Wabash River Cruise to Turkey Run State Park
Date: Saturday, September 27
Departure Point: Reeder Park, Montezuma, IN
Destination: Turkey Run State Park (with optional extension to Shades State Park)
Departure Time: 11:00am Eastern Time
Join us for a scenic cruise along the Wabash River and Sugar Creek as we journey into covered bridge country and the heart of Turkey Run State Park. This 20-mile river trip (one-way) offers a unique opportunity to experience Indiana’s natural beauty, rich history, and a bit of motorsport lore along the way.
Cruise Overview
We’ll launch from historic Reeder Park in Montezuma, Indiana—the former site of the Wabash-Erie Canal’s turnaround basin. Completed in the 1800s, this canal was the longest ever built in the United States and second longest in the world, connecting the Great Lakes to the Ohio River.
From Montezuma, we’ll travel 5 miles up the Wabash River, where bald eagle sightings are common, before turning into Sugar Creek. This narrow, winding creek is typically shallow in late September and may require navigating around downed trees or log jams. It’s also a popular spot for canoeing, so please watch for other paddlers as we approach the park.
An interesting landmark to note: shortly after passing under the US-41 bridge, look to your right to spot the remains of Jungle Park Speedway—a dangerous, Prohibition-era racetrack featured on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Lost Speedways.
Lunch at Turkey Run Inn
Our cruise stopping point is at the suspension bridge inside Turkey Run State Park. From there, it’s a scenic ½-mile walk (lots of stairs) to Turkey Run Inn, where lunch is available from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It’s tradition to skip some rocks before departing.
Important: To arrive on time for lunch, we must depart from Montezuma no later than 11:00 AM. Please plan fuel accordingly—this is a remote area, and the full trip is 20 miles one way. Ensure your craft is in good working condition prior to arrival. Cell service is very limited.
Optional Extension: Shades State Park
After lunch, there’s an optional 11-mile extension up Sugar Creek to Shades State Park for those who want to explore further. The stopping point here is
After the Cruise
There are no formal events planned after the cruise, but if there’s interest, we can coordinate an impromptu dinner in Terre Haute, located about 30 minutes south of Reeder Park.
- Camping is available at Reeder Park (see link below).
- Turkey Run Inn also offers lodging and camping, but availability is limited—call ahead to reserve.
- Additional hotels can be found in Terre Haute.
Locations
Launch Site
Reeder Park
465 N. Washington St.
Montezuma, IN 47862
https://www.in.gov/towns/montezuma/parks-and-recreation/
Destination
Turkey Run State Park
8121 Park Rd.
Marshall, IN 47859
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/turkey-run-state-park/
Event Contact
Marquis Songer
marquissonger@gmail.com
