Author/Times reporter Joseph Pete is uncovering interesting historical facts and cultural information in his latest book.
"Secret Northwest Indiana: A Guide To The Weird, Wonderful and Obscure," published by Reedy Press, features a variety of fascinating places, objects and more located in the Region which readers will want to explore and learn more about.
Pete, a staff writer for The Times, has also written previous books titled "100 Things to Do in Gary and Northwest Indiana Before You Die" and "Lost Hammond, Indiana." Both books were also published by Reedy Press.
The new book is part of Reedy Press' series of "Secret" publications.
"It took me about a year to write and research this book," said Pete. He said personnel at Reedy Press approached him with the idea to write this new book as a type of follow-up to his previous publications.
"I was definitely intrigued by the idea," Pete said, adding he's always been interested in subjects, places and things that are off the beaten track, obscure or "oddball."
People are also reading…
Pete called the book a "very hands on" publication. "It's a combination history book and travelogue," he said.
"There's a lot of focus on the Region's hidden history. There were many facts I didn't know before," the author said.
Having grown up in Highland, Pete said he was very familiar with many attractions, places and history of Northwest Indiana but this book allowed him to delve even deeper allowing him to uncover more fascinating info about the area.
Within the book, readers will find everything from where John Dillinger escaped from jail, ecology's birthplace and tree graveyards to Mount Baldy, Frank Lloyd Wright Homes and The Sparkle House.
"I learned so much more about the Region while writing this book," Pete said.
Pete, a business writer for The Times, has also written many other stories about cultural institutions, food, the arts and other topics for the newspaper.
Among the places he learned more about while penning "Secret Northwest Indiana" was the Community Veterans Memorial in Munster. He said he learned the sculptors Julie and Omri Rotblatt-Amrany, who designed granite sculptures at the site, also sculpted the Michael Jordan statue at The United Center and the Harry Caray statue at Wrigley Field.
"Secret Northwest Indiana," Pete said, definitely combines places he was extremely familiar with as well as those he's only heard of in passing. He revisited or visited for the first time each place featured in the book.
Among some of the other fascinating inclusions in the book are Roy Boy's Badlands, a tattoo parlor in Gary that was known for its tigers on the premises. Celebrities such as Steven Tyler and Lenny Kravitz were inked there. While the tigers are gone, Roy Boy's Badlands is still a tattoo parlor.
Readers can also learn about Meyer's Castle, The Frost House in Michigan City, The Hoosier Slide, The Jingle Johns, Gary Demon House and Thomas Edison's Old Office in "Secret Northwest Indiana."
Pete said he's always been a lover of history and a fan of reading.
"I've been a big reader since childhood. "I've been known to bring a book into a movie theater in case I had five seconds to kill," he said, with a laugh. Pete chuckled that he even brought a book to his wedding.
According to Pete, Northwest Indiana is "a gem that is often unappreciated...It doesn't reveal itself until you really examine it."
Pete is currently working on a "Lost East Chicago" book. "Secret Northwest Indiana" is available at major bookstores, through Amazon and other online booksellers.
The following is a schedule of some book signings for "Secret Northwest Indiana."
• Saturday, May 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Miles Books, 2819 Jewett Ave., Highland. 219-838-8700. Free and open to the public.
• Friday, June 3 6 to 8 p.m. at Indie Indie Bang Bang, 625 S Lake St., Gary.
• Saturday, June 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Green Door, 325 Main St, Hobart. 219-945-3656. Free and open to the public.
• Saturday, June 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Book Warehouse, 1101 Lighthouse Place, located in Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets, Michigan City. 219-262-5040. Free and open to the public.
• Saturday, June 18 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Paul Henry's Art Gallery, 416 Sibley St., Hammond. Free and open to the public.
• Sunday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Miller Beach Farmers Market, 667 S Lake St. #2938, Gary. Free and open to the public.
Gallery: Take a virtual tour of Indiana's state parks
Brown County State Park
Location: Nashville
Size: 15,776 acres (largest state park)
Opened: 1929
Activities: 12 hiking trails spanning 18 miles; 25 mi. of mountain biking trails; 20 horseback riding trails; hiking; birdwatching; fishing; leafing; cross-county skiing; sledding; ice fishing
Amenities: Abe Martin Lodge and annex, 84 rooms with water park; 86 cabins; modern and primitive campgrounds
DNR description: Nicknamed the "Little Smokies" because of the area's resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Brown County encompasses nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges and fog-shrouded ravines. Glaciers from the most recent ice ages stopped short of the "hills o' Brown," but their meltwaters helped create the narrow ridges, steep slopes and deep gullies of Brown County State Park. Indiana's largest park is a traditional fall color hot spot, with nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads and many scenic vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forestland.
