Top 10 State Parks in Indiana, United States

March 31, 2022 Dorsey Hagwood

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. Fall Creek Gorge

1598 N 025 E, Williamsport, IN 47993 http://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/fall-creek-gorge/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Fall Creek Gorge

2. Clifty Falls State Park

1501 Green Rd, Madison, IN 47250-1974 +1 812-273-8885 http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2985.htm
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 644 reviews

Clifty Falls State Park

This scenic area, known for its hiking, has beautiful waterfalls and a canyon.

Reviewed By R3401KXkathyl - Crawfordsville, United States

Your covid destination for social distancing in southern Indiana. Challenging hiking trails to waterfalls, tunnels that you can walk thru and rugged scenery. The state park has implemented all the proper precautions at the Inn, campgrounds etc

3. Falls of the Ohio State Park

201 W Riverside Dr Exit 0, Interstate 65, Clarksville, IN 47129-3148 +1 812-280-9970 [email protected] http://www.fallsoftheohio.org/
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 279 reviews

Falls of the Ohio State Park

Dating back 386 million years, the Falls of Ohio are among the world's largest naturally exposed fossil beds.

Reviewed By buckimom

I love Ohio history! We sometimes forget that this was the frontier 200 years ago. I m particularly interested in the conflicts between native Americans and the first settlers. Visiting this park provided a window into this world. The museum was modern and filled with precise snippets of local history including the formation of the Ohio River, interactions between Indians and settlers and the beginnings of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. There were two excellent short films available for viewing that I highly recommend. We visited the location of George Rogers Clark’s cabin overlooking the Ohio Falls. This was the spot where Lewis and Clark came together before starting their momentous journey. I felt immersed in local history as I gazed upon the Ohio River. There are plenty of opportunities for walking and biking near the cabin though we didn’t have time to explore. I highly recommend a visit to this park if you are in Louisville and are interested in local history. Perhaps you will be inspired to read Allan Eckert’s, That Dark and Bloody River.

4. Indiana Dunes State Park

1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304-1142 +1 219-926-1952 [email protected] http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 837 reviews

Indiana Dunes State Park

Indiana Dunes State Park consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic and unique Hoosier landscape. It lies at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County, and includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. In the early 1900s scientists, recreationists and nature enthusiasts, recognizing the value and potential of the Indiana dunes area, fought to have the region preserved. As a result, in 1925, the state park was established.Large sand dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, have taken thousands of years to form, and tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan. A wide range of habitats and plant species are found in the park, with vegetation stabilizing some of the sand. These habitats provide homes for many types of plants and animals. The lake also provides habitat for many aquatic species, as well as a constantly changing fishery.Indiana Dunes State Park features a wide variety of habitats, including beach, sand dunes, black oak forest, wooded wetlands, and a button-bush marsh. Together, these areas contain some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the Midwest. Botanists from across the country enjoy studying the unusual collection of plant life. Other interesting features include “tree graveyards” (places where forests have been buried by sand and then, more recently, re-exposed by wind erosion). “Tree graveyards” can be seen in Big Blowout, near Trail 10. The Indiana Dunes area also is renowned throughout the Midwest for its birding. Visit the Nature Center to ask about good birding locations.Indiana Dunes State Park is surrounded by Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, a federally administered park comprising approximately 15,000 acres.

Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States

When I was younger, many years ago, my friends and I went to two beaches to cool off on a hot summer day. Either Rainbow beach on Chicago's south side or the Indiana Dunes. It was much easier to get to Rainbow beach. You needed a map or very good directions to find Indiana Dunes. But once you got there, it was worth the trip...sun, sand and cool, clear, fresh water. Indiana Dunes State Park is 47 miles east of Chicago. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974, it includes hiking trails and food trucks and Nature Centers, a beach house with concessions, an observation platform, a Visitors Center, camping facilities, picnic shelters and spectacular views. On a clear day, you can see Chicago's Skyline. The beaches were formed by winds coming off Lake Michigan. Historically, Native Americans used the area for years as trade routes.

5. Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Martinsville, IN +1 765-342-4026 http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/4816.htm
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Reviewed By BrownsburgBoiler - Brownsburg, United States

My wife and I walked on the newly paved asphalt trail in Morgan Monroe State Forest with her wheelchair. This was a wonderful walk into the wilderness of dense tall trees. I'm in my late 60s and I was able to manage the trail on the rolling hills. We parked at the entrance to the Mason Ridge Campground next to a large fire tower that is located the Main Forest Road. The trail started with two very steep hills. When we walk the trail again, I will start at the trail on the south end of the parking lot by the State Forest Headquarters Building to skip these steep hills. The trail had gentler rolling hills on the trail from this point. The hills did require some effort to push up and down the hills. But it was worth it as we had a wonderful October day with the leaves turning colors. All in all it was a great day for a trip into the woods. We walk for an hour one way on the trail and then turn around so we probably were able to cover about half of the 5 mile trail. This two hour round trip was about my limit. Hope to come back some day with our kids and grandkids to do the whole five miles with their help. Thank you to the State of Indiana for giving us the opportunity to again enjoy the wilderness together as we did so often in our younger days.

6. Fort Harrison State Park

5753 Glenn Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46216-1066 +1 317-591-0904 http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2982.htm
Excellent
53%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 136 reviews

Fort Harrison State Park

This 1700-acre park is chock-full of activities and history, housing a former World War II prisoner-of-war camp. Recreation includes fishing, bicycle trails, walking and jogging trails, horse trail rides and hayrides, picnicking and a nature center. Knowledgeable naturalists answer your questions and offer guided hikes and talks.

