Shakamak State Park sits among the reclaimed coal mining lands of western Indiana, where nature has transformed old strip mines into three beautiful lakes surrounded by dense hardwood forest. Established in 1929 near Jasonville across Clay, Greene, and Sullivan Counties, this 1,766-acre park stands as a testament to the land’s ability to heal itself — what were once scarred mining pits now hold clear water ringed by oak, hickory, and sycamore.

The three lakes — Lenape, Kickapoo, and Shakamak — are the heart of the park. Anglers come for bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish, while families gravitate toward the swimming pool fed by a natural aquifer. Paddlers can rent rowboats and pedal boats to explore the quiet coves, and hikers will find several miles of trails winding through bottomland forest where deer, wild turkey, and pileated woodpeckers are common sights.

Shakamak earns its strong 4.7 rating from visitors who appreciate its unhurried pace and old-growth feel. This is not a flashy destination — it rewards those looking for peaceful mornings on the water and campfire evenings under a thick canopy. The CCC-era stone shelters and structures add historic charm throughout.

Late spring through early fall is ideal, with May and June offering the best wildflower displays along the trails. Autumn brings exceptional color to the mixed hardwood forest, making October weekends particularly popular.

Shakamak proves that Indiana’s most compelling landscapes sometimes emerge from the most unexpected histories.

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