Chain O' Lakes State Park
Location: Albion
Size: 2,718 acres
Opened: 1960
Activities: 13 lakes for boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming; hiking
Amenities: Stanley Schoolhouse Nature Center; boat rental; furnished cabins; primitive campsites
DNR description: This is lake country and a small boater's paradise. Nine connecting lakes will be the center of your adventures at Chain O'Lakes. Paddle through the chain of serene kettle lakes, hike the 10 miles of forested trails, fish the electric-motors-only lakes, stay overnight in a forested hillside family cabin, or visit the park's old one-room schoolhouse nature center. Other facilities available for visitors to enjoy include a campground, beach and picnic shelters.
Charlestown State Park
Location: Charlestown
Size: 5,100 acres
Opened: 1996
Activities: Hiking; Fishing; Picnicking; Camping; Birdwatching
Amenities: 182 modern and primitive campsites
DNR description: Once a largely undeveloped portion of the Indiana Army Ammunition plant, Charlestown State Park is located in southern Indiana. With scenic vistas of the Fourteenmile Creek valley and the Ohio River and elevation changes of over 200 feet, Charlestown has much to offer the visitor with its rugged hills and deep ravines. While hiking the rugged terrain you will see Devonian fossil outcrops and areas of karst sinkhole topography. Bird watchers will enjoy the 72 species of birds, including bluebirds, black vultures and an occasional bald eagle.
Clifty Falls State Park
Location: Madison
Size: 1,416 acres
Opened: 1920
Activities: Four waterfalls; hiking; swimming; picnicking; tennis
Amenities: Clifty Inn and Restaurant; nature center
DNR description: The park's waterfalls change moods with the weather and the seasons and can range from roaring plunges to delicate bridal-veil mists to gleaming frozen titans. Winter and spring visits reveal them at their best. The rugged splendor of Clifty Canyon offers exciting year-round hiking and scenery.
Falls of the Ohio State Park
Location: Clarksville
Size: 165 acres
Opened: 1990
Activities: Hiking; fishing; picnicking; boat launch
Amenities: Interpretative Center
DNR description: Meriwether Lewis and William Clark met at the Falls prior to launching the 1804 Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean. The park's 386-million-year-old fossil beds are among the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world. The park features a spectacular interpretive center overlooking the fossil beds that reopened in 2016 with completely new exhibits.
Fort Harrison State Park
Location: Indianapolis
Size: 1,700 acres
Opened: 1996
Activities: Hiking; bicycle trails; golf; fishing; canoeing; dog park; sledding; ice fishing; cross country skiing; recreation buildings; horseback riding
Amenities: 18-hole golf course; inn; restaurant; saddle barn; nature shop; Museum of 20th Century Warfare
DNR description: Landscape and history blend together at this unique setting on the northeast side of Indianapolis. The 1,700-acre park — comprising a portion of the former Fort Benjamin Harrison military base — features walking and jogging trails, picnic sites, fishing access to Fall Creek and two national historic districts. An oasis of green in an urban landscape, Fort Harrison is one of the hidden gems to be found in the state, just minutes from home for many visitors needing contact with nature.
Harmonie State Park
Location: New Harmony
Size: 3,465 acres
Opened: 1996
Activities: Hiking; bicycle trails; horseback riding; boat launch; fishing; picnicking; swimming
Amenities: 200 modern campsites; youth tent campsites
DNR description: Harmonie State Park is located "on the banks of the Wabash" and a beautiful swimming pool, shady picnic areas, ravines and pristine landscape await you here. Trails for walking, biking and nature hikes will lure you for a visit. Nearby Historic New Harmony honors two unique communities from the early 1800s. The Rappites located here in 1814. They were fleeing from religious persecution and awaiting the impending millennium. In 1824, the Owenites brought many great scientists and philosophers into the area when they purchased the Rappites' holdings.
Lincoln State Park
Location: Lincoln City
Size: 1,747 acres
Opened: 1932
Activities: Historic sites; hiking; boat launch; picnicking; swimming; fishing
Amenities: Nature center; general store; boat rental; cabins; campsites
DNR description: Discover the boyhood home of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Among the rolling hills and thick forest, young Lincoln learned many life lessons. Lincoln State Park offers 10 miles of hiking trails, two scenic lakes, and an interpretive center to help you experience early life of settlers in southern Indiana. Tour the Colonel Jones Home, the historic home of the merchant and Civil War officer who employed young Lincoln. The Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church and Cemetery, located on the property, is where Lincoln’s sister Sarah is buried. Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve is located in the southernmost portion of the park. A visit to Lincoln State Park is like taking a step back in time to when the land was wild and Lincoln was a boy.
