Whitewater Memorial State Park

Tucked into the rolling hills of Union County near Liberty, Indiana, Whitewater Memorial State Park spans 1,710 acres of wooded terrain built around the centerpiece Brookville Lake and the park’s own Whitewater Lake. Established in 1949 as a living memorial to Indiana’s war veterans, the park carries a quiet sense of purpose that sets it apart from typical recreational areas.

The landscape here is defined by the Whitewater River valley — steep, forested ridges give way to open meadows and lakeside trails that reward hikers with genuine solitude. The Hornbeam Nature Preserve within the park protects old-growth timber and offers some of the best birding in eastern Indiana. Anglers will find largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish in the 200-acre Whitewater Lake, with a boat launch and rental paddleboats available for those without their own watercraft.

Horseback riding is a major draw, with miles of dedicated equestrian trails winding through the property. Mountain biking, swimming at the sand beach, and disc golf round out the warm-weather options. In winter, cross-country skiing and ice fishing bring a different kind of quiet to the park.

Late September through mid-October is the prime window — the hardwood canopy turns brilliant and the summer crowds thin out considerably. Spring wildflower season in April is equally rewarding for those willing to brave mud on the trails.

With a 4.6-star rating across more than 1,500 reviews, Whitewater Memorial consistently earns praise from visitors who discover this underrated corner of Indiana.

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