MORGAN MONROE STATE FOREST
Morgan-Monroe State Forest encompasses more than 24,000 acres in Morgan and Monroe counties insouth central Indiana. The forest land encompasses many steep ridges and valleys, and is forested withsome of the state's finest hardwoods.The original settlers of the area cleared and attempted to farm the ridges, but were frustrated by rocky soilunsuitable for agriculture. The state purchased the eroded, abandoned land to create Morgan-MonroeState Forest beginning in 1929.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest, located in south-central Indiana, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Here is an overview of its historical background and development:
1. Early Settlement: The area where Morgan-Monroe State Forest is situated was initially inhabited by the indigenous Miami and Delaware Native American tribes. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the land gradually being cleared for agriculture.
2. Creation of the Forest: In the 1920s, as concerns about deforestation and soil erosion grew, the Indiana Department of Conservation initiated efforts to preserve and restore the state's natural resources. As a part of this conservation movement, the state government acquired 24,000 acres of land in Morgan and Monroe Counties for the creation of a state forest.
3. Development by the Civilian Conservation Corps: Between 1934 and 1942, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a crucial role in the development and improvement of the forest. CCC crews were responsible for the construction of roads, trails, recreational facilities, fire towers, and other infrastructure within the forest.
4. Name and Expansion: Initially known as the Morgan State Forest, the Monroe Reservoir project led to the addition of more land to the forest, which then became known as Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
5. Modern Management and Recreational Use: Today, Morgan-Monroe State Forest spans approximately 24,000 acres of forested land. The forest continues to be managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Forestry. It serves as a significant recreational area for activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, and horseback riding.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest has evolved from deforested agricultural land to a protected natural area, thanks to the conservation efforts of the early 20th century and the continued management and preservation by the Indiana DNR.
GeneralLand, acres24,000
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Picnickingyes
Picnic Shelters, #4
BoatingBoating Limits-1
Launch Ramps, #2
CampingPrimitive, #32
Camper Cabins, #1
Youth Group Campyes
Draper Cabin is a primitive, wooden-floored log cabin that takes visitors 100 years back in time to thedays before electricity, vehicles and modern plumbing. Reservations for the cabin are accepted for anynight from the first weekend in April to the weekend before Thanksgiving. The cabin may be rented on aday by basis, depending on weather conditions, during the winter. Click here for rental information,reservation form, and a picture of the cabin.
Primitive camping is available for a fee; campers must register for camping at the forest office. MasonRidge Campground, located behind the fire tower north of the forest office, has vault toilets and seasonaldrinking water available. There is a picnic table and grill located on each of the campground's 21 sites. Onbusy weekends, overflow camping is available at Oak Ridge Campground. Oak Ridge has 11 sites andthe same facilities as Mason Ridge.Scout Ridge Youth Tent Campground is available for scouts or other groups . Sites in Scout RidgeCampground are larger than regular campground sites and there are several picnic tables and grillsavailable. Scout Ridge Nature Preserve is located in this area.
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Boat ramps are located on Bryants Creek and Cherry Lakes; boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only.
Three forest lakes, Bryant Creek Lake (9 acres), Cherry Lake (4 acres) and Prather Lake (4 acres) are all open to fishing; a valid Indiana fishing license is required.
Whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, turkey, squirrel, fox, and raccoon. A valid hunting license is required. Hikers are advised to wear hunter orange or other bright clothing while on trails during hunting season.