The work at the tower itself is estimated to be completed in 12 to 15 weeks, weather dependent. Trail 4 will be partially open during construction, but access to the tower’s area will be closed for safety reasons.
Built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps Company 589, the fire tower was in operation until 1967. Afterward, it got a second life— as an observation point, a challenge, and a memory-maker.
The Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park group, in cooperation with the DNR, has been actively promoting a fundraising effort, which stands at almost $95,000. The group has received generous donations from individuals, local associations and businesses, such as Indiana Hardwood Specialists. Grants were awarded from the Efroymson Family Fund, SCIREMC, the Indiana Parks Alliance, the Owen County Community Foundation, and Owen County Preservations, among others. Donation boxes were placed at the Canyon Inn and Babb’s Supermarket. Additionally, all local schools conducted a penny drive to help with funding.
The rehabilitation will be conducted by Kilbride & Sons Construction. Preliminary work began early and included purchasing the white oak lumber to replace steps and landings. The wood has been aged, cut, beveled and surface-treated. The service road to the tower has been widened and resurfaced. The structure has been stripped of old safety barriers, and the cabin has been emptied. This is just the beginning of work that will include painting, increasing safety features, and clearing of trees around the tower to protect the structure and partially bring back the view from the top.
To view all DNR news releases, please see
dnr.IN.gov.
Media contact: Sam Arthur, interpretive naturalist, McCormick’s Creek State Park, 812-829-4344.