Reviewed By DKPuck - Muncie, United States

This is a beautiful park in an urban area, but you wouldn't know it when you are in the park. The park is large with several excellent hiking trails, walking trails, and views of the river and beach. Parking is sufficient, but it can be busy on a nice weekend. We came on a very nice Saturday. There was a line to get in the park, but once through, there was plenty of parking and most people are not on the non-paved hiking trails. A great state park that you should definitely visit!

7. Spring Mill State Park

Sr 60, Mitchell, IN +1 812-849-3534 http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2968.htm
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 377 reviews

Spring Mill State Park

Reviewed By robertwB4785RB - New Albany, United States

Spring Mill has become a favorite get away spot for my wife and I. Though about an hour's drive from Louisville metro we usually figure out an excuse to get there a couple of times or more each year. When out of town company comes in, it also makes a great gift to buy an overnight stay package for them. Reading other reviews reminded me that apparently not everyone sees this place through our eyes. The Inn is our favorite. It has a rustic, classy elegance that maybe some see differently. When we drive into the park the tall arched trees over the road offers a peace and respite from our otherwise sometimes hectic lives. There is much to do in the inn itself. There is ping pong and some video games for the younger ones, relaxing nooks and crannies in the down stairs lounge area to read, play family board games or work puzzles and an indoor/outdoor pool for all. For special occasions there is a stylish new wing for nice sized parties or wedding receptions. The rooms are generally not luxurious--like you would expect to find in a Hilton chain, etc--but the private, peaceful beauty of forest, flowers and lake are often not available with those hotels either. This is different. This is unique. Some have been renovated and all have their own rustic charm. We also love the restaurant and especially the buffet. It is comfort food all the way and an amazing selection of desserts while, if you are lucky, you can watch wild birds coming to the feeder on the window sill almost within arms reach. A splendid rock fire place also adds a warmth and charm to the dining experience. With the pioneer village, awesome hiking trails, camping sites, beautiful picnic areas, large swimming pool for campers, Gus Grissom Memorial, Nature Center, cave exploration, ancient historic cemetery, authentic rock fences, and more there is there is always new things to discover and old memories to relive. For those with eyes to see it, this place is amazing!!

8. Turkey Run State Park

8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859-8882 +1 765-597-2635 http://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 650 reviews

Turkey Run State Park

Reviewed By gallopinggrandpa

Turkey Run State Park is an unexpectedly miracle of nature. Nestled in what appears to be very flat farm country in west central Indiana, water, over the centuries, has carved out a wonderland of canyons, hollows, and even a “punch bowl.” The good people of Indiana have opened this land up for the public to get up close and personal with Mother Nature, mostly in the form of various hiking trails (rated easy, moderate, rugged and very rugged). These are more vigorous than ordinary park trails, but that makes them all the more fun. The trails are well marked. You can also go horseback riding, play all kinds of sports, swim, camp, etc. (check their website). Some hints: shoes are important. I felt invincible in my waterproof hiking shoes. Your feet will get wet, and tennis shoes will drown. My wife used her trusty walking stick for balance (and many hikers found a suitable branch among the millions of choices lying around). Even the moderate trails have some tricky passages; be patient with yourself and you will figure it out. The stone steps can be slippery and are always uneven—take your time. Even the wooden stairs are often uneven, and prone to crumbling. Again, watch what you are doing for a safe journey. I visited this park when I was very young, and have vivid memories of its wonders. Time has not diminished my joy at seeing this place as filled with wonder as it always has been.

9. Pokagon State Park

450 Lane 100 Lake James, Angola, IN 46703-7597 (260) 833-2012 [email protected] https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2973.htm
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 366 reviews

Pokagon State Park

Pokagon is an Indiana State Park located in Angola, Indiana, on the shores of Lake James. Pokagon has both electric and non-electric campsites, as well as a youth tent area and group camp. There a two swiming beaches at Pokagon along with miles of hiking trails, a bike trail, a Nature Center open daily and the Potawatomi Inn and Conference Center. In the winter, Pokagon is home to a refrigerated toboggan run. Because of it is refrigerated, it does not need snow to go and is open from the day after Thanksgiving until the last weekend in February.

Reviewed By teamsnardy - Vincennes, United States

A must-see for anyone who appreciates the state park experience. Lots of variety for activities including water sport rentals, winter tobagan runs, 15 miles of hiking trails, Inn/lodge with indoor swimming. Easy and quick access off I69. Put this Park on your callendar for every season.

10. Charlestown State Park

12500 Highway 62, Charlestown, IN 47111-9759 +1 812-256-5600 http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2986.htm
Excellent
50%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 102 reviews

Charlestown State Park

Charlestown State Park was established in 1995. The park's 5,118 acres include 4,756 acres transferred from the U.S. Army and 362 acres purchased from private owners. Charlestown State Park is remarkable for its varied topography from gently rolling highlands to its heavily wooded steep ravines. Rock outcroppings, scenic Fourteenmile Creek, and high quality woodlands make this an important addition to the state park system. The park offers rich habitat for both plants and animals. Several rare and endangered plant species as well as numerous areas displaying abundant high quality wildflowers complement diverse animal life found here.

Reviewed By clipperwr - Gravois Mills, United States

We were traveling with a fifth wheel trailer. This is an excellent location to stop. Many nature activities available with some long hiking trails. The Ohio River is adjacent to the park. The RV sites are well laid out for easy access and hook up. The park is located next to the town of Charlestown and is within easy driving distance to Louisville, KY and the surrounding area. We had planned a three day stay, but unfortunately, had to leave after the first night due to a family emergency. We would definitely stay here again and may do so next year.

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