Indiana

There’s a lot to explore at this underrated Indiana park

January 20, 2023
Stanley Reyes



Posted in Indiana
hiking, nature January 19, 2023
by Trent Jonas


Richmond’s Whitewater Valley Gorge Park may be small — it’s only about 100 acres — but it’s an underrated park in Indiana. The narrow park follows a branch of the Whitewater River, which meanders through the city. And it has a lot to offer in terms of human and natural history.

Whitewater Valley Gorge Park includes a smaller park, a few historic sites, and a trail that follows the three-and-a-half-mile gorge of the river of the same name.
Ranging in length from 200 to 300 feet wide and 50 to 80 feet deep, the canyon reveals up to half a billion years of natural history in its strata.

In the center of the park are the historic ruins of the Starr-Gennett Building.

The building once housed the maker of Starr pianos along with its recording division, Gennett Records. Today you can explore the building or rent it for an event.

Near the factory is Veteran’s Memorial Park, which honors the area’s servicemen and women. At the north end of Veteran’s Memorial Park, an old swing bridge spans the river.

From the bridge you can see the remains of a dam that is no longer in use. But it creates an interesting feature on the river for park users to admire.

Did we mention the bridge is old? While probably safe, it’s not for the faint of heart who prefer little to no movement in elevated spans over water.
Along the gorge, and particularly in the piles of rubble scattered throughout the park, you will find fossils from the ancient sea that once covered the area that is now Richmond. Naturally, this makes fossil hunting a popular activity in the park.

Groups regularly conduct fossil hunting tours in the park. It’s an excellent way to learn about the region’s fascinating and unique natural history.

To the far north of the park you’ll find the icing on the cake at Whitewater Valley Gorge Park: Thistlewaite Falls.

The falls are a popular local attraction, and people come here to splash, take photos, look for fossils, or just sit and take in the beauty.

The park ends at the falls, but the Cardinal Greenway, one of the longest ex-railways in the state, continues for several miles.

Did you have a chance to visit Whitewater Valley Gorge Park? If you want to hike another canyon and suspension bridge, visit Turkey Run State Park in western Indiana.

Address: Whitewater Valley Gorge Park, S 1st St, Richmond, IN 47374, USA

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