Lower Tippecanoe River – Oakdale to Springboro

This is the time of year that many of Indiana’s smaller creeks and rivers usually are too low to enjoyably paddle.  That should not be a problem for this trip on the Tippecanoe.  The trip is not quite 10 miles, and is suitable for all skill levels, including beginners.

Meet up at the Oakdale Public Access Site at 9:45 am, Saturday, August 31.  For those that want to meet at an easier to find location, please see the last part of this trip announcement.  Those of us coming from the Family Express will not arrive before 9:45, including the trip sponsor, so do not worry if no one is at Oakdale PAS before then.  Bring canoe or kayak, pfd and other paddling gear, lunch, drinking water, sunscreen or hat.  

 Directions to Oakdale Public Access Site - (Indiana Atlas & Gazetteer Page 32):

  Find US-421, which connects Delphi and Monticello. About half-way between the cities, find CR 700-N (4-miles north of SR-18). There is a big sign that says "Oakdale Inn", on the right at 700-N. Turn West onto 700-N. In about 1/2-mile the road you're on will turn Right. Go 1/4-mile to CR 725-N, and turn Left again. This road will lead you to the River. When you get to the bridge (just below Oakdale Dam), turn Left onto a road JUST BEFORE you cross the bridge. The PAS entrance will be on your right in about 50-yds.

If you are from the Lafayette area, you may want to take N Ninth St. to Battleground, go out Pretty Prairie Road, past Battleground Golf Club on the right, then make the next left onto Tyler Road (the sign was missing when I drove the route Aug. 25).  This will turn into Springboro Rd.  Continue on Springboro Road past SR 18.  When you get to 725 N, turn right (east).  After you cross the bridge, make the first right and the access site is just a few yards down the road.

For those that don’t want to navigate to the Oakdale PAS on their own, we will be meeting up at the Family Express gas station on Old SR 25 just north of I-65 around 9 AM.  Exit I-65 at 25 N.  In a short distance, 25 N exits to the right.  DO NOT FOLLOW 25 N, but proceed instead to the second turn on the roundabout to get on Old IN 25.  At the traffic light (CR 300N) there is a Family Express where we will meet up.  We NEED TO LEAVE FAMILY EXPRESS BY 9:15 in order to meet the others at Oakdale PAS by 9:45.

If you would like to attend, please register online or contact Judy Thompson judy_thom@hotmail.com, 765-366-0603.