Best State Parks in Indiana: Your Complete Guide to Hiking, Camping & More

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Come Along As We Discover Indiana’s Most Beautiful Parks & Trails

There are 24 state parks in Indiana, each with its own unique history and personality. Since moving to the Midwest in 2019, we’ve made it to 13 of them. Some are expansive – like Brown County State Park that covers nearly 16,000 acres in the southern part of the state; some are tiny – like Falls of the Ohio State Park that consists only of a small fossil bed nestled alongside the Ohio River and a really cool Interpretive Center covering the history of the region from prehistoric times to the Lewis & Clark expedition and beyond.

Below are descriptions of some of the best state parks in Indiana, including why we like each one and reasons you might, too! For each park listed, we’ve included a “best for” award. These awards highlight what we found most special about each park and give a quick glimpse into what you might expect to find on your visit.

Whether you’re a longtime Hoosier, someone visiting the state for the first time and looking for a place to experience something uniquely Indiana, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you select the best state park in Indiana to explore.

And, of course, there are still several more state parks to explore. As we continue to make our way through all 24 state parks in Indiana, we’ll update this guide to showcase what makes them special, too. We hope you save this page and refer back often, exploring the parks right alongside us!

(parks are listed in alphabetical order)

1 | Brown County State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 1801 IN-46, Nashville, IN 47448 | Phone: (812) 988-6406

Best for fall colors & panoramic views! Brown County State Park is located roughly one hour south of Indianapolis and is Indiana’s largest state park, covering nearly 16,000 acres. In the fall, Brown County State Park comes alive with color, making it a popular destination for fall foliage.

There are 13 designated hiking trails in Brown County State Park, ranging in distance from the short and easy “Friends” paved trail to the Hoosier Hikers Council (HHC) Trail that takes hikers 3.5 miles along a moderate course past Ogle Lake and two of the park’s seven vista points.

For horse lovers of all skill levels, the Saddle Barn offers 2- and 3-mile guided rides (seasonally), as well as pony rides at the Barn and weekend hay rides.

Brown County State Park is also home to the Abe Martin Lodge – one of only seven inns located within the state park properties. The lodge features 84 rooms, onsite restaurant, indoor water park, game room and conference center.

[Click on images to enlarge]

Park Features

• Abe Martin Lodge (84 lodge and 6 patio rooms, plus furnished and rustic cabins)
• Camping (RV, tent, horseman and group sites available; electricity available on designated sites)
• Nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads and scenic vista points
• 70 miles of horse trails and guided horseback trail rides from the Saddle Barn (generally open March-November; check website for dates and times)
• 21 miles of hiking trails
• 37 miles of mountain biking & hiking trails
• Picnic areas, Playground, Tennis Courts, Swimming Pool and Picnic Areas
• Nature Center

Seven Vista Challenge

Within Brown County State Park are seven designated vista points – each offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The vista points are also perfect spots to sit and watch sunrises and sunsets. Visitors who stop at all seven vista points and take a photo using the “Vista Challenge” frame at each stop can earn a special “Seven Vista Challenge” sticker and purchase a challenge T-shirt.

Vista points include: West Lookout Tower, Hesitation Point, Friends Trail Vista, Weedpatch Vista, Nature Center Vista, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Vista, and Hohen Point Vista

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2 | Charlestown State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 12500 Indiana 62, Charlestown, IN 47111 | Phone: (812) 256-5600

Best for a step back in time! Rose Island is located within Charlestown State Park, nestled between Fourteen Mile Creek and the Ohio River. During the Roaring ’20s, Rose Island was a popular amusement park and resort, featuring a zoo, roller coaster, carousel, swimming pool and dance hall. Today, the park is a bit of a “ghost town” with only remnants of the entrance gate, pool and cottages remaining after a devastating flood in 1937.

Rose Island can be reached by taking Trail 3 to the Portersville Bridge, then crossing over to the island. As you wander the 0.9-mile path around Rose Island, you can imagine what it must have been like during its bustling days. Along the trail you’ll find hand-operated voice boxes that take you back in time for a glimpse into the island’s past.

To explore the rest of Charlestown State Park, there are six moderate-rugged trails, ranging from 1.2 to nearly 3 miles each; plus a 5k grassy-trail course that gently winds around the picnic area.

Park Features

• Camping (60 full hookup sites, 132 electric sites)
• Approximately 16 miles of hiking trails, easy to rugged
• Fishing in 14 Mile Creek
• Picnic shelters and Playground
• Nature Center with interpretive programs

Trail Challenge

Hike all 16.3 miles of trails within Charlestown State Park to complete this challenge and earn a challenge pin ($5 donation to the Friends of Charlestown State Park recommended).

