HIKE INTO NATURE

Step into a world where the echoes of the past meet the beauty of the wild. Discover rich stories, untouched trails, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Nature Is the Best Playground

Children laugh, run, and explore in a place where curiosity thrives and imagination takes the lead. Our parks offer wide open spaces where families can connect, learn, and play together—surrounded by trees, sunshine, and the sound of nature. Whether you’re planning a weekend hike, picnic, or just a moment of quiet, every visit becomes a cherished memory.

Discover the Stories Behind the Trees

Every path tells a tale. Our natural spaces are filled with history—from ancient landscapes shaped by glaciers to cultural sites that reveal the deep roots of local communities. Explore interactive trails, learn about native species, and reconnect with the land’s living legacy. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, there’s something new waiting around every corner.

Outdoor Essentials for Every Explorer

Gear up for your next adventure with handpicked products that make your time outdoors safer, more comfortable, and a whole lot more fun. Shop everything from survival tools to lightweight camp gear.

Potawatomi Tribe

Potawatomi Cultural Heritage Center

The Potawatomi are an Algonkian-speaking tribe which has lived in the Great Lakes region for at least four centuries.

Timeline of Potawatomi History - Forest County Potawatomi

  • Tribal History:
    The Potawatomi, part of the Anishinaabe “Three Fires” alliance, originally lived around the Great Lakes. In the late 1800s, some groups who avoided removal settled in Forest County, Wisconsin, purchasing land and forming small communities that became the foundation of today’s Forest County Potawatomi Community.
  • U.S. Expansion and Attempted Removal:
    During the 1830s, U.S. treaties and westward expansion forced most Potawatomi from their lands — leading to the Trail of Death in 1838. Those who remained in Wisconsin hid or returned later, rebuilding their community and eventually gaining federal recognition in 1937.

Potawatomi Holdings in the Midwest

The Potawatomi Tribe holds lands across several Midwestern states, mainly in Wisconsin, Michigan, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

  • Forest County Potawatomi (Wisconsin): Main reservation near Crandon; also owns land in Milwaukee.

  • Hannahville Indian Community (Michigan): Reservation in the Upper Peninsula.

  • Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (Kansas): Main reservation near Mayetta.

  • Citizen Potawatomi Nation (Oklahoma): Based near Shawnee, formed from groups removed west in the 1800s.

These holdings reflect the tribe’s historic Great Lakes homeland and their later resettlement due to forced removals.

Potawatomi Wildlife Park and its history with the Potawatomi Tribe

Potawatomi Wildlife Park, located in Tippecanoe Township, Indiana, spans about 300 acres along the Tippecanoe River. It was established as a public nature park in 1987 and is managed by a nonprofit organization.

Historically, the land was part of a Potawatomi village led by Stephen Benack (Osheakkebe), a Potawatomi leader of mixed heritage, who lived there from the 1830s to 1840s. The area was once part of the tribe’s homeland before the Potawatomi were forced west during U.S. removal policies in the 1830s.

Today, the park preserves this history through archaeological sites, historical markers, and educational exhibits that honor the Potawatomi people who once lived on the land.

PRODUCTS

What Visitors Are Saying

Families, hikers, and nature lovers return time and again to our parks for the peace, the play, and the unforgettable moments shared in nature. Here’s what a few of them have to say:

testimonial-quote

Absolutely beautiful! Our kids loved every minute, especially the trails and nature playgrounds.

Jessica R.

testimonial-quote

The best weekend getaway we’ve had in years. Peaceful, well-maintained, and packed with wildlife sightings.

Mark T.

testimonial-quote

Loved the educational tours. We learned about native plants, birds, and even spotted deer on our hike!

Sara & Leo

Contact Us

Plan Your Visit or Get in Touch

We’re happy to help with group visits, special events, or general questions. Reach out and start your next adventure with us.

© 2014 Potawatomi Park, Inc.

Write a review