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Outdoors: Mounds State Park Mounds State Park Mounds State Park preserves several earthworks created by the Adena and Hopewell cultures about two centuries before Christ. The largest earthwork in the park, the "Great Mound" (pictured at left) is nearly a quarter mile in circumference. Nine other mounds and earthworks are located in the park, and recent work shows that many of them are aligned with various celestial phenomena, such as the solstices and the directions in which prominent stars rise. Some of the smaller mounds are pretty hard to make out, but two or three are very noticeable, and the Great Mound is quite spectacular. Mounds State Park was established in 1930 and is one of the smaller parks in the state, encompassing about 288 acres. The White River forms a very scenic western boundary to the park. The hiking trail system has been reorganized in recent years, and four trails have become six. Some of the old signage is still in place, so be sure to pick up a property map before setting out. Trail one passes by the Great Mound and many of the smaller mounds. It also incorporates the old trail 4, a tree identification trail. Trees are identified by numbered markers, and generally discretely tagged with yellow paint somewhere low on the trunk, so you can tell which tree to look at. A brochure describing the trees on this trail is available in the new Visitor's Center. While at the Visitor's Center, look also for exhibits on the history of the mounds, park, and area, as well as brochures describing the mounds, birds, mushrooms, and spring wildflowers you might encounter. The Visitor's Center is relatively new, and replaces the old nature center formerly found in the historic (1840s) Bronnenberg House. Trail 2 offers wooden staircases and a boardwalk along a small stream, while Trail 3 explores the forested interior of the park. Trail 4 connects the campground with the pool, and has a number of side branches. Trail 5 circles much of the park, with perhaps the most interesting section following the eastern bank of the White River as it flows south. This section of the trail is an easy and scenic stroll under high forest canopy. Trail 6 connects the campground with the boat launch area and the camp store, all in the northern section of the park. Facilities: Swimming pool, wading pool, and bathhouse in season (generally the Saturday before Memorial day through no later than Labor Day). Campground with hot showers and flush toilets. Campstore. Youth group camping. Hiking on six nature trails totalling six miles. Pavilion (March through December by reservation), Two shelter houses, picnic areas. Fishing. Visitor's Center and Interpretive Naturalist Service. How to get there: Mounds State Park is located about 1.5 miles east of Anderson on Indiana 232 in Madison County. The Park can also be reached from exits 26 (head north on Indiana 9) or 34 (head west on Indiana 67) of I-69 and follow signs. GPS Coordinates: (Entrance) N 40 05.741 W 85 37.110 DeLorme 40:C2 Contact Information: Mounds State Park 4306 Mounds Road Anderson, Indiana 46017 765-642-6627