Indiana State Park Tour: Summit Lake

3 of 24 in my tour of Indiana’s State Parks

On Monday, September 30th, 2024, I went to Summit Lake State Park. It’s the first time I recall going—although the Central Indiana region is full of places I was driven to as a kid and have little nominal memory of. Hurricane Helene’s cloudy arms had just passed overhead. The rain faded as recently as the summer crowds.

September is easily my favorite month, not just because it contains my birthday. 🥳 September is home of the Autumnal Equinox. She contains the harvestable abundance of summer and the darkly seductive chill of autumn. It’s the time of year where Mother Nature sheds for sleep, and she is beautiful the whole way through.

I arrived in Summit Lake State Park during an overcast sunset. The red western sky just peeked over the pines across the lake. Sailor’s delight I hoped. A vast nest of vultures (I think) flew over a dormant pond. Muskrats swam in the still bay. The sycamore and black walnut yellowed. White and purple aster grew everywhere. The water waved clear blue over the stones, reminding me of Maine. 🥹

My visit was cut short by hastened moody darkness and family obligation, but being so close to Summit Lake, I know this watery haven is one I can return to more often than many of the other state parks on my tour.