mounds

I recently visited Mounds State Park in Anderson, Indiana.

Mounds is one of my favorite parks. I think it might be because of how viscerally the land’s history, above and below the grounds, is felt and seen. The park is home to ancient earthworks built by the Adena-Hopewell people more than 2,000 years ago. (Source) “These mounds were used primarily for ceremony, celebration, and observing of celestial bodies.” (Source) Indeed, the ancient ruins are believed to align with each seasonal equinox and solstice.

You can also trace remnants of more modern American history throughout the park. There’s an historical home built in the 1840s using surrounding resources - limestone, clay, and Tuliptree - by farming pioneers settling there. Other artifacts include blocks of cement, piles of bricks, and an artesian well from when the area was later developed as an amusement park (1897-1929). “Attractions included a roller coaster, roller skating rink, shooting gallery, carousel, boat rides on the river, and a pavilion with a restaurant on the first floor and a dance hall on the second. Many dance marathons of the ‘roaring 20s’ were held there.” (Source)

After the Great Depression, the property was sold to the Madison County Historical Society and then entrusted to the State of Indiana, where it became a state park in 1930. (Source)

Walking along the White River on this day, I witnessed signs of the recent record-breaking 2026 flood crest and the endurance of the large trees along the trails. Nature is resilient. One of my favorite projects was seeing the wildflower meadow restoration, pictured below in a few images.

I collected 3.94 pounds of litter in about a mile of trail (along Trails 4, 5, and 6).

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I’m so grateful that commercial development of this area in 2010 was apprehended and I hope the area remains protected. (Ref. Mounds Reservoir)