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Save the Lake.Dredge it before it is lost.

Versailles State Park is the second-largest state park in Indiana — and the lake is one of its most important natural resources for families, wildlife, and future generations.

Why has Versailles State Park gone for decades without funding to properly maintain the dam or dredge the lake?

The lake and dam need attention. This page and petition were created to raise awareness and encourage action from Congress and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources regarding the lack of funding for essential maintenance.

Concerns include the condition of the park’s lake and dam, along with broader upkeep needed to ensure the park remains clean, safe, and sustainable for public use.

Our Request for Transparency Impact on Community Read the Report on Versailles Lake
Sign the Petition Jump to Contact Links ↓ Request Public Records

Swipe, scroll, or tap the arrows to view more park photos

Park photos courtesy of the Carson Hughes Foundation

Busching Bridge at Versailles State Park in winter

More than a body of water

A landmark worth protecting.

Versailles State Park is part of Indiana’s natural and cultural fabric. Preserving the lake means protecting the experiences, scenery, and memories that bring families and visitors back year after year.

Young heron drinking from Versailles State Park Lake

A living habitat

The lake supports wildlife every day.

Birds, fish, and native wildlife rely on this water and the habitat around it. Dredging the lake is not just about appearance — it is about long-term stewardship, safety, and sustainability.

Wood duck on the water at Versailles State Park Lake

Future generations

This deserves attention now.

The petition asks leaders to bring visibility, funding transparency, and timely investment to Versailles State Park Lake before the problem becomes harder and more expensive to solve.

What Happens Next?

There are two paths: preserve the lake, or let it disappear.

The public deserves a clear answer on the future of Versailles State Park Lake. If the lake is dredged and maintained, the park keeps a central natural resource. If it is allowed to decline, removal or decommissioning becomes a more likely outcome.

Dredge & Preserve

This is the path the petition supports: restore the lake, protect the habitat, preserve recreation, and maintain one of the defining features of Versailles State Park for future generations.

Delay & Remove

Continued delay risks turning a maintenance issue into a permanent loss. The longer the lake goes without investment, the easier it becomes for leaders to frame removal as the only practical option.

Evidence & Proposed Plan

Read the Case

These documents are organized to tell the clearest story: the formal request, the sediment problem, the proposed design path, the technical support, and the funding context.

PDF

Lake & Dam Decommissioning

The current engineering basis for the proposed dam decommissioning design and project approach.

View Decommissioning Plan
PDF

Dam Removal Design Drawings

Preliminary design sheets showing the proposed removal, grading, and restoration plan.

View Drawings
PDF

Geomorphic Report

Technical assessment of sediment flow, creek behavior, channel conditions, and downstream considerations.

View Report
PDF

Well Assessment Memo

Review of potential impacts to nearby wells and related project considerations.

View Memo
PDF

Operating Revenue Report

Financial and funding context for the park.

View Revenue PDF
PDF

2025 New Projects

A clean summary of recent park improvements and updates noted for Versailles State Park in 2025.

View 2025 Updates

Ask Congress to Help

Contact Representative Houchin and ask for attention, visibility, and action for Versailles State Park Lake.

Representative Houchin contact form

Contact State Leaders

Share your concern with Indiana leadership and request timely investment in preserving this important park.

Senator Leising contact form Governor Braun contact form

Request Transparency

Constituents have the right to request public records on how funds are allocated. Responses may take up to 30 days.

Indiana DNR public records request