McCormick's Creek State Park
Location: Spencer
Size: 1,924 acres
Opened: 1916 (oldest state park)
Activities: Hiking; horseback riding; swimming; recreation center; tennis; picnicking; caving
Amenities: Canyon Inn; nature center; saddle barn; cabins; 221 modern and primitive campsites; youth tent camping; camp store
DNR description: Explore the spectacular limestone canyon, flowing creek, and scenic waterfalls that highlight Indiana’s first state park. Hike trails featuring diverse forest trees, spicebush, and native wildflowers, including a trail through Wolf Cave Nature Preserve and an accessible trail at the recently renovated nature center. Experience history as you climb the fire tower, use shelter houses or cross the stone arch bridge created by the Civilian Conservation Corps, or examine the historic Statehouse Quarry near White River, which furnished limestone used for the Indianapolis Statehouse. Relax in the lobby of Canyon Inn, open to all park visitors, or watch birds from the dining room porch. Catch cultural events such as concerts in the park amphitheater or attend the several special events hosted annually at the park. McCormick’s Creek State Park offers active enjoyment through all seasons of the year.
Mounds State Park
Location: Anderson
Size: 252 acres
Opened: 1930
Activities: Historic sites; hiking; fishing; swimming; picnicking
Amenities: Nature center; gift shop; 75 modern campsites; youth tent camping; camp store
DNR description: Mounds State Park features 10 unique earthworks built by prehistoric Indians known as the Adena-Hopewell people. The largest earthwork, the Great Mound, is believed to have been constructed around 160 B.C. Archaeological surveys indicate the mounds were used as gathering places for religious ceremonies, from where astronomical alignments could be viewed. Naturalist-led hikes and interpretive programs are offered every weekend throughout the year.
O'Bannon Woods State Park
Location: Corydon
Size: 2,000 acres
Opened: 2004
Activities: Swimming; water slides; hiking; horseback riding; picnicking; fishing; boating;
Amenities: Aquatic center; nature center; cabins; 353 modern and primitive campsites
DNR description: O'Bannon Woods State Park (formerly Wyandotte Woods State Recreation Area) lies in the central and extreme southern part of the state, bordering the Ohio River. It was the location of one of the few African-American Civilian Conservation Corps units. The property also has a uniquely restored, working haypress barn, complete with oxen for power and a pioneer farmstead. Indiana’s first natural and scenic river, Blue River, flows through the state park and forest. The Corydon Capitol State Historic Site is located near the park. Visitors can learn about early Indiana history as they tour the beautiful first state capitol building, built entirely of limestone, and old town square.
Ouabache State Park
Location: Bluffton
Size: 1,104 acres
Opened: 1962
Activities: Hiking; swimming; fishing; boating; volleyball; paved bicycle trail; tennis; basketball courts; picnicking
Amenities: Nature center; recreation center; campsites
DNR description: Ouabache is difficult to spell, but easy to pronounce. Simply say "Wabash"...just like the river that forms the southwest boundary for the park. This is the French spelling of an Indian word, so don't be surprised to hear some folks call it o-ba-chee. Kunkel Lake offers excellent fishing. During the summer months, a naturalist provides information about the natural wonders of the park. A lodge recreation building is available all year.
Pokagon State Park
Location: Angola
Size: 1,260 acres
Opened: 1925
Activities: Hiking; swimming; cross country skiing; tobogganing; horseback riding; picnicking; playground; sand volleyball
Amenities: Potawatomi Inn; nature center; toboggan run; boat rental; saddle barn; 273 modern and primitive campsites; youth tent camping; camp store
DNR description: Being one of the state’s original parks, Pokagon features the unique work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose members lived and worked at Pokagon from 1934 to 1942. The “boys of the CCC” built the beautiful stone and log structures that dot the park landscape and provide accent to the rolling wooded hills, wetlands and open meadows. Natural lakes created by glaciers that melted 10,000 to 15,000 years ago, highlight Steuben County, which has more lakes than any other Indiana county. The park is framed by Lake James and Snow Lake, which offer abundant opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing and scenic sunsets. Pokagon is also Indiana State Parks’ winter wonderland, with cross-country ski rental, sledding, ice fishing and a twin-track toboggan run.
