The
sun's out and you're ready to head into the great outdoors!
Indy has plenty of
options, whether you want to explore a new park, go kayaking, ride your bike or
zip-line through the treetops. We even have a guide to local state parks! Don't stay indoors this year, there's a whole
world outside that has so much to offer. Here are some of the places that we
love:
Photo Via Eagle Creek Park Foundation, Inc.
Eagle Creek Park
Eagle Creek | 7840 W 56th St.
Nestled inside the busy West side of Indianapolis, Eagle Creek is a park with many options for the person who's tired of being cooped indoors. If you're a fan of throwing on your boots and getting lost in the woods, they have miles of trails to explore.
Fort Harrison State Park
Lawrence | 6000 N Post Rd.
Famous for sledding during the winter, and beautiful gardens during the spring, it's not surprising that there's much to do here during the summer as well! For you aquatic adventurers, rent (or bring) a canoe and explore Fall Creek with your friends. We all know it gets hot in Indiana, so if you happen to push your accomplices off their canoe, just tell them you're helping them cool off! With over 1,700 acres of land, it's also easy for those with wanderlust to get lost in the woods, and there's even the Museum of 20th Century Warfare for the people with a thirst for learning and military history.
Holliday Park
North Crows Nest | 6363 Spring Mill Rd.
This famous park has been open to the public since 1916, making it one of the oldest parks in Indiana! Holliday Park has been a staple to Hoosier families for years, offering playgrounds, 94-acres of beautiful green land, wildlife species, 3.5 miles of hiking trails, and the Holliday Park ruins. Their open, grassy fields are perfect for picnics, Frisbee games, and get-togethers. There's a reason Holliday Park has been the premiere park in Indiana since its culmination. If you haven't been yet, put this at the top of your to-do list.
Marott Park
Broad Ripple | 7350 N College Ave.
Located across the street from Park Tudor High School, Marott Park is something of a hidden gem. There are wide-open spaces right near the entrance, which are perfect for Frisbee, picnics, or even outdoor parties. Once you walk into the woods though, the hilly environment hits you immediately. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, and once you walk down the steep valley, Williams Creek lays in wait to be creek-stomped. You can follow the creek for a while and look for water critters. A perfect place to bring your kids (and dogs!) for a fun day out!
Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
Fishers | 10410 Hague Rd.
One of the only two nature preserves in Hamilton County, Ritchey Woods is a small nature preserve hidden in the bustling Northeast side. There are picnic areas, a pavilion, and trails that explore the beautiful wooded areas surrounding the preserve as well as paths that lead through high grass and trees. The hiking in this area is far from intense and perfect for the beginner outdoorsperson or for someone and his or her dogs. Ritchey Woods is the place to be for a quick nature getaway to soothe your soul during your busy workweek.
Town Run Trail Park
Keystone | 5325 E 96th St.
This park has 127-acres and over nine miles of biking/hiking trails. If you like mountain biking, well then look no further because Town Run has trail for everyone from beginners to experts. The paths are very hilly, so hiking will tend to be on the more moderate/hard side, and bikers have the right away so be cautious! This scenic preserve also runs near White River, so whenever you get tired, have a snack and relax by the water.
Flat Fork Creek Park
Fishers | 16141 E 101st St.
Flat Fork Creek is part of Fishers growing parks system. The park includes mountain-biking, large sledding hills, hiking trails, and even a pond for fishing. Flat Fork has around 59-acres of green space available, leaving plenty of room for explorers to get lost and spend a day in the woods.
Fall Creek Trail at Geist Dam
Geist | 10053 Fall Creek Rd.
Geist Park Trail is a 0.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Fortville, Indiana that features a river and is good for all hiking levels. While the trail might not necessarily be the longest and most exciting thing in the world, this is a perfect spot to bring your dogs! Plus, near the start of the trail you can access the Geist Dam to sit on, and there’s plenty of picnic tables around for a nice lunch.
Southeastway Park
New Palestine | 5624 S Carroll Rd.
Southeastway Park is a 188 acre nature park located at the southeast corner of Marion County. Highlights include a new paved bike path, an 80 acre forest, 6 shelters, a tall grass prairie, Buck Creek and pond. Not only that, but the park includes multiple mountain bike trails that wind through the wooded terrain.
Did we miss something? We'd love to hear your thoughts, ideas, submissions! Email us at [email protected]
