CLIMB TO THE TOP
~ by Rachel Perry
The Friends of Brown County State Park are initiating a campaign, CLIMB TO THE TOP, to celebrate the 100 th anniversary of the 1929 establishment of Brown County State Park. Working with Park and IDNR staff, the Friends( an all-volunteer 501( c)( 3) nonprofit organization) is working to restore the Weed Patch Fire Tower and make the top cab once again accessible on or before 2029. Access to the splendid view at the top has been closed off for many years due to safety issues. Built in 1927 by the Department of Conservation’ s Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Weed Patch Fire Tower in Brown County State Park is the oldest recorded standing tower in Indiana. It is on the National Historic Register and is also on the National Historic Lookout Register.
The Weed Patch Fire Tower stands as a sentinel, reminding us of the time when Indiana was protected by a series of towers staffed by dedicated lookouts, many of whom were local farmers. Thousands of visitors climb the tower each year to enjoy the view, despite its currently inaccessible cab. Just imagine how rewarding it will be to stand at the top with a panoramic view.
The group has successfully raised $ 100,000 so far with generous grants from the Brown County Community Foundation and Duke Energy, as well as individual gifts. We’ ve recently been promised a match of up to $ 100,000 more to motivate additional donations to help us reach the total $ 300,000 estimated cost for the tower restoration, including a new tower plaza with sandstone columns as well as expanded parking. Donations are being matched, making this an ideal time to contribute to the project.
Please visit the website www. friendsbcsp. org / donations to contribute online or send a check to Friends of Brown County State Park, P. O. Box 1892, Nashville, IN 47448 to help us CLIMB TO THE TOP!
Checks should be made out to Friends of Brown County State Park with“ Weed Patch Fire Tower” in the memo line.
Contact Rachel Perry, Friends of the Brown County State Park vice president, with any questions at( 812) 360-0929. •
Sept./ Oct. 2026 • Our Brown County 63