Naturalist Services (seasonal)

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 19 Excellent Park and facilities
park review stars; one to five
June 16 Became one of our favorite parks by Camper
park review stars; one to five First visit to this park and it was very enjoyable. The camp sites were very spacious and all ammenities were close by. Lots to do in surrounding areas also.
February 15 A great place for a park by Don
park review stars; one to five Glad to see a very good park in this area. I do hope that the area at the river junction can be developed somehow at some time. Until then keep up the good work. Don
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Wolfe's Leisure Time Campground
7414 State Road 25 North
Lafayette, IN
765-589-8089
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Take I-65 to exit number 178 which is SR 43 Go SOUTH on SR 43 (away from the park---trust me this is correct) for a very short distance and then turn LEFT onto Burnett Rd. Burnett Road will "T" into 9th St. Go right on 9th St. to Swisher Road which will be a HARD left immediately after the Veterinary Office. Once on Swisher Road you will cross back under the Interstate and find the Park Gatehouse directly ahead.

state route ranger badge
Indiana
27

Indiana State Parks

X