![Escape the Crowds at Indiana’s Best-Kept Secret: Shades State Park](http://townsquare.media/site/71/files/2023/05/attachment-346079758_6183542961721441_7869228067649727889_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Escape the Crowds at Indiana’s Best-Kept Secret: Shades State Park
Discover the hidden charm and serenity of this lesser-known state park.
![WBKR-FM logo](https://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/WBKRFM.png?w=100)
Parke County, Indiana
Parke County, Indiana is home to the annual Covered Bridge Festival that thousands attend every year. The county is also known as the covered bridge capital of the world as 31 covered bridges sit within the Parke County lines. Not only is Parke County known for its beautiful covered bridges, it's also known for being home to Turkey Run State Park which is well known for its inn, cabins, and campgrounds, however have you ever heard of Turkey Run State Park's little brother?
Shades State Park
Located only 5 miles away from Turkey Run State Park sits a lesser known state park, Shades State Park. According to Parke County, Shades State park has been called the "less Popular little brother" to Turkey Run State Park. However, if you want more adventure, Parke County says Shades State Park is where you want to visit!
Shades State Park is said to be a more serene place to visit because it doesn't get nearly the amount of visitors every year that it's "big brother" Turkey Run State Park gets. However, what it misses in crowds, it more than makes up for with it's scenery.
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.
Steep sandstone cliffs within the park were formed when Indiana was covered by ocean hundreds of millions of years ago. Fossils can be found on the nearby sandbars.
Sugar Creek, which runs through the park, is too unsafe for swimming, but canoeing is available
If Shades State Park sounds like a place you want to explore, you can learn more about it, here.
State Parks Near the Tri-State You Have to Check Out
More From WBKR-FM
![Book Your Airplane and Helicopter Rides for the 2024 Owensboro Air Show](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-airplane-wow.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Popular ‘Summer Fest’ Returns to Owensboro, KY with Fun Changes](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-10-PER-FAMILY.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Local Hero: Dale Nash Wins ‘She Thinks Her Firefighters Sexy’ Contest](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design530.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Kentucky Man Shares His Life-Changing ‘Olympic’ Experience in Greece](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-141.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Score Big Savings: Must-Visit Yard Sales & Garage Sales This Weekend | 7/26 – 7/27](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-726-727.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Whitesville, KY Blood Drive Will Benefit Boy Injured in ATV Crash](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-BRAXTONSTRONG.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Did You Know Kentucky is Home to the World’s Largest Free-Swinging Bell?](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design96.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Remembering Dakota Rager: Memorial Poker Run Returns to Muhlenberg County, Kentucky](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/06/attachment-Untitled-design485.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![RENT Fans! The Stars of the Original Broadway Cast are Coming to Jasper, IN](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-1343069418.jpg?w=980&q=75)