Muscatatuck River

Muscatatuck River at Callis Wildlife Refuge at North Vernon Indiana
Muscatatuck River at Callis Wildlife Refuge at North Vernon Indiana

Exploring Indiana's Historic Sites,
Markers & Museums
South East Edition
The name Muscatatuck derives from an Amerindian word meaning “the land of the winding waters.” This is an apt name for this rambling river. The river winds and rambles through the southern Indian countryside on its way to its mouth in the East Fork of the White River. The Muscatatuck  has two forks, the Vernon Fork and the East Fork of the Muscatatuck. The Muscatatuck was a favorite subject for renowned Indiana artist T. C. Steele, who loved to paint scenes of this wild and beautiful river. 
Muscatatuck River Vernon Fork
The Vernon Fork of the Muscatatuck River has its source in Decatur County, Indiana just south of Interstate 74 in the square formed by County Roads 200 S, County Road 700 E, County Road 600 E, and Indiana State Road 46. On its way south if flows through Decatur, Ripley, Jennings and Jackson County where it joins the East Fork of the Muscatatuck River, forming the Muscatatuck River.
Vernon Fork in Decatur County
From its source south of Indiana State Road 46, the Vernon Fork flows generally southwest, crossing US 421 about seven miles south of its intersection with Indiana State Road 46 in Greensburg. From that point the Vernon Fork flows southwest, just grazing the eastern side of Millhousen before passing into Ripley County.
Muscatatuck River in Ripley County
Length - Approximately 3 Miles
the Muscatatuck River catches the northwestern edge of Ripley county just east of Millhousen, in Decatur County. County Road 900 W parallels it for a short distance just before it crosses Honey Creek. Honey Creek in the main Ripley County tributary of the river. The creek empties into the Vernon Fork a short distance after it exits Ripley County.
Muscatatuck River in Jennings County
Length - Approximately 37 miles
Muscatatuck River at Muscatatuck County Park - North Vernon, Indiana
Muscatatuck River at Muscatatuck County Park - North Vernon, Indiana

The Vernon Fork of the Muscatatuck River enters Jennings County on its northeast corner just north of County 1290 N and south of Ripley County Road 1000W. On its way south it crosses County Roads 1220 N, 740 E and 775 E. County Road 740 E runs beside the Vernon Fork for a few miles between County Roads 775 E and 750 E. It runs along County Road 425 N between County Roads 400 E and 300 E. It crosses US Route 50 just east of North Vernon. The Vernon Fork of the Muscatatuck River crosses Indiana State Roads 3/7 just southeast of the town of Vernon.  The two branches join just on the eastern edge of Vernon, Indiana just southeast of Commons Park. Visitors can find Commons Park at the eastern end of Jackson Street. After joining, the Muscatatuck circumvents Vernon Cemetery, heading north, and then bending west and then south to skirt Muscatatuck Park on the south end of North Vernon. Hikers can hike along this beautiful section for a mile or so. This is a great hike in the spring for the wildflowers and in the fall for the stunning autumn leaf display. South of the park it crosses County Road 60S. To the southwest first County Road 125 W and then 225 W, intersect it. The next county road to cross it is County Road 400 W near the intersection of 200 S. From here, it travels southwest for many miles until it crosses County Road 500 S just west of County Road 650 W. After crossing 900 W just south of County Road 500 S, the Vernon Fork of the Muscatatuck River leaves Jennings County and enters Jackson County.
Wildflowers on Rock - Muscatatuck County Park - North Vernon
Wildflowers on Rock - Muscatatuck County Park - North Vernon






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