Potato Creek State Park
Location: North Liberty
Size: 3,840 acres
Opened: 1977
Activities: Biking; hiking; swimming; boating; fishing; ice fishing; cross-country skiing; wildlife observation; horseback riding; snow tubing
Amenities: Nature center; 3.2 mile paved bike trail; 6.6 mi. mountain bike trail; recreation building; boat/bike rental; 17 cabins; 347 campsites; youth tent camping; camp store
DNR description: Potato Creek is in north-central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment. A variety of natural habitats await, including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Each offers unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observation. Native peoples used the area for hunting and fishing. The area’s first people of European descent settled here in the 1830s.
Prophetstown State Park
Location: Battle Ground
Size: 2,000 acres
Opened: 2004 (newest state park)
Activities: Hiking; bicycling; camping; swimming
Amenities: 2.75 mile hiking trail; 2.4 mile bike trail; aquatic center; 110 campsites
DNR description: Indiana’s newest state park, Prophetstown is located where the Tippecanoe River meets the Wabash near the town of Battle Ground northeast of Lafayette. The park's landscape has been shaped by ice from glaciers, moving water, fire and human hands that helped maintain the vast tall prairie grass. Native American people hunted and lived along the two rivers for thousands of years. The Aquatic Center features a 30-foot tube slide, body flume, lazy river float area, adventure channel, zero-entry pool with play features, and an aquatic activity area with basketball.
Shades State Park
Location: Waveland
Size: 3,082 acres
Opened: 1947
Activities: Hiking; fishing; picnicking; canoeing
Amenities: Nature preserve; 123 campsites (Apr.-Oct.); youth tent camping
DNR description: Shades State Park is that peaceful place you've sought; a favorite for hikers and canoeists. The beautiful sandstone cliffs overlooking Sugar Creek and numerous shady ravines provide the backdrop for your journey through this nature lover's paradise. Also on the property is Pine Hills Nature Preserve, which affords spectacular topography for those willing to take a fairly long hike.
Shakamak State Park
Location: Jasonville
Size: 1,766 acres
Opened: 1929
Activities: Swimming; water sliding; boating; fishing; ice fishing; hiking; picnicking; basketball; tennis
Amenities: Nature center; aquatic center; boat launch; cabins; recreation building; boat rental; 174 campsites; youth tent camping; camp store
DNR description: Ready to relax? Head for Shakamak. Three man-made lakes offer 400 acres of water for fishing and boating while a family aquatic center provides swimming fun. About two-thirds of the campsites are in a wooded area, offering cool shade in the summer and beautiful fall colors in autumn. Nearby is a play field area for family fun. A popular feature of the park is the group camp.
Spring Mill State Park
Location: Mitchell
Size: 1,358 acres
Opened: 1927
Activities: Historic sites; cave tours; hiking; biking; picnicking; swimming; hayrides
Amenities: Spring Mill Inn; pioneer village; Gus Grissom memorial; boat tour; bike rental; 221 modern and primitive campsites; youth tent camping; camp store
DNR description: Spring Mill State Park offers a powerful illustration of the link between the natural and cultural worlds. The water flowing from several cave springs led to the founding of an industrial village in the early 1800s. Pioneer entrepreneurs took advantage of a constant water source that never froze, using it to power several gristmills, a wool mill, a saw mill and a distillery. In turn, pioneer settlers shaped the landscape around the village, clearing land for agriculture and timber.
The park today continues to illustrate how nature shapes us and how we shape our environment. A parcel of virgin timber sits in contrast to regenerated forest, a man-made lake struggles to survive against the in-flow of silt from cave-fed systems and the native flora and fauna face challenges from man’s introduction of new species.
Visitors can explore this story in the park’s four interpretive facilities—the Pioneer Village, Nature Center, Grissom Memorial and Twin Caves Boat Tour—and see it reflected on the landscape as they hike the trails.
Summit Lake State Park
Location: New Castle
Size: 2,680 acres
Opened: 1988
Activities: Fishing; birdwatching; swimming; ice fishing; boating; hiking; cross-country skiing; picnicking
Amenities: Boat launch; picnic shelters; boat rental; 73 campsites; youth tent camping
DNR description: An expansive view and good fishing beckon you to Summit Lake State Park, near New Castle. Summit Lake has an excellent bird watching and wildlife observation area. The property has always been an important area for waterfowl because of the many low-lying wet meadows and prairies. Migratory species have included rare species like the black tern, bald eagle, sandhill crane, American bittern, least bittern, king rail and osprey. Zeigler Woods, in the southwest corner of the park, is Henry County’s first nature preserve. Zeigler Woods has rich flora and fauna with little evidence of human disturbance.
