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Top Five Indiana State Parks
By Christina Mulberry
Although I've lived in several states of the US during my lifetime, my entire childhood was spent in Indiana. My father had a love of nature, of exploring rural areas, and he passed this along to all of his children. Although more extensive trips were planned at least a couple of times a year to destinations more remote, we spent many weekends at the various parks around the state; enjoying a picnic, hiking all day, and experiencing the beauty of our surroundings. It is these routine weekend excursions that linger in my memories and bring me some of the most joy when reminiscing about family. Indiana is known of course for farmland just as most midwestern states. Driving along the interstate highways, you'll be lulled by the endless miles of flat cornfields with only occasional turn of the century farm houses and silos punctuating the scene. Little do many travelers know that there are other natural wonders to be found. In fact, for those who love the outdoors, there are state parks to be found sprinkled throughout the area that offer some natural wonders that are worthy of the time to explore. Based merely on my personal opinion, I would like to introduce you to the top five state parks in Indiana. Then, if you're nearby or planning a trip through the area, you might take the time to explore and find yourself thankful for the respite or appreciative of the adventure. So here they are, in no particular order: 1. Turkey Run State Park is located not far from Crawfordsville, Indiana along Sugar Creek. Canoeing on the creek is popular but hiking and camping are what draw most people to the park. Turkey Run features some small canyons that provide a cooling hike in summer, and some tough terrain in springtime. Trail 3, or any trail that takes you to the Punch Bowl, makes for the most interesting hike in my opinion. The moss covered walls and the steps cut into the stone provide a bit of a challenge, but it's a trip that's worth it. For those not interested in camping, there is an Inn and full service restaurant. There are a few older structures of interest within the park. There is a suspension bridge that will lead you to most of the hiking trails and then, on the eastern border of the park, a covered bridge and the Lusk home both built in the 1800's which you can tour. I recommend visits from mid-April through late May for wildflowers and certainly October for the foliage. Shades State Park is nearby, and would a be a runner up on my list of favorite parks. 2. Clifty Falls State Park lies just outside of historic Madison, Indiana just north of the Kentucky state line in the eastern half of the state. It offers an inn with a restaurant and indoor pool, in addition to the campground for those who want to linger for more than a day. There are 14 miles of hiking trails and several of them take you to one of the various waterfalls in the area. There are plenty of opportunities to get your feet wet as many of these take you along or across the creekbed. While the park offers some pretty views and interesting hikes, part of it's attraction is it's proximity to Madison for those who love arts, crafts, or the chance to experience a historic riverboat town. 3. Indiana Dunes State Park lies along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, just miles east of Chicago. This park makes my list simply because it offers visitors a view of Indiana that's a bit unexpected. With towering sand dunes and a 3 mile stretch of beach along one of the world's largest lakes, the scene is more reminiscent of a tropical area during the summer than the midwestern US. Visitors can enjoy time at the beach or choose to hike any of the 16 miles of trails provided. Some trails are very challenging as you hike directly up a sand dune, sliding back a step or two for every step forward; taking Trail 8 up from the beach is a perfect example of this. I recommend taking such hikes in the morning when temperatures are moderate. Again, part of the attraction of this park for some may be it's proximity to Chicago. It's easy to split a long weekend between enjoying a metropolitan experience with a day relaxing at the beach or hiking. I recommend the warmer months for a visit in order to enjoy the beach. 4. Brown County State Park is located outside of Bloomington, Indiana. It's among the largest and most visited parks in the state. It offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, 20 miles of mountain biking/hiking trails, and 70 miles of bridle trails. It has a couple of small lakes and provides some magnificent autumn foliage every year. The Abe Martin logdge, cabins, or campgrounds are available for overnight visitors. The park lies near Nashville, Indiana which is known for it's crafts, artisans, restaurants, and small theaters giving visitors plenty to do while in the area. If you choose to visit in the autumn, I would recommend a week day visit to avoid the crowds. 5. Spring Mill State Park is located in the southern half of Indiana, outside of Mitchell. Aside from it's hiking trails, if offers several sites of historical interest. It has an old cemetery and a pioneer village, complete with grist mill demonstrations and a variety of planned activities each year including hayrides, star gazing, and much more. There are also a handful of small caves within the park and boat tours are provided. Well that's my list of personal favorites, however, if you're more intersted in a winter-time visit, you might want to venture to the north eastern corner of the state to see Pokagon State Park outside of Angola. Ice skating, cross country skiing, and a thrilling toboggan ride just outside of the Chalet style inn may be just what you're looking for. |
Turkey Run State Park
| Clifty Falls State Park
| Indiana Dunes State Park
| Brown County State Park
| Spring Mill State Park
| Pokago State Park
PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
Sightseeing Indiana
Tips of out-of-the-way sights in Indiana
www.squidoo.com/sightseeing-indiana
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If I can get the opportunity to take a trip to Indiana, I certainly will make use of your great information.
Well done intel.
Frederick
Of the ones you listed I have only been to Indiana Dunes, and there is definitely some spectacular scenery to be seen here. Indiana may be flat and covered with corn fields, woods and lakes, which makes it sound rather boring compared with some states, but there are some very lovely places to visit, and great friendly people as well.
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This intel was contributed by mulberry
mulberry
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