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3 | Clifty Falls State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 2221 Clifty Drive, Madison, IN 47250 | Phone: (812) 273-8885

Best for rugged trails & waterfall views! We set out on the trails in January – one of the best times to see the falls in their full glory – but quickly found that the trails were difficult to follow (even with a map) and sometimes difficult to traverse. There are 10 designated trails within the park, most considered rugged to very rugged.

Trail 9 goes from the campground to the Nature Center and is considered a moderate level trail. Trail 10 is an easy loop trail near the swimming pool.

Trails 1-8 (ranging from 0.5-4.5 miles and varying degrees of “rugged”) take hikers up and down the steep grades of Clifty Canyon; through groves of poplar, beech and hickory trees; and along the rocky beds of Clifty Creek. Along the way, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the park’s four waterfalls: (Big) Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, Tunnel Falls, and Hoffman Falls.

Celebrate a day of hiking and discovery with a stay at the Clifty Inn, located within Clifty Falls State Park.

Park Features

• Clifty Inn (71 rooms, indoor pool and hot tub, onsite restaurant, sitting room, game room and gift shop)
• Camping (electric & non-electric sites, youth tent area)
• More than 14 miles of hiking trails
• Picnic Shelters
• Swimming pool & waterslide
• Nature Center with interpretive programs

Four Falls Challenge

The Four Falls Challenge takes participants on a 4-mile hike through rugged cliffs and canyons, to the four waterfalls located within Clifty Falls State Park. Grab a map at the Nature Center or Clifty Inn front desk, then set off to capture photos at seven designated spots along the trails. Present your photos at the Nature Center to earn a Four Falls Challenge sticker.

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4 | Falls of the Ohio State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 201 W. Riverside Drive, Clarksville, IN 47129 | Phone: (812) 280-9970

Best for fossil field exploration! Falls of the Ohio State Park is the smallest of the state parks, covering a mere 165 acres. But don’t let its size fool you. The historical richness of this tiny state park makes it a true gem and worth visiting.

Falls of the Ohio State Park primarily consists of a robust Interpretive Center behind which sits a 390-million-year-old Devonian fossil bed along the Ohio River. Inside the Interpretive Center, learn about ancient marine life discovered in this area, understand how glaciers formed the region, witness the start of the Lewis & Clark expedition, and more!

Parking is $2 (free with an Indiana State Park Pass)
Admission to the Interpretive Center is an added fee.

• $9, adults
• $7, children ages 5-11
• Free, under 5

Fun Facts About the Falls

• More than 600 fossil species have been found here, including more than 250 species of coral
• Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out from this area on their famous expedition in 1804
• More than 270 species of birds have been recorded around the Falls
• Well-known authors, Mark Twain and Walt Whitman, have written about the Falls

Fossil Challenge

Download the Falls of the Ohio State Park Fossil Challenge brochure and set out into the fossil field to do some archeological exploring. Look for the nine fossil types listed, including: snails, coral, sponges and crinoids. Take pictures of the fossils you discover and present your photos inside the Interpretive Center to earn a prize.

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5 | Fort Harrison State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 6000 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216 | Phone: (317) 591-0904

Best for an urban escape! Fort Harrison State Park is a peaceful oasis located right in the heart of Indianapolis, making it one of the most accessible state parks for those wanting to discover Indiana’s natural beauty without leaving the city. This 1,700-acre park offers a unique blend of military history and outdoor recreation, situated on the former grounds of Fort Benjamin Harrison, a U.S. Army post that operated from 1903 to 1991.

The park features more than 10 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, including the popular Fall Creek Trail that winds along the scenic waterway. The trails range from easy to moderate, perfect for families and those looking to explore nature close to home. For cyclists and paddling enthusiasts, the park provides excellent opportunities to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Fort Harrison State Park is also home to the historic Fort Harrison Inn, offering comfortable lodging with modern amenities. The inn provides a relaxing retreat for visitors who want to extend their stay and allow more time to fully explore all the park has to offer.

The Fort Golf Course
Located just outside Fort Harrison State Park is the The Fort Golf Course, named by Golfweek as one of the best courses in Indiana. This is an 18-hole, par-72 course, designed by Pete Dye. Another great way to experience the beauty around Fort Harrison State Park!

Park Features

• Fort Harrison Inn (68 guest rooms, onsite restaurant and conference facilities)
• More than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails
• Fall Creek Trail for scenic paddling and fishing
• Disc golf course
• Picnic shelters and playground
• Nature Center with interpretive programs
• Historic military buildings and museum

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6 | Indiana Dunes State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton, IN 46304 | Phone: (219) 926-1952

Best for incredible views of Lake Michigan! Indiana Dunes State Park is located in the northernmost part of Indiana, along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Covering a little more than 2,000 acres (much of which is a designated nature preserve), Indiana Dunes State Park features sand dunes, black oak forested areas, wooded wetlands, and a button-bush marsh. With such a diverse environment, the park is home to numerous wildlife and bird species, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

The 16 miles of hiking trails in the park range from an easy 3-mile trail ideal for cross-country skiing in winter or spotting flowers in spring to the rugged 1.5-mile trail that goes up and over the three tallest sand dunes in the park.

