Summit Lake State Park
New Castle, IN
Summit Lake State Park is located just outside of New Castle, Indiana in Henry County.
Specialty Species:
Waterfowl: Scan the lake from the locations listed below.
Northern Shrike: Drive the roads throughout the park checking the tops of trees for Northern Shrikes during the late fall and winter.
Long-eared Owl: Long-eared Owls can be found by driving the roads around the perimeter of the park during the late fall and winter.
Short-eared Owl: Drive the roads in the northwestern portion of the park in the fall, winter, and spring while looking for Short-eared Owls.
Bald Eagle: Check the main body of the lake for Bald Eagles throughout the year.
Where to Bird:
- Boat Launch
- Beach
- Sunset Shelter
- Harvey Shelter
- Nature Area along 500E and 750N
Boat Launch: This area gives a good view of the eastern end of the lake. From fall through spring scan the entire area for waterfowl. The area to the south of the boat launch has good habitat for sparrows. Walk around the grassland especially in the spring and fall for many species of sparrows.
Beach: Park in the beach parking lot and walk down to the shore. Scan this entire area for waterfowl. This is one of the best views for the main part of the lake. There are also Bald Eagles in this area. During the spring and fall, there may be migrants in the woodlot to the northeast including sparrows and warblers.
Sunset Shelter: Scan from the shore for waterfowl. Northern Shrike and Yellow-headed Blackbird have both been seen from this location. Don’t expect to see either, but the area does have very good habitat for both so be ready.
Harvey Shelter: Scan from the shore for waterfowl. This area gives a good view of the west side of the lake.
Nature Area along 500E and 750N: Drive these roads and stop frequently. Scan both sides of the 500E. This area is good for many species of dabbling ducks and wading birds. Black-crowned Night-Heron occurs along the shores but can be tough to find. Turn right onto 750N and go as far as Pintail Pond. Both sides of the road at this location can have many species of dabbling ducks and is a good area for American Bittern. Return back down 750N and go past 500E and continue scanning from the road. Along the way there is habitat for sparrows. Breeding sparrows include Henslow’s and Grasshopper and during the winter there can be many American Tree Sparrows. Look for Short-eared Owl, Northern Harrier, and Rough-legged Hawk in these fields during the winter. Continue on this road until you come to the large part of the lake. Scanning from here provides a good view of the northern part of the lake. Look for diving ducks from this area.Hours:
7am to 11pm unless you are camping within the park
Fees:
$4 Monday - Thursday
$5 Friday - Sunday for Indiana plates
$7 Daily for non-Indiana plates
Accessiblity:
There is a 0.9 mile handicap accessible trail.
Trails:
Almost 5 miles of trails in the park
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
Half day visit is recommended
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the East: Take I-70 West to SR-38/US-35 North (Exit 149B).When SR-38 and US-35 split, stay on US-35. In 19.7 miles turn left (west) onto US-36. Travel 6.3 miles and then turn right (north) onto North Messick Road. Follow Messick Road into Summit Lake State Park.
From the West: Take I-70 East to SR-3 North (Exit 123). Turn left (north) onto SR3. Go 11 miles and take the ramp to SR-36 East. After 4 miles turn left (north) onto North Messick Road. Follow Messick Road into Summit Lake State Park.
Address:
5993 N. Messick Rd.
New Castle, IN 47362-9309
765-766-5873
Nearby Birding: