G. J. Mecherle Memorial Park, or more commonly know as State farm park, has been around since the late 1800's and it has been in and out of multiple owners hands.

It was first purchased by a man named Stephen Houghton. The first add read " A grove of 20 acres and a lake of pure water covering three and a half acres. The grounds are free for gatherings of all kinds. A Large number of rowing boats- first class. A bath house and bathing suits for ladies and gentleman. The park soon became the location of the annual Bloomington Chautauqua A large festival full of lectures, musical performances, dramatic plays, cartoonists/ humorists, singers and more. It lasted 2 weeks each summer.

It next went to Fred Wolkau Jr for 30,000. he later added a monster pavilion that 76 by 220 feet, supported by over 200 cement-brick piers, could accommodate over several thousand guests, was lit by 2,000 incandescent bulbs. Disaster struck though in 1932 when the entire pavilion and 2 accompanying building burnt to the ground.

Over the next 15 years the park changed hands 2 more times, before it was bought by State Farm on May 29th, 1949. It was made private, for State Farm employees and their family's. In 1988 it nearly doubled in size and of now spans 88.5 acres.

My fiancee is a State Farm employee so we have the opportunity to enjoy this park. It has an amazing water park with water slides, a lazy river, and 2 diving boards. The large open area make ideal places to meet, have a picnic, and enjoy a warm summer day.