Spring 2012 • - College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Indiana ...

historical parks in Indiana County is
Memorial Park. During the Civil War
Memorial Park served as a hiding
place for travelers of the Underground
Railroad and then originally was a
cemetery. In 2006, IUP Archeological
Services conducted an investigation to
provide historical background of the
park and burials located in the park.
The bandstand, located in the middle
of the park, is used mostly in the
summer to host an annual Memorial
Day program. Right beside this park,
you can find Indiana County’s Historical
and Genealogical Society House.
To learn more about the Historical
and Genealogical History of Indiana
County check out The Historical and
Genealogical History website.
Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is home
to a unique 45-foot waterfall and
woodlands. The Keystone-Conemaugh
Group donated the 48-acres to Indiana
County Parks in 1995. This 45-foot
waterfall is very uncommon in western
Pennsylvania and is only possible when
a stream erodes a layer of rock faster
than the surrounding rock layers. There
are very few facilities at Buttermilk
Falls to keep the natural area just as it
is. There is one small pavilion near the
waterfall, however it is not available
for rent, and it is only first come first
serve. Buttermilk Falls is one of the
most beautiful sites in Indiana County.
The falls are very popular in the summer
among teenagers when they want
to have some fun and stay cool. The last
park in Indiana County is located in the
northwestern part of Indiana County,
its 33-acres is managed by Indiana
County Park and trails.
The Old Smicksburg Park serves as an
attraction for tourists that are visiting
the Smicksburg Amish Country
and the specialty shops that are all
thorough the town. While strolling
through Amish Country you can always
expect for find the finest crafted
furniture, antiques, food, and candy.
The Mahoning Dam is also another
attraction at the park for visitors to
go and examine it is located approximately
11-miles downstream of
the Little Mahoning Creek. The Little
Mahoning Creek provides a place for
people to canoe or kayak, and there
“If you have never been to see this
waterfall, I would have to say you need
to go. My friends and I took a trip there
last year, and it was simply amazing and
beautiful. I did not know something like
that existed in Pennsylvania.” Brianna
Harris, senior fashion merchandising
major of Lebanon, said.
are picnic tables now placed throughout
the park to enjoy your time. Old
Smicksburg Park offers a number of
trails that are suited for hiking, running,
biking, walking, bird watching
and studying wildflowers. When you
want a day outside with fun recreational
activities or just want to have
Buttermilk Falls on a hot summer daya picnic with some friends, be sure to
All the information you need for Indiana County’s
parks, covered bridges and trails.
Indiana County Parks & Trails office is located at Blue Spruce Park:
1128 Blue Spruce Rd., Indiana, PA 15701
Phone: (724) 463-8636
Fax: (724) 463-8740
Yellow Creek State Park information:
170 Route 259 Highway
Penn Run, PA 15765-594
Phone: (724) 357-7913
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