SPORTS & REACTION / PARKS & NATURE
Throughout the Indianapolis metropolitan region, you’ll discover wonderful municipal parks that offer first-rate sports and recreational amenities. Lakes, rivers, forests, and nature’s beauty form the backdrop for outdoor adventures that include boating, water sports, camping, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, nature study, and hiking. White River State Park is unique in its kaleidoscope of cultural, educational and recreational attractions, from fine museums to the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens.
State & National Forests
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Martinsville 765-342-4026
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry
More than 24,000 acres in Morgan and Monroe counties in south central Indiana offer primitive camping, campgrounds, lakes for boating and fishing, picnic areas, hunting in season, and hiking.
Yellowwood State Forest
Nashville 812-988-7945
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry
Pine, black locust, black walnut, white and red oak cover this vast area surrounding the 133-acre Yellowwood Lake in Brown County. Camping areas, picnic areas, horse trails, hiking trails, a self-guided interpretive trail, and lake fishing and rowboating are popular attractions.
Clark State Forest
Henryville 812-294-4306
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry
Clark County claims the state’s oldest forest, used for experiment plantings for many years. These trees, many now a century old, still dot many areas of the forest. Camping sites, horseman’s campground, seven lakes open to fishing, picnic areas, and miles of trails are available.
Deam Lake State Recreation Area
Borden 812-246-5421
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry
Also in Clark County, the forest offers a natural playground for fishing, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking and hunting. The 194-acre lake was constructed in 1965 and was named in honor of Charles Deam, Indiana’s first state forester.
Greene-Sullivan State Forest
Dugger 812-648-2810
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry
Stretching between Greene and Sullivan Counties, the forest is ideal for fishing, camping, hunting or relaxing. Almost 8,000 acres of beautiful woodland and rolling hills are dotted with more than 120 lakes, making it one of the most unique areas in Indiana.
Hoosier National Forest
Bedford 812-275-5987
https://www.fs.usda.gov/hoosier
Distinguished as the largest “natural” area in Indiana, the forest offers 199,000 acres scattered throughout the southern half of the state. More than 20 different trail system stretch for 200 miles to offer outstanding outdoor recreation.
Jackson-Washington State Forest
Brownstown 812-358-2160
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry
Covering 16,500 acres in Jackson and Washington Counties, the forest lies in the heart of Indiana’s “knobs” region. The area offers scenic views from Skyline Drive and some breathtaking hiking trails.
Martin State Forest
Shoals 812-247-3491
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry
Many educational opportunities are available through the woodland management trail and arboretum, set against the backdrop of a vast forest with rugged hills, deep woods, fishing lakes, and long hiking trails in Martin County.
Owen-Putnam State Forest
Spencer 812-829-2462
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry
Sprawling between Owen and Putnam Counties, the area boasts some of the nation’s finest hardwood forests. Hunting, pond fishing, horseback riding, hiking, biking and picnicking area all popular.
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
Vallonia 812-358-3464
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry
Once the largest body of water in the state, this Jackson County lake covers 145 acres and offers some of southern Indiana’s best fishing.
Wyandotte Caves State Recreation Area
Leavenworth 812-738-2782
https://www.ohranger.com/in/wyandotte-caves-state-rec-area
The Historic Cave, the historic Flint mine, and one of the world’s highest underground mountain with rare helictite formations are the major attractions.
Regional State Parks
Brown County State Park
State Route 46
Nashville 812-988-6406
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
Indiana’s largest state park offers rustic Abe Martin Lodge, campgrounds, hiking trails, and extensive horse riding facilities for year-round enjoyment.
Fort Harrison State Park
5753 Glenn Road
Indianapolis 317-591-0904
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
Landscape and history blend in a unique setting in northeast Indianapolis at Fort Harrison State Park. The 1700-acre park features walking and jogging trails, picnic sites, fishing access to Fall Creek, and two national historic districts.
McCormick’s Creek State Park
250 McCormick’s Creek Park Road
Spencer 812-829-2235
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
Unique limestone formations, magnificent canyon walls, high cliffs, deep woods and scenic waterfalls grace Indiana’s first state park. Enjoy the hospitality at Canyon Inn.
Mounds State Park
4306 Mounds Road
Anderson 765-642-6627
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
Discover some of the best preserved mounds in the state built by the prehistoric Adena and Hopewell people as well as camping, hiking, picnicking, nature study, swimming, fishing.
Shades State Park
7751 South 890 West
Waveland 765-435-2810
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
Beautiful sandstone cliffs overlooking Sugar Creek and numerous shady ravines provide the backdrop for hikers, campers and canoe enthusiasts.
Summit Lake State Park
5993 North Messick Road
New Castle 765-766-5873
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
An expansive view, good fishing, and 2,680 scenic acres with a large lake attract outdoor enthusiasts. Summit Lake offers an excellent bird watching and wildlife observation area.
Turkey Run State Park
8121 East Park Road
Marshall 765-597-2635
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
Natural geologic wonders include deep sandstone ravines, aged forests, and scenic views along Sugar Creek, inviting a wealth of outdoor activities.
White River State Park
801 West Washington Street
Indianapolis 317-233-2434
https://www.whiteriverstatepark.org
Grassy areas, trails, and waterways combine with remarkable cultural, educational and recreational attractions to make White River State Park a destination for two million visitors each year. The NCAA Hall of Champions, Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial share this idyllic setting. The park makes an ideal location for some of the region’s most spectacular events, including Jazz Fest and Taste of Indiana.
Whitewater Memorial State Park
1418 South State Road 101
Liberty 765-458-5565
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
Access to Brookville Reservoir is available from the 200-acre lake, just one of many outstanding recreational attractions and facilities that make the park a favorite family getaway.
Regional Lakes
Brookville Lake
Brookville 765-647-2657
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
Cagles Mill Lake
Cloverdale 765-795-4576
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
Cecil M. Harden Lake
Rockville 765-344-1412
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
Monroe Lake
Bloomington 812-837-9546
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake
LOCAL PARKLAND
Indy Parks
Indianapolis and Marion County provide nearly 150 parks that include 110 neighborhood centers as well as community, nature, regional and special leisure parks. You’ll discover 175 miles of greenways, 4,700 acres of land and 45 miles of trails shaded by a million trees. Sports facilities include 140 tennis courts, 51 soccer fields, 24 football fields and three frisbee golf courses. Summer day camps serve thousands of children each year, while residents of all ages enjoy family centers, nature centers, ice rinks, community buildings, an art center, a conservatory, swimming pools, boat launches, playgrounds, sports fields and golf courses. For complete details on the vast recreational resources available to the public, contact:
Indy Parks
1720 Burdsal Parkway
Indianapolis 317-327-PARK
https://www.indy.gov/agency/department-of-parks-and-recreation
PARKS & RECREATION CONTACTS
Boone County
Lebanon
765-482-8860
https://www.lebanon.in.gov/index.php/parks-recreation
Zionsville
317-733-2273
https://www.zionsville-in.gov/255/Parks
Hamilton County
Hamilton County
317-770-4400
https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/296/Parks-Recreation
Carmel
317-848-7275
http://carmelclayparks.com
Cicero
317-984-3475
https://www.ciceroin.org/departments/cicero-parks-department
Fishers
317-595-3150
http://www.playfishers.com
Noblesville
317-776-6350
https://www.noblesvilleparks.org
Sheridan
317-845-9871
https://www.sheridan.org/page25/index.html
Hancock County
Cumberland
317-894-6203
https://www.town.cumberland.in.us
Greenville
3167-477-4340
https://www.greenfieldin.org/parks
Hendricks County
Hendricks County
317-718-6188
http://hendrickscountyparks.org
Brownsburg
317-858-4172
https://www.brownsburg.org/parks
Danville
317-745-4180
https://www.danvilleindiana.org
Plainfield
317-839-2561
https://www.townofplainfield.com/Facilities?clear=False
Johnson County
Johnson County
812-526-6809
http://jocoparks.com
Edinburgh
812-526-3535
https://www.edinburgh.in.us
Franklin
317-736-3689
https://www.franklin.in.gov
Greenwood
317-881-4545
https://www.greenwood.in.gov
Madison County
Alexandria
765-724-4633
http://www.cityofalexandria.org
Anderson
765-648-6858
https://www.cityofanderson.com
Pendleton
765-778-2173
https://www.town.pendleton.in.us
Marion County
Beech Grove
317-788-4977
https://www.beechgrove.com
Indianapolis
317-327-7275
https://www.indy.gov/agency/department-of-parks-and-recreation
Lawrence
317-545-PARK
https://www.cityoflawrence.org/parks
Speedway
317-246-4111
https://www.speedwayin.gov
Morgan County
Morgan County
765-342-1007
https://www.morgancountyparks.org
Mooresville
317-831-7149
https://www.mooresvillepark.com
Shelby County
Morristown
765-763-6748
https://www.morristown.in.gov
Shelbyville
317-392-5128
https://www.shelbyparks.com
