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McCormick’s Creek State Park Tornado

McCormick’s Creek State Park, Indiana’s oldest state park, was directly and seriously impacted by an EF-3 tornado late Friday, March 31, 2023. After an initial week-long closure for evaluation, the campground and some trails remain closed, but Canyon Inn, the nature center, most cabins, and some trails are OPEN, and guests are welcome in the park.

The physical structures and natural resources of parts of McCormick’s Creek are forever changed. Guests and staff will remember how the campground, nature preserves, and trails looked before the storm, and treasure our memories of experiences there. Nature is resilient. So are we . We look to the future to embrace and watch the changes – both natural and physical – as they happen.

Important

You are STRICTLY PROHIBITED from walking or driving into areas where barricades and/or “closed” signs are in place. These barriers and signs are in place for your safety.

Visitors to McCormick’s Creek State Park can help the DNR divisions of State Parks and Nature Preserves monitor the recovery of Wolf Cave Nature Preserve. All that’s needed is a smartphone camera. Take a photo at the photo station on Trail 5, then upload the photo to Chronolog by following the QR code or sending it to the email listed on the sign. The website creates a timelapse video that will help monitor the area. Those who submit a photo will be emailed a link to access the video. View the current timelapse video.

FAQs

  • How much of the park was impacted?

    Approximately 282 acres of the 1,961-acre park were seriously impacted. The actual path of the tornado was approximately 400 yards wide at its widest, or about the width of 4 football fields.

    The tornado followed a path from the southwestern boundary of the park near the White River to the northeast through the edge of McCormick’s Cove Nature Preserve, directly through the campground, and across the center of Wolf Cave Nature Preserve.

    It is estimated that the actual time it took for the tornado to pass through was 30 – 40 seconds. With wind speeds near 150 miles per hour, thousands of trees were uprooted or knocked down, and many more were damaged beyond the point of recovery. More than 90% of the sites in Loop B and Loop A of the campground sustained irreparable damage. All three shower houses received extensive damage to their roofs, walls, and foundations and must be demolished and replaced. The primitive campground and Beech Grove Shelter received little to no damage.

    Significant Storm and Tornado Canopy Disturbance Area, March 31, 2023

    Map of tornado damage

We also ask that you continue to support ALL of Indiana’s state park properties with your enthusiastic presence. More than 90% of our day-to-day operations are funded by the fees you pay when you visit. We are here to conserve, manage, and interpret our resources, while creating memorable experiences for everyone, and we will continue to do that across Indiana with your support and assistance!

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