WEST LAFAYETTE – As autumn approaches, Prophetstown State Park is inviting individuals, families, and organizations to unleash their creativity for the 16th Annual Trail of Scarecrows, running from October 1 to November 2. This popular event transforms the park’s accessible paved trail into a whimsical display of unique scarecrows, attracting thousands of visitors each fall.
Participants are encouraged to craft their one-of-a-kind scarecrows, which can be spooky, silly, frightful, or fun. It’s an opportunity to support local communities, highlight organizations, promote special events, and engage in a bit of friendly competition. The event also promotes recycling and upcycling, encouraging creators to repurpose used items and materials to fashion their unique works of art. There are no registration fees for participation.
The scarecrows will be featured along the park’s paved trail, making for easy hiking, biking, and strolling for all visitors.
The public will have the chance to vote for their favorite scarecrows by making donations to the Interpretive Services fund, which supports Education, Arts, Culture, and History programs at Prophetstown State Park. Each dollar donated grants one vote. Prizes will be awarded to the scarecrows that receive the most votes, so participants are encouraged to spread the word to garner support for their creations.
For those unable to sponsor a scarecrow, the park welcomes donations of merchandise or gift certificates for contest prizes, or monetary contributions directly to the Interpretive Services programs.
To get some inspiration, interested participants can view last year’s Trail of Scarecrows picture album on the park’s Facebook page.
To enter a scarecrow, individuals and groups must register online by September 1.
For more information, contact the park office at 765-567-4919 or email Jenna Parks Freeman at jparks@dnr.IN.gov. Updates and events at Indiana State Parks can also be found on the Indiana DNR calendar website.
