Membership

The Friends of Lieber State Recreation Area is looking for individuals who are interested in the outdoors, outdoor recreation, meeting new people, and sharing the joys of our natural resources.

Members and volunteers will assist in various events and activities to do fund raising which will benefit the many park facilities. Like us on Facebook

Our Mission

The Lieber Friends is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. The Friends work together to promote and support natural and cultural resources within the Lieber State Recreation Area which includes the Cataract Falls area.

Specifically, the corporation exists to promote a better understanding and appreciation for the natural history and natural environment of Indiana, in particular the Lieber SRA. In addition, we develop educational programming and materials, sponsor events, engage in fund raising, and solicit community support.

History of Lieber State Recreation Area

In 1952, Cagles Mill Lake was built as Indiana’s first flood control reservoir, protecting the Eel and White river watersheds. Mill Creek feeds the 1,400-acre lake and is home to beautiful Cataract Falls. These falls resulted from two pre-glacial bedrock ridges buried beneath ancient lake sediments of the Illinoisan glacial period. Lieber SRA was founded in 1953 and named after Colonel Richard Lieber, Indiana's first director of Conservation.

In the 1800s, Lieber State Recreation Area was populated by the Miami, Shawnee and Potawatomi. In 1809, what was left of the great Miami Indian Confederacy sold the now southern one-third of Indiana to the U.S. government, when the 10 O’clock Treaty Line, which passes through Lieber SRA, was laid out. To learn more about the history and legends of the area, stop at the Nature Center and speak with the Interpretive Naturalist staff.

Lieber SRA Today

Lieber SRA has a state of the art Aquatic Center which is open during the Memorial Day to Labor Day recreation season. The Aquatic Center has a zero entrance pool, water bubblers and a tornado water slide. There are also shelters, a volleyball court and a playground. Other family fun opportunities include hiking trails, boat access to Cagles Mill Lake and a campground. The 115 Class A and 94 Class B campsites make this a lovely place to visit. Plan a picnic in the activities field, where you will find horseshoe pits, basketball courts, and plenty of play areas for the kids. For additional information and for Aquatic Center hours, please contact the property office at (765) 795-4576.

During the summer, pool hours may change because of weather and staffing. Please contact the property office for exact times before your visit.

The Nature Center offers a variety of educational and fun activities for all ages to learn more about the natural world around the park. Visit daily to see displays, participate in activities and programs and find trail guides for hiking trails.