The public is invited to McCormick’s Creek State Park on Oct. 30 for a dedication celebrating the restoration of its fire tower.

The ceremony will start at 11 a.m. Early arrival is recommended. Parking is at the Canyon Inn, from where guests will be shuttled to the fire tower site. Shuttles will run from 10 to 11 a.m.

The Friends of McCormick Creek State Park group raised more than $100,000 to fund the restoration, which was a team effort involving more than 100 organizations and individuals.

“For this project to be taken on by volunteers, funded by donors, and worked on by local contractors really speaks to how loved this park is and the importance that we all place on the fire tower,” said Wyatt Williams, the park’s interpretive naturalist. “We’re so grateful for the support in the preservation of this chapter of our history.”

The fire tower was built in 1935 by Civilian Conservation Corps Company #589 to spot wildfires in the area. It has 105 steps and stands 86 feet tall. A short video, which can be viewed at youtu.be/WMu7HuMxaC0, provides more details on the fire tower’s history.

Fire tower climbing and cab access will be available before and after the dedication ceremony. After that, the fire tower can be climbed, but the cab will only be open during interpretive hikes until a plaza is built that will allow the tower to be locked at night for safety.

Soft drinks and light refreshments will be provided after the dedication, courtesy of the Canyon Inn.

McCormick’s Creek State Park (on.IN.gov/mccormickscreeksp) is at 250 McCormick's Creek Park Road, Spencer, 47460.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.

Media contact: Wyatt Williams, WWilliams1@dnr.IN.gov, 812-829-4344.