Sunday was a beautiful day to get outdoors and enjoy a statewide special at Ouabache State Park.
On May 1, the entrance fees for Indiana Department of Natural Resources properties were waived. I saw several families enjoying the mild weather alongside my son and I. It had been awhile since we’ve made the trek that far east of the city, although we often like to drive up and down River Road to see the river.
He was amazed by the bison, nearly all of which were hanging out by the enclosure fence nearest the fire tower, but was even more amazed by all the rain puddles left behind after Saturday’s storm. (Typical toddler.)
We agreed he wasn’t quite ready to try to climb the fire tower — and there was no way I was carrying him — but we watched others make the journey up and down. Many minutes were spent at the playground between Kunkle Lake and the tower, just people watching as they hit the trails or tried their luck at catching fish.
When Doug Brown and I take potential employees who are in town for a visit on a tour of the community, we often highlight the state park. I believe it’s the county’s best kept “secret.” But are there other locals who sometimes forget we have it, or is it just me? I’m trying to do better about visiting. It really is a gem that brings people in from all over.
I think the newest branding materials for the county capitalize on our “secret.” The cover is a photo of a big furry resident of Ouabache. I heard someone say after the tourism guide was released, “I didn’t know Wells County was known for bison.”
My son and I agreed to return to the park more often. I told him I liked the smell of fresh air in the great outdoors. He sniffed the air in dramatic toddler fashion and agreed; he liked it too.
Thanks, DNR, for the special day. It was memorable.
jessica@news-banner.com
