Fall Into Geocaching: Ouabache State Park Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Are_we_there_yet?: We don't make it out this way much anymore so we're putting this one out to pasture with the buffalo....It had a really good run, so we're not disappointed. Thanks for playing!

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Hidden : 8/31/2006
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Fall Into Geocaching: Ouabache State Park:
"Oh, Give Me a Home...!"

This cache was created by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks and Reservoirs to promote geocaching in the Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs in the fall of 2006. There are a total of 22 different caches located in 22 different state parks, recreation areas, or reservoirs.

The usual State Park admission is required ($1.00 bicycle, $4.00 in-state weekday, $5.00 weekend, or $7.00 out of state vehicles).
Whether you visit our great State Parks and Reservoirs for a day or an entire weekend, we hope you get out and see all that Indiana has to offer. Be sure to also check out some of the geocaching events going on at various State Parks! Good Luck!!!

You can find other "Fall Into Geocaching" caches at:
· Brookville Lake: GCY8VY
· Brown County State Park: GCY5NA
· Fort Harrison State Park: GCY1VM
· Indiana Dunes State Park: GCXYQ7
· J. Edward Roush Reservoir: GCY5XR
· Mansfield Mill: GCY5FP
· McCormick’s Creek State Park: GCY29G
· Mississinewa Reservoir: GCY31P
· Mounds State Park: GCY8VD
· Ouabache State Park: GCY24C
· Pokagon State Park: GCXWHP
· Potato Creek State Park: GCXZYK
· Prophetstown State Park: GCY5WR
· Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area: GCY5F0
· Salamonie Reservoir: GCY5DP
· Shades State Park: GCY16E
· Shakamak State Park: GCY22T
· Spring Mill State Park: GCY6T4
· Summit Lake State Park: GCXYR2
· Tippecanoe River State Park: GCY2TZ
· Turkey Run State Park: GCY13M
· Whitewater Memorial State Park: GCY8W1


Welcome to Ouabache State Park! Ouabache is difficult to spell, but easy to pronounce. Simply say 'Wabash'...just like the river that forms the southwest boundary for the park. This is the French spelling of an Indian word, so don't be surprised to hear some folks call it o-ba-chee.

Ouabache was first acquired and operated as the Wells County State Forest and Game Preserve in the early 1930's. By this time the area had been cleared of most of its mature timber stands and was severely eroded. The area gradually returned to a more natural state through the efforts of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and the WPA (Works Progress Administration) programs of reforestation and land management. Major activities included constructing the various buildings and shelters of native stone and timber, nursery plantings, and the development of the game preserve. At one time the park was widely acclaimed as the "Greatest Wildlife Laboratory in the United States" for its efforts in raising pheasants, quail, raccoons and rabbits. It soon became one of the largest producers of pheasant and quail chicks in the nation. One can still see remnants of the old pens along some of the trails.

One old pen that is still operating is the American Bison, or Buffalo display. The last Bison display in the Indiana State Parks, Ouabache's herd shows some of Indiana's extirpated residents in this 20 acre enclosure. Stop by and visit these animals after you find the Ouabache State Park Fall Into Geocaching cache! Enjoy!

A quote: North American bison don't roam at Ouabache State Park. They just sort of lie around a lot and stare back at people who stare at them. I can't think of a more delightful way to spend an afternoon. That is, staring at enormous creatures that appear to be something of a Frankenstein-cross of furry European cows and wooly mammoths. And my biases are exactly why it's still important to see bison in Indiana, to reflect on what once roamed across major territory in our state and why they are no longer naturally occurring. Sure you can visit buffalo farms all across the Midwest, but at Ouabache State Park in Bluffton, you'll see animals bred for display and education, not just the table.
Steve Polston

The "Fall Into Geocaching" series meets all guidelines set forth in the IDNR Geocaching Policy. If you are interested in placing a geocache in an Indiana State Park or Reservoir, please review our policy at: Link

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