On May 1, 2025, sixth-grade students from Rossville Consolidated School District embarked on an educational adventure to Shades State Park, immersing themselves in Indiana’s rich natural heritage.
Located approximately 17 miles southwest of Crawfordsville, Shades State Park is renowned for its steep sandstone cliffs, deep ravines, and the serene flow of Sugar Creek. The park’s unique topography, formed hundreds of millions of years ago when Indiana was submerged under an ancient ocean, offers a living classroom for geology and ecology enthusiasts.
During their visit, students hiked several park trails, including the moderate Trail 4 through Frisz Ravine and the rugged Trail 7 that winds through Kickapoo Ravine. These trails provided firsthand experiences of the park’s diverse ecosystems and geological formations.
A highlight of the trip was the visit to Pine Hills Nature Preserve, Indiana’s first dedicated nature preserve. Here, students traversed the “Devil’s Backbone,” a narrow stone ridge offering panoramic views of the surrounding canyons.
The field trip also incorporated lessons on the area’s history. Originally known as the “Shades of Death,” the park’s name is believed to have originated from the dense shadows cast by its towering trees and deep ravines.
This excursion to Shades State Park provided Rossville students an enriching blend of physical activity, environmental education, and historical insight, fostering a deeper appreciation of Indiana’s natural landscapes.
Pictured at Shades Park: Kendra Jamison, Scarlett Goris, Sienna Goris, Tessa Yaggie, and Grace Padgett