Shades used to be home to Native Americans, specifically offshoots of the Miami tribe. In the late 1820s settlers arrived after the area was ceded to the US government by the Miami's. Due to the poor soil and distinct land topography the area was not used for farming, maintaining its beautiful environment.

Many tales of Indian battles and ghostly creatures called "shades" haunting the area are legendary tales of the park. The title of "The Shades of Death" for these little ghostly shades gave the park its name. Since the park name "The Shades of Death" wasn't too positive, they changed it to "The Shades."

Government surveys in the early 1800s showed a series of natural springs. Before becoming a park the land was purchased by the Garland Dells Mineral Springs to be used as a health resort and recreation area called "The Shades." In 1887 they built a 40-room inn, and the land was preserved. Eventually, through a series of business transactions, in 1947 the business and land was purchased by a holding company and they held a public campaign called "Save the Shades." They raised enough funds, and the land became the 15th state park, saved from timber cutters who wanted to use the oak trees for whiskey barrels.

The park landscape is quite beautiful. Sugar Creek heads through the park, making canoeing a popular sport. Waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, streams, steep climbs and lots of trails. A constant evolution takes place at Shades due to the easy moldability of the sandstone rock found throughout the park along the river.

The area is considered one of the most prime bird-watch areas in Indiana, according to the Audubon Society. Oaks, western hemlocks, white pines and Canada yew follow Sugar Creek. A large selection of Warblers live in the area - Worm Eating, Black throated Green, Kentucky, Cerulean, and Magnolia's. The area is a migratory path for thrushes and veros. Bald eagles can even be seen in the area. Other animals that are common are white tailed deer, raccoons, grey squirrel, chipmunks, wild turkey, fox, coyote and other common Midwestern beasts.

Winters in the area are moderate, summers are slightly humid and fairly warm. Spring and fall are pleasant, and prime visitation times.

I 74 to Crawfordsville, Indiana take US 231 South 2 miles to State Rd 47. Turn right on State Rd 47 and go 8 miles to State Rd 234. Turn right on State Rd 234 and follow for 5 miles. The park entrance will be on your right.

The park has a small grass landing strip. Airport code 8I2. As of 2007 the airstrip is overgrown and closed. Closing is permanent per Park Rangers in August 2008.

There really is nothing by way of modern amenities in the immediate vicinity of the park. The seclusion is part of the charm.

• The park features 105 non-electric sites $10-16 per night depending on day of week and season. One modern bathhouse with showers. Very wooded with easy access to the trails. Separate backpack, canoe and youth camping areas.
• Clements Canoes Outdoor Center, 8295 W. SR 234, Waveland, ☏ +1 765 435-7285. Offers primitive campsites overlooking Sugar Creek, cute cabins with electricity and screened in porches, and a chalet for rental. 
• Lake Waveland, SR 47, ☏ +1 765 435-2073. Offers modern and primitive campsites, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. 

Backpacking to and around adjacent Pine Hills Nature Preserve on Trail 10 makes for a nice day hike. Be sure to check out Devil's Backbone.