- Ouabache State Park Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Description
Ouabache State Park, pronounced O-bah-chee, is located along the Wabash River near Bluffton. Originally operated as Wells County State Forest and Game Preserve in the early 1930s, the park was once considered the “Greatest Wildlife Laboratory in the United States” for its raising of pheasant, quail, raccoon, and rabbit. Through the efforts of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and the WPA (Works Progress Administration), the area was developed for wildlife management, forestry demonstration, and recreation.
Kunkel Lake offers excellent fishing. During the summer months, a naturalist will provide information about the natural wonders of the park. A lodge recreation building is ideal for special gatherings and is now available all year.
During the summer, beach hours may change because of weather and staffing. Please contact the property office for exact times before your visit.
- Activities
- Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Services (seasonal)
- Bison Exhibit—A 20-acre exhibit consisting of American bison in a natural setting
- Picnicking/Shelters
(Shelter Reservations) - Picnic Tables
- Fishing / Boating
- Hiking Trails
- Paved Bicycle Trail
- Swimming beach. Check office for hours.
- Tennis Courts
- Basketball Courts
- Volleyball Court
- Playgrounds
Camping - See campground maps under MAPS tab
- Electric
- Youth Tent
- Dumping Station
INFORMATION
- Description of Hiking Trails
Note: For trail locations, view the property map under the MAPS tab.
1. EASY (1 mile)—Circles wildlife exhibit, starting at exhibit parking lot.
2. EASY (1.5 miles)—Begins at north end of campground. Winds north through pine plantation, then south along tennis & basketball courts and back east to campground.
3. EASY (1.5 miles)—Begins at north end of campground, travels east through magnificent stand of oak and hickory, passes a woodland marsh, and winds back to the point of origin.
4. MODERATE (3 miles)—Begins at wildlife exhibit, branches north through heavy pine plantations, then west through more pines, hawthorn, etc., and back east along the southern edge of Kunkel Lake to the point of origin.
5. MODERATE (6 miles)—The “Ouabache Trail” begins at the wildlife exhibit and circles the entire property, using portions of all trails. Trail 5 may be started and finished at any trail entrance. The trail will take you through virtually all types of trees and terrain available in the area. Several interesting footbridges dot the trail.
PLEASE STAY ON MARKED TRAILS.
- Maps
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