The first parcel of Turkey Run State Park's 2,382 acres was purchased during Indiana's centennial in 1916 when the State Park system was first established. Turkey Run is Indiana's second state park. There are many legends about how Turkey Run got its name. One story says that wild turkeys, finding it warmer in the canyon bottoms, or "runs", would often huddle in these runs to avoid the cold. Pioneer hunters would herd the turkeys through these natural funnels into a central location for an easy harvest. Since historic accounts suggest that large numbers of turkeys lived here, it follows that turkeys in the runs prompted the area's name, Turkey Run. In terms of history, the geology of Turkey Run State Park offers a unique view into the past. A walk into one of the ravines takes the visitor on a trip through time when the sandstone gorges represent 600 to 300 million years of nature's handiwork. Deep canyons nestled in the shadows of sandstone cliffs and peaceful hemlock groves harbor some of the most ruggedly beautiful hiking trails in the state. The park is located at 8121 E. Park Rd. Marshall, Indiana 47859.