10 Hiking Trails in Indiana That You Shouldn't Miss

August 19, 2021 Jasper Kershner

With beaches, boating, and salmon fishing in Michigan City and Gary bordering Lake Michigan, there is more to Indiana than might appear at first glance. The agricultural heartland even has cross country skiing and snowmobiling to go with the Cornball Express. Southwest Indiana near Evansville is renowned for the well-preserved Native American Angel Mounds State Historic Site. The largest city and state capital is famous worldwide for its Indianapolis 500 race. Even locals living in the suburbs often overlook the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Eiteljorg Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, the old Union Station museum cluster, and downtown Canal Walk, to name but a few landmarks. South Bend is synonymous with the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Forested Nashville’s art colony fame dates to the early 1900s when Impressionist Theodore Clement Steele overwintered in The House of the Singing Winds. It is now the T.C. Steele State Historic Site. View paintings and sculpture at the I.M. Pei-designed Indiana University Museum of Art. Attend an IU sports event or an opera, ballet, concert, or theater performance. Treat the family to The Little Nashville Opry or The Bill Monroe Bluegrass Park. For healing mineral springs, head south to Orange County, Indiana’s spa resort center.

Enjoy golf, fishing, boating, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating in the nation’s agricultural heartland. Monticello and Rensselaer are west of Logansport and north of Lafayette. Take the family on the Cornball Express and Hoosier Hurricane at the Indiana Beach Amusement Resort in Monticello. Play boardwalk carnival games, or let the kids loose on the go-carts. Pile the family into their vehicles for an old-fashioned movie experience at Monticello’s Lake Shore Drive-In. Indulge in a weekend dinner boat cruise to hot band sounds as the Madam Carroll plies Lake Freeman.


Restaurants in Indiana

1. Altherr Nature Park

S Main St, Monticello, IN 47960 +1 574-583-3983 http://www.monticelloin.gov/altherr-nature-park
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Altherr Nature Park

2. Erie Lackawanna Trail

Crown Point, IN 46307 http://www.walkrideusa.com/states/indiana/individual-trails/north/erie-lackawanna-trail-indiana
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Erie Lackawanna Trail

3. Salt Creek Trail

Nashville, IN 47448
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Salt Creek Trail

4. Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

Between Shipshewana & Middlebury, Middlebury, IN http://www.pumpkinvine.org/
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 99 reviews

Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

Reviewed By ChrisL872 - Niles, United States

We began in Shipshewana and rode to Goshen, then back. Total of about 32 miles. This is an incredible trail with smooth surfaces, several rest areas, good signage and exceptional maintenance. The trailheads are spacious and convenient. This is primarily for biking, but a speed limit is imposed to force riders to appreciate the scenery and not to intimidate casual riders. Much is in shaded areas, so even on a warm day, it is comfortable. We have biked on many trails in the Midwest and this one tops them all. You will be on a blacktop county road for about a mile, but the locals are used to seeing bicyclists, so that is not a problem. The last two miles into Goshen is crushed rock, but still fairly smooth. Rest of trail is blacktop and in excellent condition.

5. Hummel Park

1500 S Center St, Plainfield, IN 46168-9351 http://Hummelpark.net
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 48 reviews

Hummel Park

Reviewed By ralphm241

great park for concerts, walking, paved trails connecting all neighborhoods in town. Pet friendly. Baseball and basketball. play or spectate.

6. Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve

Chesterton, IN 46304 +1 219-926-1842 [email protected] http://www.coffeecreekwc.org
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve

The Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve is a 157-acre complex of wetlands, woodlands, and prairie. More than 400 native plant species have been identified on the property. The magnificent display of wildflowers from spring through fall is one of The Preserve’s most notable features. Many common mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies make their homes here, and there is a diverse birdlife, including both nesting and migratory species. Coffee Creek is one of the healthiest streams in the southern Lake Michigan watershed. Salmon, trout, and many other fish swim in its waters. The Preserve is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. A system of trails, including a three-mile loop around the perimeter, is popular with hikers, joggers, dog walkers, birders, and other nature lovers. Photographers are attracted by the abundant wildlife and wildflowers. Anglers find fishing in the creek excellent. A variety of classes, workshops, and hikes are provided throughout the year.

Reviewed By 3johnb - Valparaiso, United States

We love it here...all seasons. The walk is beautiful...about 2 1/2 miles but you can do a lot less. Many times we see deer, makes the day. The bridges are great although we rarely see anything in the water. The area in the front with wood walkways is very well done...structures of stone are beautiful and there is a very peaceful feeling being there. Go, explore for yourself and pick the parts you like best. Pleasant people doing the same thing you are. Lots of dogs.

7. Cardinal Greenway

700 E Wysor St, Muncie, IN 47305-1916 +1 765-287-0399 http://www.cardinalgreenways.org/
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 99 reviews

Cardinal Greenway

Reviewed By Sightseer24941661220 - Brownsburg, United States

This was our first time on the Cardinal trail, we came for the bikefest so we enjoyed having SAG stops along the way. We did 50 miles of riding going south of the Muncie Depot, some stop and go-crossing intersections till you get south of the city limits. No real hills on our journey, for the most part the trail flat with very gradual climbs and descents. Would like to thank all the volunteers and Angie for their dedication to the trail...we'll be back!

8. Cyntheanne Park

12383 Cyntheanne Rd, Fishers, IN 46037-3401 http://www.fishers.in.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Cyntheanne-Park-13
Excellent
38%
Good
56%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Cyntheanne Park

9. Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

450 W 100 N, Valparaiso, IN 46385-9230 +1 219-462-0025 [email protected] http://www.pnw.edu/gabis-arboretum/
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 190 reviews

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest serves as a living laboratory for education, research, conservation and engagement with the natural environment. Gabis Arboretum offers a wide variety of activities, events and classes for people of all ages and interests. With 300 acres of magnificent landscapes, education programs and community events the arboretum has something for any interest. Popular attractions include the Railway Garden, which tells the story of American railroads in the context of a large display garden. Miniature trains run through outdoor displays showcasing American history.

Reviewed By sney3625 - Valparaiso, United States

I went mainly to see the magnificent outdoor train set and it was awesome. The rest of the place is very nice very pretty and if you have younger children there is a farm area that they would enjoy. Actually my wife and I enjoyed it to we sat and had lunch at the picnic benches near the farm. The gardens are very nice no matter what the season. There is a nice walking trail through the fields. Now back to the trains one of the best train setups I’ve ever seen probably a city block and half long and 1/2 block wide. It takes you around the country and is set up beautifully many different areas are shown including Lincoln’s funeral train and the old west I loved and and will revisit this place often

10. Monon Trail

Carmel, IN +1 317-507-2365 http://www.indianatrails.org/Monon_Indy.htm
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 344 reviews

Monon Trail

Reviewed By ButchTraveler - Indianapolis, United States

This Trail begins in Westfield and goes all the way to downtown Indy! With stops and great scenery along the way, it is picturesque and great for health and fresh air. Enjoy!

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