From the Book
Transcript
Greetings, in this episode I will talk about the subject my newest book, Versailles State Park.
Before we start, I would like you to know that this episode is based upon my book, Versailles State Park, available on my web site, http://www.mossyfeetbooks.com. While visiting the web site you can subscribe to it and receive email notifications of when I publish a new book or other content, like this video and podcast. You can also subscribe to the Mossy Feet Books You Tube Channel to ensure you don’t miss any of my content.
Versailles State Park, located east of Versailles Indiana on US Route 50 is Indiana’s second largest state park. It includes 5905 acres, the 230-acre Versailles Lake, a public swimming pool and one of the finest campgrounds in the Indiana State Park system. The northern area of the park features an extensive Mountain Bike trail system. Horse trails occupy the southern reaches. Wonderful hiking trails, fishing and boating are in between. Events at the park include the Bluegrass Festival the first weekend in October, a magnificent 4th of July fireworks show and a Halloween even in late October.
During the Great Depression the National Park Service determined that it would build a Federal park at a site near Versailles, Indiana in August 1934. By fall the Park Service had acquired 1700 acres for what would be the first Federal Park in Indiana. They chose the area because it was a marginal farm area. Called the Versailles Recreation Demonstration Area, the first of 200 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) workers arrived at Camp Laughery in January 14, 1935. The workers first constructed barracks, a mess hall and an administration building. These workers, who ranged in age from eighteen to twenty-eight years old, developed many of the features still visible in the park. By 1943 the Park Service had expanded the project to 5600 acrees.
In 1943 the National Park Service transferred ownership of the park to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The Versailles Recreation Demonstration Area became Versailles State Park. Workers constructed Versailles Lake in 1954. The DNR has added new buildings and facilities to the park over the years.
The Civillian Conservation Corps (CCC) built many structures and some of the trails during its deployment to the park in the 1930’s. Company 596 occupied the park from January 1935 and left in 1938.
Picnic Areas W/Shelters
The park has six picnic shelters, most of which nestle in secluded coves overlooking Versailles Lake. There are also additional picnic areas scattered throughout the park.
A naturalist is available three days a week from Memorial Day to the middle of August. A seasonal interpretive naturalist offers hikes, educational and interpretive programs and evening activities. Exhibits on park’s natural and cultural history are on display at the Nature Center.
Paddleboats, kayaks and rowboats are available for rent at the marina. Visitors may use their own boats with trolling motors or oars on the lake.
A horse day use area is located near Campground C. Equestrians may park their horse trailers here to load and unload their horses. A trail system for horses radiates out from the day use area that features twenty-five miles of trails. There is a tunnel passing under US 50, allowing access to the trails on the southern reaches of the park.
Anglers may fish, with an Indiana State Fishing License, in the 230-acre Versailles Lake. Bank fish, use your own boat, or use a rental boat.
The Class A campground has three sections with 226 electric sites only. There is no primitive camping. All sites accommodate tents or trailers and have electricity and fire rings. The campground has modern showers, restrooms, a playground and hot water. The campground is open year round. The restrooms, showers and other facilities close down from November until April. Winter camping rates apply during the winter months.
Group Camping
Camp Laughery accommodates 120 persons. The complex includes sleeping cabins, kitchen, dining hall, shower house and a recreation hall. Camp Laughery is available from April through October, except for the recreation hall, which is open all year. Camp Laughery is near the Park Office.
Youth Tent Camping Area
The Youth Tent Camping Area includes three sites. Sites 1 and 2 will accommodate 25 tents each and Site 3 will house 35 tents. Each site has its own picnic shelter and fire ring and there is a pit toilet and water supply for the campground.
Camp Store
The camp store is located next to the Nature Center and swimming pool near the lake. Campers may purchase firewood and other supplies here.
Hiking Trails
Versailles State Park has about six miles of trails that make a wonderful hiking experience. The trails range from moderate to easy that traverse through impressive hardwood forests. Wildflowers blanket these forests in the spring.
Versailles State Park
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 205
Versailles, IN 47042
(812) 689-6424
Mapping Address:
1004 U.S. 50
Versailles, IN 47042
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2963.htm
The episode is based upon my book, Versalles State Park, available on the web site, http://www.mossyfeetbooks.com. The book is the newest volume in the 11 book Indiana State Park Travel Guide Series. The books in the series relate the history of the park, the amenities and extensive tourism information about the surrounding area. The books includes information about the parks, museums, historic sites and many other day trip destination across the state. I encourage you to visit the web site and subscribe to it. My book would provide potential visitors to the park with the information they need to enjoy the park and the surrounding area.
I hope you enjoyed this podcast and thank you for listening.
Mossy Feet Books - Author Paul R. Wonning 