Shakamak is an attractive site today, but in 1930 when it opened as a state park, much of the parcel was a wasteland of abandoned strip mines. Shakamak State Park entered a new phase of development during the Great Depression…. read more
Using a variety of native materials, the CCC built gatehouses designed to appeal to the eye and draw in visitors with hints of the delights of nature within the park. The Shakamak gatehouse was completed by CCC laborers in 1936…. read more
In 1940 CCC laborers completed the Shakamak saddle barn. The style of the barn is classified as parks rustic.
The oven shelter was completed by CCC workers in 1935. It is a good representation of the CCC development of Indiana state parks. The style of the shelter is classified as parks rustic.
The west shelter was completed by CCC laborers in 1935. The style of the shelter is classified as parks rustic.
The CCC completed nine identical family cabins between 1938 and 1939. The cabins are typical of CCC construction, and represent the movement in recreational developed in the 1930s toward promoting group and family camping.
The maintenance shed was constructed by CCC laborers in 1938. The CCC used the maintenance shed for storage and truck maintenance.
An abandoned coal mine drift was used as a “coal exhibit” from 1935 through the 1940s. The park discontinued the exhibit but the remains of the site are still visible from trail 2.
The CCC workers completed an outdoor amphitheater using natural terrain. The amphitheater was completed in 1934.
