We've all heard the legends: hunters combing the woods stumble across an impossibly tall, hair-covered creature that walks briskly away from them before they can get their cameras out. Stories of animals, beings, and spirits that cannot be explained, but will leave you with goosebumps and a feeling like something isn't quite right. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of tales from nearly everywhere on Earth about unexplained sightings of unusual beings, many of which have eerie similarities despite being oceans apart. But did you know that Indiana is allegedly home to some of its own cryptic critters? Here are just a few.
1. Pukwudgie
The term "pukwudgie", a word which roughly translates to "small, wild man of the woods who vanishes" in native Wampanoag culture, is a strange, troll-like little "man" said to be between two and three feet tall with pallid skin and blonde hair. The writings detailing sightings of these "trolls" go from the Native American days until fairly recently.
They are most commonly sighted by frightened onlookers on the banks of the White River around Mounds State Park. Onlookers should not fear, though; ancient writings by Wampanoag people described the demeanor of the pukwudgie to be a friendly trickster. No doubt that it would be a little spooky to see unexpectedly run across your path!
2. The Crosley Monster
It's a little bit strange that there are reports of Bigfoot-like creatures across many different cultures and locations from varied points throughout history. Indiana is no stranger to its own bizarre ape-like creature.
The Crosley Monster is a nightmare most commonly sighted in - you guessed it - Crosley, Indiana. Reports of a gigantic bipedal beast began in the area in 2006, when it chased a group of terrified campers for a brief distance before disappearing into the night. Intriguingly, sightings of a large, hairy, humanoid creature walking on two legs were also documented in 1839, 1860, and again in 1937 and 1976. The creature is said to stand about eight feet tall with long, matted hair covering its body, and sharp, yellow teeth. It is unknown what the animal could be, but it's terrified the town of Crosley more than once over the centuries.
3. Meshekenabek
Did you know that Indiana has its very own "Loch Ness Monster"? It's (allegedly) true! Sightings of a strange "monster" lurking in the depths of Lake Manitou go as far back as Native American days across the lands near Rochester. They had a tradition that roughly translated to "respecting the beast in the Devil's Lake."
In 1838, an article was published in the Logansport Telegraph which described a "monster" in Lake Manitou measuring up at about 60 feet long. It has a long, muscular body with what looks like a cow's head (only much, much larger). The word "Manitou" translates in Potawatomi as both "good spirit" and "evil spirit," so it's understandable as to why folks might have been a bit leery of it. Sightings and rumors have persisted over the decades and, to this day, some people still swear they saw the bizarre, yellow-splotched monster lurking in the depths.
There are many more whisperings of other unexplained, unconfirmed cryptid critters throughout the Hoosier state. Have you ever seen something you just couldn't explain? Tell us your spine-tingling stories in the comments.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
