SPENCER — State budget leaders have approved $25 million to fully reconstruct the campground at McCormick’s Creek State Park in Owen County, which was devastated by a tornado in March 2023.
A spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the funding after the State Budget Committee approved it in September. The reconstruction project aims to bring Indiana’s oldest state park back to full operation.
Deadly Storm and Ongoing Closure
The tornado, which the National Weather Service confirmed hit at 11:01 p.m. on March 31, 2023, with gusts up to 140 mph, touched down directly in the middle of the park. Tragically, two individuals, Brett Kincaid, 53, and Wendy Kincaid, 47, both of Rossville, Indiana, died in the storm.
While most damaged sections of the 1,800-acre park have since reopened, the campground remains closed.
Reconstruction Plans
The $25 million allocated will cover the complete reconstruction of all buildings, utilities, campsites, roads, and recreational structures within the campground. The funding breakdown includes $18.8 million from the state and $6.2 million from the federal government.
The new design will feature:
- 190 total campsites (the previous campground had 189 modern and 32 primitive sites).
- A new campground gatehouse.
- Three playgrounds and other support structures.
The park office spokesperson noted that the DNR has not yet publicly shared a timeline for the start or completion of the reconstruction.
McCormick’s Creek State Park, located northeast of Spencer, was established on July 4, 1916, and is known for its limestone canyon, creek, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
