Prophetstown State Park

About Prophetstown State Park

The park is located where the Tippecanoe River meets the Wabash River, and the Indians have lived and hunted along these two rivers for thousands of years. The landscape of the park was shaped by glacial ice, water and fire, which helped to preserve huge, tall grasslands and human hands.

European farmers discovered healthy corn and wheat growing on rich, deep prairie soils; French trappers and traders found land full of wildlife; and in a unique partnership with Historic Prophetstown, visitors can explore the 1920s-style farm and walk through restored prairies.

Camping, hiking, bird watching and cycling will be high on the list in the coming months, but we have restored many of our natural features such as waterfalls, ponds, lakes and streams and created a place where you can enjoy nature.

The park is named after Tecumseh, who was a Shawnee and founded an Indian village across the river in 1808. He took his band to Ohio, where he was forced to leave the country under pressure from white settlers.

Tecumseh believed that the only way to repel the advance of European settlements was to form an alliance with other tribes. He travelled far and persuaded tribes to join his coalition, but they did not have to travel far to convince them.

More than 14 tribes have overcome centuries of old disputes to stop their common enemy and meet in Prophetstown. In this historic park, you can hear the Prophet speaking in his original language, as well as in the language of the Indians.

To avoid a fight for fear of an attack, he decided to strike from the east side of the river, rather than in the middle of the river. The fight lasted two hours, but Tecumseh reckoned the sheer number would be enough to stop the settlement in the west. In addition to the southern supporters, 1,200 troops have been deployed to the site to support the rebels. Indian tribes such as the US Army and the Indian Army were alarmed by the numbers in Prophettown.

As darkness subsided, villagers retreated to the swamps and retreated to Prophetstown, then fled down Wildcat Creek and Harrison's men burned it down. Arriving on Swisher Road, cross the Interstate and you will find the Park Gatehouse just ahead.