Location:

Southwest Indiana

Dubois County, Indiana

DeLorme Page 56, Grid G-5

Description:

Serving as the county fairgrounds, Dubois County Park is comprised primarily of woodlands, old field habitat, short mown grass, and three small lakes. The higher elevations support a woodland of fairly mature oak, hickory, maple, sassafras, sweet gum, ash, sycamore, beech, and tulip poplar--some trees standing at least 60 feet tall. These trees are fairly scattered, with a sparse understory of primarily sugar maple saplings. This relatively open woodland and understory, together with a mostly leafy groundcover, make visibility and navigation through this area quite easy. The trees of the adjacent Campground Area are also scattered in their distribution.

Upon entering the front entrance, follow the paved road to a gravel parking lot on the left. A wheelchair accessible hard-surfaced trail found near this gravel lot encircles an adjacent three-acre lake . Although there's little vegetation at the lake's edge, a small wetland is maintained for educational use at the trail's upper end. Reeds, cattails, and a few willow trees are present at this wetland area. On the far side of the lake is an old field habitat with grass, weeds, shrubs, and some small trees. From the hard-surfaced trail, a few well-kept, easily accessible trails break off into the woods toward the Campground Area. In the Campground Area, hard-surfaced roads wind among the trees, allowing for easy navigation on foot and quick access by car. This area is great for warblers and other passerines during spring and fall migrations. A weedy field and shrub-lined gully are located north of the Campground Area.

A smaller two-acre lake sits near the park entrance. Surrounded by lawn and a small cluster of trees at its southern end, this lake is sometimes good for herons and egrets. A third lake lies behind the buildings and is largely surrounded by trees and shrubs. This small secluded lake becomes entirely covered with duckweed by late summer. Also near the buildings are plantings of Autumn Olive and other shrubs.

Typical Time to Bird Site: 1-2 Hours

Birds:

Overview:

Warblers, vireos, thrushes, woodpeckers, and sparrows are among the more common bird families that can be observed here--particularly during spring and fall migrations. Indeed, Dubois County Park attracts a great variety of warblers during peak migration weeks. Nesting vireos, warblers, thrushes, and woodpeckers can be found during the spring and summer.

Specialty Species:

Although only recently discovered as a productive birding area, some species already stand out as Dubois County Park specialties. Kentucky Warblers , Yellow-breasted Chats , and Summer Tanagers all nest in the park and can be found spring through early summer. Worm-eating Warblers were seen in the park during the summer of 2000, but it's unlikely that they nest here. They do nest, however, in the nearby Ferdinand State Forest. Additional birds are expected to be added to this list as the park receives more birding coverage.

Noteworthy Records:

None.

General:

Ownership:

Dubois County Park and Recreation Department

Site Information: 812-482-2434

Significant Bird Sightings: 812-367-1559

Hours:

None.

Fees:

There are no fees for entering the park. Fees do apply for use of the camping facilities.

Restrooms:

Modern facilities are available in the park.

Lodging:

Thirty-five campsites are available at Dubois County Park, each with electric and water hookup. Modern toilets and showers are available at the campsite, along with shelter houses and a dumping station. Additional lodging can be found in nearby Jasper, IN.

Temporal Considerations:

Spring and fall migrations are the best times to view birds at Dubois County Park. Nesting vireos, warblers, Wood Thrushes, and woodpeckers are present during the spring and summer.

Directions:

From the North: Take US 231 south to Jasper, IN. Once in Jasper, exit US 231 onto SR 162 and drive south for approximately 7 miles, watching for the "Dubois County Park and 4-H Fairgrounds" sign. Turn right (west) into the front entrance of the park.

From the South: Take US 231 north to Dubois County. In Huntingburg, IN, turn right (east) onto SR 64. Continue east to SR 162, then turn left (north). Continue north on SR 162, watching for the "Dubois County Park and 4-H Fairgrounds" sign. Turn left (west) into the front entrance of the park.

From the East / West: Take SR 64 into Dubois County. Turn north onto SR 162 and watch for the "Dubois County Park and 4-H Fairgrounds" sign. Turn left (west) into the front entrance of the park.

Links:

Dubois County Tourism Commission

Information on Dubois County lodging, dining, recreational sites, and attractions.

Credits: