Tippecanoe River State Park — Attraction in Winamac

Okay--trying think of how to explain this.

I have been to this park twice; the first time in late October, the second in early November. Both times, I was taken by how lovely the park was. The trails were very well-marked and easy to walk. The views were great. The park staff were friendly and helpful. Even the park bathrooms were well taken care of. So you'd think this would be an easy five-star review, right?

Well, no. Because both times I was at the park, there was basically no one there.

Think about it. This is a state park, a decent-sized one at that. It's not far from nearby towns, so it's not like it's out in the middle of nowhere. And yet, each time I have been there, it's been a veritable ghost town. You don't even hear that many birds. It's legitimately unsettling.

So why doesn't anyone go there? Have I just been going at the wrong times? Or is this park some sort of cursed location, where no one wants to go, not for very long, and certainly not very often?

I don't know. But I guess I'll give it five stars anyway, just to be on...

We stayed at the campground a week before memorial day weekend. It was quiet considering how many people were there, 2 playgrounds and one of the nicest comfort stations (toilets and showers) I've ever been in at a campground, private or public. Sites are a nice size with plenty of space to spread out beyond your camper. All of the campers were kind and courteous too which was an added bonus! The campground was kept super clean, and the attendant was riding around often to check on sites that were checked out of, and just generally keeping an eye on things. They only have firewood and ice for sale on site, so if you've forgotten something, you'll have to leave to find a store. One important thing to note, there is almost ZERO cell phone reception, no matter which carrier you use. Unless you go hiking up the fire tower. Trails are beautiful for hiking!!! There is no swimming pool, so be prepared to bring your own ways...

Should be renamed Mosquito State Park. Although the trails were beautiful, it seems we were the only ones who didn't get the memo about the mosquitoes. The park was almost completly deserted even though the weather was beautiful; as we were driving around entering the park we thought it was odd that almost no one was there--until we tried to take several trails and were attacked by swarmss of thousands of mosquitoes. We literally ran away in primal fear. It was like a horror movie. I understand some mosquitoes (and am not normally too bothered by them) in a wooded area with water, but this was something else. And yes, we were wearing loads of bug spray. Bizarre. I guess the plus side is they are guarding the land to preserve it for future generations? I hope we can go back in fall or early spring because the park is...