“We’ve got several historical speakers that will be coming out on that Saturday at different times, and we are also doing interpretation on the river, in which people will be paired with local experts on the river and they will be able to float it and get different information that maybe they have not received before. Friday evening, Kim Hoover – the local wildlife rehabilitator – will be presenting programs with some of her birds on our campground, and on Sunday, we’re having our first ever poker paddle,” Hickman said.
Park officials encourage everyone to stop by the Nature Center throughout the day for many great activities and interactions and are also offering an opportunity to experience the Tippecanoe River firsthand with guided kayak tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your own ride and enjoy the park on the river for free, then join Smokey the Bear for some desserts at 3 p.m.
Hickman said these events all serve to promote awareness of the park’s many historical features.
“What we’re trying to do is just promote awareness of the different historical features that the property has, along with the abundance of wildlife that you can see out here and to do a little bit more with the river, which there’s tons of people that use it every weekend, and just kind of show an appreciation for that,” said Hickman.
On Sunday, the park will host the first annual Poker Paddle on the Tippecanoe River, beginning at the Canoe Camp and ending at the Nature Center and River Picnic area. Registration begins at noon and the first paddlers hit the water at 1 p.m. To participate in the Poker Paddle, you must bring a boat, lifejacket, and $5 to enter. The event is limited to the first 100 participants to register. Upon completion, prizes donated by Link Environmental Equipment will be awarded at 4:30 p.m. at the River Shelter.
Click here for the list of events or click here to view the Poker Paddle flyer. You can also find more information online, by phone, or in person at Tippecanoe River State Park. You can reserve a campsite online at www.camp.IN.gov. Program schedules can be found at www.interpretiveservices.in.gov. You can also follow the park on facebook for up to date information at www.facebook.com/tippecanoeriversp.
