Whitewater Memorial State Park
🏛️ Indiana’s War Memorial on the Water — Dedicated to Indiana veterans, a 200-acre electric-trolling-only lake, partnered with the 5,260-acre Brookville Lake, 50+ miles of trails, guided horseback rides, fossil-rich Ordovician geology, cabins, swimming beach, and a gateway to the historic Whitewater Canal and Metamora
In the rolling Ordovician limestone hills of eastern Indiana’s Whitewater River Valley — where ancient fossil beds lie exposed in creek cuts and the countryside looks more like Kentucky than the flat Midwest — Whitewater Memorial State Park was established in 1949 as a living memorial to the men and women of Indiana who served in World War II. The park’s 1,710 acres encompass a 200-acre lake restricted to electric trolling motors only (creating a silent, wildlife-rich paddling experience), diverse forests rich in wildflowers and migrant warblers, and a trail system that connects to the massive Brookville Lake complex next door — together creating one of the most extensive outdoor recreation corridors in eastern Indiana.
What elevates Whitewater Memorial beyond a standard state park is its context within the Whitewater River Valley — a region saturated with history and outdoor adventure. Minutes away, the Whitewater Canal Historic Site in Metamora offers horse-drawn canal boat rides along a restored 1800s canal, a working grist mill, and a Main Street lined with artisan shops. The Whitewater Valley Railroad provides scenic train rides through the valley. And the Whitewater River itself offers some of the best canoe and kayak water in Indiana. The state park is the basecamp for all of it.
Whitewater Lake
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 200 acres |
| Motor Policy | Electric trolling motors ONLY — no gas motors |
| Boat Rentals | Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats (seasonal) |
| Swimming Beach | Open Memorial Day – Labor Day |
| Fishing | Bass, bluegill, catfish, panfish |
Brookville Lake Complex
Adjacent to the state park, Brookville Lake adds 5,260 acres of unlimited-horsepower water and additional recreation areas:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 5,260 acres |
| Motor Policy | Unlimited horsepower |
| Recreation Areas | Mounds SRA, Quakertown SRA |
| Beaches | Swimming beaches at both SRAs |
| Camping | Full-hookup sites at Mounds SRA |
Trails — 50+ Miles
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Loop | 2.5 miles | Moderate | Lakeside walk, memorial markers |
| Veterans Vista Loop | 2.0 miles | Moderate | Ridge views, hardwood forest |
| Red Springs Loop | 1.2 miles | Easy | Springs, wildflowers |
| Cattail Alley | 1.0 mile | Easy | Wetland boardwalk |
| Brookville Lake Trails | 40+ miles | Easy-Strenuous | Wolf Creek, Adena Trace, extended system |
| Bridle Trails | 9 miles | Moderate | Guided rides available from saddle barn |
Camping and Cabins
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Electric Sites | Standard electric campsites |
| Non-Electric | Primitive tent sites |
| Horseman’s Camp | Electric and primitive equestrian sites |
| Youth Tent Areas | For organized groups |
| Cabins | Modern family cabins — year-round, bring linens, max 6 guests |
Geology: Ordovician Fossils
The Whitewater River Valley sits on Ordovician-age limestone and shale — roughly 450 million years old. The region is famous for its exposed fossil beds, where visitors can find trilobites, brachiopods, bryozoans, and crinoid stems in creek beds and road cuts. While collecting on state park land is restricted, the surrounding valley is one of Indiana’s premier fossil-hunting regions.
Whitewater Valley — Beyond the Park
- Whitewater Canal Historic Site (Metamora): Horse-drawn canal boat rides, working grist mill, artisan shops
- Whitewater Valley Railroad: Scenic train rides between Connersville and Metamora
- Whitewater River: Canoeing, kayaking, tubing, trout fishing (local outfitters)
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1418 S. State Rd 101, Liberty, IN 47353 |
| Hours | 7 AM – 11 PM, year-round |
| Entrance Fee | Indiana vehicle pass ($7 in-state / $9 out-of-state / $50 annual) |
Getting There
- From Indianapolis: 65 miles east (~1 hour 15 minutes)
- From Cincinnati: 50 miles northwest (~1 hour)
- From Dayton, OH: 40 miles west (~50 minutes)
Why is it called Whitewater Memorial State Park?
Whitewater Memorial State Park was established in 1949 as a living memorial to Indiana’s World War II veterans. The “Memorial” designation reflects its founding purpose — to honor the service and sacrifice of Hoosier men and women who served during the war. The “Whitewater” refers to its location in the Whitewater River Valley, one of Indiana’s most scenic and historically rich regions.
Can you use a motorboat on Whitewater Lake?
Electric trolling motors only. The 200-acre Whitewater Lake restricts all boats to electric trolling motors — no gas-powered engines are permitted. This creates a quiet, wildlife-friendly paddling and fishing experience. For unlimited-horsepower boating, the adjacent Brookville Lake (5,260 acres) allows all watercraft and is accessible via multiple ramps within the greater recreation complex.
Insider Tips
Horseback riding: Whitewater Memorial features Indiana’s premier equestrian trail system — miles of dedicated horse trails through rolling hills. Pro tip: The park’s Brookville Lake access adds water sports. History: The park was dedicated as a living memorial to Wayne County veterans of World War II.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Horseback riding through foliage. Summer: Lake swimming and camping. Spring: Wildflowers. Winter: Cross-country skiing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my horse to Whitewater Memorial?
Yes. Whitewater Memorial has one of Indiana’s best equestrian facilities with dedicated horse trails, horse campgrounds with corrals, and well-maintained paths through diverse terrain. Horses are restricted to designated equestrian trails to protect other areas.
Park Location
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