Tippecanoe River State Park
Location: Winamac
Size: 2,761 acres
Opened: 1943
Activities: Canoeing; horseback riding; hiking; boating; fishing; picnicking; cross-country skiing
Amenities: Recreation building; cabins; 178 modern and primitive campsites; youth tent camping
DNR description: Attention canoers! Get ready for a relaxing journey as you float down the beautiful Tippecanoe River. You must bring your own canoe or make arrangements with the local canoe livery. When you return, you can enjoy the beautiful campground facilities with your group, family or friends.
Turkey Run State Park
Location:
Marshall
Size:
2,382 acres
Opened:
1916
Activities:
Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, playgrounds, cultural programs
Amenities:
Turkey Run Inn, nature center, planetarium, saddle barn, cabins, 213 campsites, youth tent camping, camp store
DNR description:
You’ll marvel at the natural geologic wonders of this beautiful park as you hike along its famous trails. Nestled along State Road 47 southwest of Crawfordsville, the park offers the chance to explore deep, sandstone ravines, walk along stands of aged forests and enjoy the scenic views along Sugar Creek. Make sure to visit the Colonel Richard Lieber Cabin, which commemorates the contributions of the father of Indiana’s state park system.
Versailles State Park
Location: Versailles
Size: 5,988 acres
Opened: 1943
Activities: Hiking; fishing; horseback riding; mountain biking; boating; swimming; picnicking; kayaking
Amenities: Covered bridge; boat launch; boat rental; 226 modern campsites; youth tent camping; camp store
DNR description: Take a drive through the beautiful rolling hills of southeastern Indiana with Versailles State Park, Indiana’s second-largest state park, as your destination. Numerous fossils tell the story of an ancient sea that covered the region. During the Civil War, Morgan’s Raiders made their way through the area that is now the park. The town of Versailles was briefly under Confederate control. Relax while fishing on the 230-acre lake where you can rent a rowboat, kayak or canoe. Get a workout and see the beauty of the park by taking a walk on the hiking trails or a ride on the mountain bike trails. Bring your horses for the day to enjoy the more than 20 miles of horse trails. Steps to a scenic overlook at the dam are a prime spot to see herons and other aquatic wildlife.
White River State Park
Location: Indianapolis
Size: 250 acres
Opened: 1979
Activities: Museums; sports; concerts; theaters; zoo; hiking; Segway rides; historic canal; gardening; maze; picnicking; art
Amenities: Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art; IMAX Theater; Indiana State Museum; Indianapolis Indians baseball at Victory Field; Indianapolis Zoo; White River Gardens; NCAA Hall of Champions; Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial; Indiana History Center; Central Canal; Military Park
Description: White River State Park boasts world-class attractions and destinations that offer distinctive experiences for every interest and visitor! Yes, you will find green spaces, trails, trees and waterways that you expect at any state park. In addition to nature’s wonderland, you will find cultural, educational, and recreational attractions and events in our urban getaway’s 250-acres. Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, White River State Park is the place you can enjoy the outdoors without ever leaving the city.
Whitewater Memorial State Park
Location: Liberty
Size: 1,710 acres
Opened: 1949
Activities: Hiking; fishing; horseback riding; boating; swimming; canoeing; picnicking; ice fishing; archery; hayrides; birdwatching
Amenities: Marina; saddle barn; boat launches; boat rental; cabins; 318 modern and primitive campsites; youth tent camping; camp store
DNR description: Whitewater Memorial State Park is a great family getaway because of its 200-acre Whitewater Lake, access to Brookville Reservoir and other recreational facilities. Shoreline hiking, flat-water boating, swimming, fishing and camping opportunities are abundant around the man-made lake. The access to Brookville Reservoir provides many opportunities for seeing migrating flocks of birds. Whitewater Memorial State Park boasts 9 miles of horseback riding trails with access both for day users and from the horsemen’s campground. The land for the park was originally purchased by the surrounding counties of Union, Fayette, Franklin and Wayne as a memorial to the men and women who served in World War II.
Eloise Marie Valadez
Entertainment Editor/Features Reporter
Eloise is A&E Editor and a food, entertainment and features writer for The Times, subjects she has covered for over two decades in and around the Region. She was the youngest of eight in a Chicago household filled with fantastic cooks and artists.
