Located in Evansville, In. Angel Mounds is primarily recognized as a
prehistoric Native American historical site.
What you may not know is that it is also home to a thriving
young hardwood forest and natural wetland area.
On November 6th, 2005, a tornado touched down in this area, and by
the time the storm had passed, dozens of people in a neighboring
trailer park had lost their lives, and the young forest of hardwood
trees had been dramatically ripped up and twisted into an
unrecognizable mess. Gone was the canopy that protected the wetland
sloughs, and gone was a major portion of the recreation trails that
wound through the landscape.
Gone, but not forgotten. Clean up of debris soon began, the
salvageable lumber was harvested, and work began on clearing the
trails.
It's been three years since the tornado struck, and the region has begun
to naturally recover. Thanks to efforts of local trail users, Boy
Scouts, and generous volunteer efforts from Alcoa, what was once a
wasteland of broken forest is now a wondrous place of new growth and
activity.
With the fallen trees removed, and new trails constructed, the
tornado damaged area that was once home to young hardwood trees, is
now home to a wide variety of wild flowers and butterflies.
Work will continue this spring and summer on trail bridges and
boardwalks to cross some of the exposed wetland areas. Also in the
works is a memorial butterfly garden, dedicated to the memory of the
25 lives that were lost to the tornado.
With over 3 miles of trail, Angel Mounds woods is one of the nicest
natural areas in the Tri State. It is a beautiful, young forested
area, home to many types of wildlife, Including Black Willow Wetlands
area, and one of the largest populations of Whitetail Deer in Southern
Indiana. Whether you enjoy riding a mountain bike, hiking or just enjoy
walking your dog, Angel Mounds has something to offer everyone.
Angel Mounds State Historic Site is located on the Ohio River in
Vanderburgh County, Indiana adjacent to Evansville. It is part of the
Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Indiana State
Museums and Historic Sites. It is one of 16 state museums and historic
sites in Indiana and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. It is
named after the Angel Family who settled in this location along the
Ohio River in the early 1800s.
Take US 41 through Evansville. Turn East onto Riverside Drive. Follow
Riverside and take a left onto Pollack Ave. Continue East on Pollack
to the overpass for I-164. Just past the overpass, take a right and a
quick left into the parking area. Head down the levee till you come to
the trail entrance marked by a sign. Maps of the trail are available
at Gilles Cycling & Fitness, in Evansville or can be printed online at Southern Indiana Trais
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