Every amusement park has its icons. At Indiana Beach, it isn’t just the coasters roaring along Lake Shafer or the paddle wheelers cruising across the water. It’s a clever black crow in a red vest who has been part of the park’s story for decades: IB Crow.
From Ideal Beach to “The Riviera of the Midwest”
Indiana Beach began humbly in 1926, when the Spackman brothers, Earl and Tom, transformed a sandy stretch of Lake Shafer shoreline into Ideal Beach. It was little more than a swimming spot with a refreshment stand, but it quickly grew. A Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and eventually roller coasters brought thrills to the boardwalk, while paddle wheelers like the Shafer Queen and concerts under the stars made the park a true Midwestern escape. By the 1960s, Indiana Beach was proudly known as “The Riviera of the Midwest.”
But even as the park flourished, outsiders poked fun at Indiana as nothing more than cornfields. To break free of that stereotype, Indiana Beach needed a voice—something to tell the world that the park was a destination all its own.
The Birth of IB Crow
In 1985, that voice arrived. Out of the park’s creativity (and a little legend) came IB Crow, a feisty, black-feathered mascot with a bright orange beak, a mischievous grin, and a vest carrying the park’s initials. He was more than a cartoon bird—he was a showman, swooping into TV ads and print campaigns to proudly proclaim the now-iconic slogan: “There’s more than corn in Indiana!”
IB Crow became the perfect counterpoint to Indiana’s reputation. In commercials, he soared over golden fields before diving toward the sparkling lights of Indiana Beach. His message was clear: families could find thrills, laughter, and lakeside fun waiting just beyond the farms.
A Mascot with Personality
From the start, guests connected with IB Crow. Children lit up when they saw him at the park gates, families posed with him for photos, and his cheeky antics—like a memorable 1990s promotional video where he turned a child’s fear into laughter—cemented him as a fan favorite. His likeness spread everywhere: on tickets, maps, and even the IB Crow Campground & RV Resort, where families camped by the water and rode the trolley into the park.
The park even gave him a ride of his own in 2004: Air Crow, a Flying Skooters attraction that let guests “fly” alongside their feathered friend over the lake.
Through Ups and Downs
Like Indiana Beach itself, IB Crow has weathered changes. Ownership shifted hands several times after 2008, and in 2020, the park came dangerously close to closing for good. For a moment, it seemed like the crow’s call might be silenced. But the community rallied, new ownership stepped in, and Indiana Beach reopened—bringing IB Crow back with renewed energy.
Today, he remains a proud emblem of the park, welcoming guests alongside classics like the Hoosier Hurricane and Cornball Express, and newer thrills like the All American Triple Loop.
Why He Endures
Guests love IB Crow because he represents more than just a mascot. He embodies the spirit of Indiana Beach—quirky, resilient, and full of fun. He’s a reminder of childhood summers, lakeside breezes, and the timeless thrill of discovering that yes, there really is more than corn in Indiana.
Now 40 years after his debut, IB Crow continues to guard the boardwalk, greeting new generations while carrying the nostalgia of old ones. And as long as families flock to Lake Shafer, his wings will keep on spreading the joy.
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