PROPHETSTOWN STATE PARK

This is one of my favorite hikes because I can imagine what Indiana prairies felt and looked like in the wintertime in pioneer Indiana. Located where the Tippecanoe and Wabash Rivers join near the town of Battle Ground, northeast of Lafayette, Native American people hunted and lived along the two rivers for thousands of years. Partly wooded and partly prairie, this hike can be cold and windy. We will likely see a nesting Bald Eagle in its usual spot near the rivers. Allow 1 1/4 hours from I-465 and I-65 NW. Take I-65 north to Exit 178, IN-43 West Lafayette/Brookston. Your GPS should get you there. Otherwise, turn left on IN-43 S/N River Road. Turn left on Burnetts Rd. Turn right on N 9th St. Turn left on Swisher Rd and drive 2 1/2 miles to the gatehouse at 5545 Swisher Rd., West Lafayette (fee). Meet at Blazing Star Shelter in Prairie View picnic area (restrooms available in winter) for a leisurely 5-mile hike., on mostly flat natural terrain. Join us for a great lunch afterwards (pay your own) at the classic Triple XXX Family Restaurant near Purdue, a very short drive away in West Lafayette. Leader: John Schlechte (317-294-2021 cell)
Meetup guests are always welcome and there is no fee to hike with us but please no pets. Meetup attendees will be joined by members of the Indianapolis Hiking Club who do not have to sign up for the hike on Meetup. Expect to start promptly at 9:30 so don't be late.