carlson oxbow park sign
The Carlson Oxbow Nature Park - Hammond Indiana



Park History

Hammond's newest city park, officially dedicated on Wednesday October 7th, 1998. The park is named for George W. Carlson, a thirty-year plus veteran of the Hammond City Council. Mr. Carlson was instrumental in the development of the park. The name "oxbow" comes from the bend in the river which forms the park.

 photo of mr. carlson
Mr. George W. Carlson.		 oxbow river bend
"Oxbow" bend in the river.
The park consists of some 89 acres of woods and wetlands, first purchased by the city in 1964 for flood control. During 1975 the river was straightened, thus forming and preserving this valuable wildlife habitat. Located in an urban setting, the park gives city dwellers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, to relax and enjoy nature.

How To Get There

The easiest way to get to the park is via Kennedy Avenue. Turn east at the first traffic light directly south of the Borman Expressway. Follow the service/frontage road 179th Street, by the River Park Apartment Complex. The park will be just past the apartment complex to your right. Signs will lead you to the parking lot and the park entrance.

turtle
Turtle enjoying warm fall day.		 ducks
Ducks swim on Oxbow Lake.		 Wildlife of Carlson Oxbow Park
& Carlson Oxbow Park Birds

Wetlands creatures here at the park include- Red Fox, Raccoon, Woodchuck, Leopard Frog and Eastern Cottontail Rabbit. Over 50 species of birds have been seen at the park, they include- Cardinal, House Wren, Peregrine Falcon, Eared Grebe and the Blue-Winged Teal.

Trees of Carlson Oxbow Park

Over 20 different varieties of trees and shrubs are native to the park. These trees include the White Ash, Cottonwood and the Willow. The trees most noticable at the park are the towering old-growth Cottonwoods. Some of these older cottonwood trees stand a staggering 70 feet tall, rivaling some of the downtown office buildings located miles away.		 tall cottonwoods
Majestic cottonwood trees.		 trees along banks
Trees hug the river banks.

seed pod picnic shelter rustic bridge
Carlson Oxbow Park Scenes from left to right -- Seed pod -- Picnic shelter -- Rustic bridge

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