Introduction
I was born and raised in Indiana. I can safely say I've travelled all over the state in search of its natural beauty. Today I want to discuss the state parks. In no particular order I've chosen the 10 best Indiana state parks for being unique and showcasing the greatest that the Hoosier state has to offer.
Let's dive in.
Table of contents
Brown County State Park
Located in south central Indiana, Brown County is Indiana's most famous park, and for good reason. It has some of the most beautiful hiking trails you'll ever see, especially when fall roles in. People flock from miles out just to catch the leaves. It's a magical place. From the rugged ridges to the gentle valleys, this place really has fall locked in. There's also a great campground, so you can spend the night and really take in all the natural beauty. Check out the lookout towers and Hesitation Point for some stunning views, especially in the morning when dew is over the trees. And be sure to take a quick day trip into Nashville, Indiana to get your art and boutique fix.
Pokagon State Park
Next up, we have Pokagon State Park. Tis a nature lover's paradise. It's got Lake James, woodlands, all kinds of outdoor activities, and of course the famous toboggan run for the colder months. But don't stay just for the snow because Pokagon makes our list of best Indiana state parks for the variety of wildlife; Particularly the Sandhill Cranes. These big ole birds with the bright red spot on their heads are a sight to behold. Be sure to visit in the warmer months to see them flock in. This is a MAJOR stopping point for them as they migrate and part of the Indiana Birding Trail.
Indiana Dunes State Park
I know what you are thinking. Dunes? In Indiana?! Well yes, and wait until I tell you that Indiana also has a friggin' beachfront shoreline! This little slice of heaven is called Indiana Dunes and it's is so nice that it cant be confined to just a state park; it had to go national as well. It's a must-see if you are around Northern Indiana. With 15 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan it's a worth spot to visit. You'll see wildlife, boats, sunbathers... heck you can even see Chicago from the shore! The sand dunes here are something else, they're some of the tallest in the Midwest and they're definitely worth checking out. The Beach House Blowout dune is among one of my favorites. and yes, before you ask, you can sled down it.
Spring Mill State Park
It wouldn't be Indiana without a mill, right? Spring Mill is one of the best state parks in Indiana, hands down. It's quite the perfect blend of history and nature, you got this restored pioneer village that's a real trip back in time, and a working grist mill that's just wild to see in use. You can buy home-ground flour here! As saying goes 'But wait there's more!' The park's got some great hiking trails, a beautiful lake, and a nature center, it's truly a nature lover's paradise. The little creek that turns the wheel of the mill is like something out of the Hobbit. Magical. Plus, you can camp and picnic to your heart's desire.
Shades State Park
Amongst all of these great places, Shades is the real hidden gem of Indiana. I go back and forth on this being the top state park in my book due to a variety of reasons. It's a lovely place for experienced hikers and backpackers to explore who are looking for a real challenge. The trails here are seriously impressive and give you some stunning views of the park's natural beauty. The park's also known for its unique rock formations and cliffs, and if you're into photography, you're gonna have a field day here with the way the light works through the trees. The park is relatively secluded which means you'll have a chance to really get away from it all. If you're looking for a true outdoor adventure, Shades State Park is the place to be.
Turkey Run State Park
If you have heard about ANY park in indiana it's probably Turkey Run. This is the larger brother to Shades. They only sit a few miles apart and often times people visit both. Turkey Run would be the bigger, more popular choice for most and it's easy to see why. This place is a natural wonderland, it's got some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the state, from deep canyons to towering cliffs, and everything in between. The hiking trails will take you through gorges and up ladders to pass through them. Seriously the most breathtaking scenery in the state. And you've got the Sugar Creek running through the park. I've kayaked through Turkey Run on it more times than I can count.
Clifty Falls State Park
Guess what, Indiana is not ALL flat. There are actually waterfalls. Quite a few actually! Clifty Falls is the name my friend. It's got some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state (duh!), and the hiking trails that take you to them are top-notch. Some even go through the water. The park's got a great combination of natural beauty, history and recreational activities. You got the Clifty Creek running through the park, which is perfect for long summer days and the park's also got great campground and picnic areas. There's an old inn and a nature center where you can learn about the area's geology and history. Clifty is definitely one of Indiana's top state parks.
Chain O'Lakes State Park
The state park that tells you precisely what it is just by its name. Chain O'Lakes is exactly that - a chain of many lakes. It's a nautical state park more than anything with seven (count 'em) SEVEN interconnected lakes for a total of over 1,500 acres of water. As you might imagine it's a perfect spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. You don't need to own a boat, there's a marina to rent one. Boat ownership is overrated anyway. The fishing here is top-notch, and you'll have a chance to catch a variety. And if you're looking for a little less horsepower, you can try your hand at kayaking or canoeing. Who needs speed? Exploring the lakes at a leisure is why this is one of the best Indiana state parks anyways.
Fort Harrison State Park
This next one is a personal favorite. I used to hit up Fort Harrison, or Fort Ben as we call it around here, pretty much every week. It's got so much going on for it—killer mountain biking trails that’ll get your heart racing, solid hiking paths, and smooth paved trails for a more chill vibe. Originally it was an old military fort, so you can dive into some cool history with their weekend lessons. And since it's just outside of Indy, biking there is easy. The greenway from downtown makes it a quick half-day escape. Fort Ben’s the spot if you’re looking to explore one of Indiana's best state parks without the long drive.
Mounds State Park
I love Mounds. It was only 1 county over growing up so I got to visit it alot. Not the largest park in Indiana but one of the most unique. This place has got some of the most mysterious ancient earthworks in the Midwest. The park is home to 11 prehistoric earthen mounds built by ancient people known as the Adena-Hopewell culture, which are believed to have had ceremonial and religious significance. The park's got a great nature center that offers visitors a chance to learn about the mounds and culture. Plus, the park's got great hiking trails along the White River. If you're interested in ancient customs, or just want to explore the natural beauty of the area, Mounds State Park is a must-see destination.
Wrapping up
These are the very best Indiana state parks, and you won't be disappointed if you visit any of them. But don't stop with these. There are WAYYY more state parks in Indiana, and the surrounding Midwest. Go out and explore!
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Inspired by the great outdoors.
