9499 West Flatwoods Road, Gosport, IN 47433- 197 acres
The name of Flatwoods Park derives from the local name for the area, which was formed by glaciers 10,000 years ago. The blocked water drained into the White River, which eventually drained via McCormick’s Creek and caused the collapse of the cave that became the canyon in the state park. The deposited sediment, layers of clay and sand, accumulated to depths of 70 feet and the water table is very high, precluding many possible uses of the land at Flatwoods. The park has an artesian well and several springs. A seven-mile paved loop serves as a multi-use, interpretive trail, which uses the theme of water to explain the geology, formation, and history of the park land. The old fields are used by butterflies, nesting grassland birds and other species that use early successional areas. Many birdwatchers visit the park to seek out the flora and fauna. The intermittent streams are used for water quality studies and a weather station, sundial, and windmill are also used for educational field trips and special event days.
Park Amenities:
- Two (2) playgrounds
- 400’ x 400’ Drone Zone
- Open group shelter with fireplace pit
- Open shelters
- Restroom building (pit toilets) & (2) drinking fountains
- Two (2) Basketball courts
- Interpretive trail (1.76 laps = 1 mile, concrete)
- Windmill
- Giant sundial
- Weather station
- Hummingbird/butterfly garden
- Wildflower area & wildflower trail
- Grass trail
- Wetlands & wooded areas
- Intermittent streams, head waters for McCormick’s Creek
- (85) asphalt parking spaces
