Whitewater Memorial State Park: Honoring Our Veterans
Whitewater Memorial State Park has a very special origin story. It was formed as a cooperative project between four neighboring counties to honor the young men they had lost during World War II. Unlike other reservoirs or parks where land was purchased through eminent domain, farmers and community members donated their land to form a park where veterans, their families, and the community could make connections with each other and the land. Decades later, their generosity remains clear. The community still takes pride in this park and honors the sacrifices men and women have made for our country.
IN the Podcast Episode
I interviewed two staff members to learn about the park’s history and the ways it still gives back to veterans. Whitewater Memorial is also for anyone to enjoy, and I learned about the trails, water activities, and nature preserve on the property.
Park Features
Whitewater Memorial State Park is on Whitewater Lake, which is connected to Brookville Lake. The park and reservoir share some staff, and there is even access to Brookville Lake through Whitewater Memorial State Park. The park’s 200-acre lake provides boating, fishing, and has a beach with a recently updated shower house. There are 9 miles of horseback riding trails and a horseman’s campground. With over 250 campsites, youth tent areas, and 20 beautiful family cabins, there are plenty of overnight options. There are also hiking trails, some through the Hornbeam Nature Preserve, and others that skirt along the water.
Honoring Our Veterans Then and Now
Whitewater Memorial became a state park in 1949 thanks to four counties – Fayette, Wayne, Union, and Franklin – who wanted to honor World War II veterans and remember the 217 local men who were killed. Interpretive naturalist Kristie Stubbs explained, “It has kind of expanded, and now it is just a memorial for veterans of all walks of life and all forms of service. The original intention was that this property would be a warm, welcoming place for folks that had been through pretty significant life events to come and recreate with their families, maybe find some peace, enjoy some solace in the woods, and just enjoy being outdoors.” We know the positive effects nature has on people, especially those who have experienced loss or trauma, so the park was a great gift from the community.
Decades later, the counties still demonstrate generosity, which has matured into constant love and appreciation for the park. As Kristie shared about all the counties have done and still do for the park, a real lesson emerged. If a community cares for its veterans, then it creates a better community. Kristie said, “I think it's such a sweet origin story that has just kind of continued to snowball generation after generation for folks.” The Whitewater Memorial staff are also still committed to caring for veterans, even as the needs of vets have changed over the past decades.
Over the last few years, the Whitewater Memorial staff have been looking for more effective ways to support and honor veterans. One newer event the park hosts to honor veterans is in the campground. It’s called Shine a Light on Our Veterans, and it happens every September. Kristie said the staff puts a couple hundred luminaries at the campground entrance. Then she said, “Every camper that comes in is also given a luminary, and they're to display that at their campsite. And a lot of families will even decorate their luminary… I've taken photos of folks that have put photos of their loved ones that served in the military on the luminary. I've had pictures of luminaries that have been decorated by children, just thanking veterans for their service.”
By involving younger kids in the event, it's also created an opportunity to connect with local schools. Kristie explained, “Over the years, it's kind of expanded, and we now partner with Liberty's elementary school. Their kindergarten, first, second, and third grade decorate luminaries for us…and they keep them for about a week, and have lessons regarding ‘What does it mean to be a veteran?’” The decorated luminaries are returned to Whitewater Memorial and displayed at the shelter house as another way to say thank you. The park also hosts a luminary night hike that weekend with refreshments afterwards. These events are ways to recognize veterans along with their families.
Seeing the Sandhill Crane Migration
Another reason to visit Whitewater Memorial is to see migrating sandhill cranes. The Veterans Vista Loop, which is by the Silver Creek Boat Ramp and goes near Brookville Lake, offers great views of the visiting birds with their distinctive rattling call. Noah Studebaker, the park’s wildlife specialist, said the sandhill cranes show up in early November before hitting their maximum number of 8,500 in mid-December through January. He also said, “They're not stopping here and going somewhere else. A lot of them will just come, stay here for the winter…. We are their southernmost point that they're going before they turn around and go back north.” Noah also regularly spots about 80 pelicans migrating in early October. Both types of birds are exciting to see in Indiana and make fall and winter hiking a little more interesting!
Planning Your Visit
Whitewater Memorial is the perfect sized park to completely explore in a day before relaxing in a family cabin after hiking, boating, or swimming. From what I can see, Whitewater Memorial has accomplished its purpose. It honors our veterans through a beautiful, peaceful park that everyone can enjoy. At the park and in the surrounding counties, you'll find a generous community dedicated to honoring our veterans. They understand that the risks our veterans face deserve recognition and respect. When we value our veterans, we are all better for it. Go make some of your own memories, and I hope to see you in the parks!