Shades State Park
Waveland, IN
Quiet woodland above Sugar Creek, with ravines, sandstone bluffs and trails leading down to the water. Less visited than nearby Turkey Run, so it suits a calmer hike in spring or autumn.
Shades State Park covers about 1,250 hectares (3,082 acres) across three counties, roughly 47 miles (76 km) west-northwest of Indianapolis. It is Indiana's 15th state park. A resort with a forty-room inn once stood here; in 1947 the land passed to the "Save the Shades" initiative and from there to the state. Sugar Creek has carved steep sandstone cliffs. Highlights include the Silver Cascade waterfall and the Lover's Leap overlook.
The park contains the roughly 190-hectare (470-acre) Pine Hills Nature Preserve, Indiana's first dedicated nature preserve (1969) and a National Natural Landmark. It is famous for the rock ridges known as "Devil's Backbone" and "Turkey Backbone"; the climb can be slippery when wet. Sugar Creek is unsafe for swimming but is used for canoeing. Plan on a few hours for a hike; the area is most pleasant in spring and fall.
- Nearest town
- Waveland, IN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.9372, -87.0989
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Shades CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Shades State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Inn CabinsCampsite7 mi from Shades State Park
- Turkey Run State Park CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Shades State ParkTentsCaravans
- Turkey Run State Park CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Shades State ParkTentsCaravans
- Turkey Run Canoe & CampingCampsite8 mi from Shades State Park
- KOA KampgroundMotorhome stopover13 mi from Shades State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Indiana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Shades State Park?
Shades State Park is in Waveland, IN, at GPS 39.9372, -87.0989. It is about 51 mi from Indianapolis.
Can you camp near Shades State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Shades Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Shades State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Turkey Run State Park (7 mi), Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (47 mi), Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (51 mi) and Brown County State Park (70 mi).
When is the best time to visit Shades State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)