With a beach spanning three miles along Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes State Park is a favorite spot for summertime escapes. Sitting in the sand on the shores of the lake feels more like being at the ocean. If you’ve never seen the Great Lakes in person, believe me… they are a sight to behold, complete with waves and rip currents. For that reason, it’s important to monitor conditions and pay attention to posted warnings and lifeguards (present throughout the summer months).

Bring a picnic but leave the alcohol at home. Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout this state park with the exception of the Pavilion Beach Café & Bar.

The recently renovated Dunes Pavilion is a historic landmark, established in 1930. During the summer season, the Pavilion is open daily, featuring a restaurant and grill, general store, and rooftop lounge. Also in the Pavilion is an ice cream shop, public restrooms, and the state park lifeguard office. In addition, the second floor of the recently renovated Pavilion is a dedicated event space, open to the public when not in use.

For visitors wanting even more, Indiana Dunes State Park is surrounded by roughly 15,000 acres of Indiana’s only national park – Indiana Dunes National Park.

Park Features

• 3 miles of beach along Lake Michigan
• Camping (140 electric sites, youth tent area)
• 16 miles of hiking trails
• Picnic Shelters
• Cross-country skiing in winter
• Dunes Pavilion (restaurant and more, open during summer months)
• Nature Center with interpretive programs

Three Dune Challenge

The 3 Dune Challenge is absolutely a challenge! From the Nature Center, follow Trail 8 up and over the three tallest sand dunes in Indiana Dunes State Park: Mt. Jackson (el. 176 ft.), Mt. Holden (el. 184 ft.), and Mt. Tom (el. 192 ft.). Not only will you climb more than 550 feet of total elevation, but you’ll do so in sand, making it even more of a challenge! The reward? Stunning views of Lake Michigan and the park below.

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7 | Mounds State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 4306 Mounds Road, Anderson, IN 46017 | Phone: (765) 642-6627

Best for a spiritual experience! Like Falls of the Ohio State Park, Mounds State Park is a small park rich in history. Among its six miles of hiking trails, you’ll find 10 unique earth structures (“mounds”) created thousands of years ago by the Adena-Hopewell people – indigenous to the region during prehistoric times. Believed to have been used as gathering places for religious ceremonies, astronomical observations, and celebrations, the mounds have a spiritual sense to them to this day.

Nestled alongside the White River, Mounds State Park offers a canoe launch site and fishing from the riverbank (with state license). There are six trails within the park, ranging from an easy 1-mile trail winding around four of the mounds, to a moderate 2.5-mile trail around the park boundary. Hiking along the White River and through wooded trails, you’ll be treated to a wide array of wildflowers, birds and other wildlife.

Park Features

• Camping (75 electric sites, youth tent area)
• 6 miles of hiking trails
• Picnic Shelters, Playground
• Nature Center with interpretive programs
• Visitor Center & Gift Shop

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8 | Ouabache State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 4930 E. State Road 201, Bluffton, IN 46714 | Phone: (260) 824-0926

Best for bison viewing! That’s right! Within Ouabache State Park is a 20-acre bison exhibit where you can observe a herd of American bison in a natural setting. During our winter visit, this park was quiet, but the trails were accessible for exploring. In warmer months, the robust sport offerings of Ouabache State Park make it an inviting destination for families.

There are five designated hiking trails, ranging from an easy 1-mile trail to a moderate 6-mile trail. There is also a two-and-a-half-mile paved bike trail that runs through the park, connecting with the River Greenway Trail that continues another 2.5 miles toward downtown Bluffton.  

Kunkel Lake is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day with a public swimming beach, boat rentals and boat launch, and fishing (state license required).

Park Features

• Camping (122 electric sites, 10 non-electric sites, youth tent area)
• 20-acre Bison Exhibit
• More than 15 miles of hiking trails
• Paved bike trail
• Swimming beach, fishing & boating on Kunkel Lake
• Picnic Shelters, Playground
• Tennis, basketball, volleyball and bocce ball courts; baseball diamond
• Nature Center with interpretive programs

CCC Challenge Course

Ouabache State Park grew from the Wells County State Forest & Game Preserve, originally converted from local farmland by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Work Projects Administration (WPA) in the 1930s. Today, the park honors its CCC roots with the CCC Statue and CCC Challenge Course. To participate, complete a 4-mile course that passes through some of the original CCC sites and climb to the top of the restored fire tower (located near the Bison Exhibit). Completion of the challenge earns participants a free CCC Challenge sticker and the option to purchase a CCC Challenge T-shirt.

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9 | Pokagon State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 450 Lane 100 Lake James, Angola, IN 46703 | Phone: (260) 833-2012

Best for winter fun! Pokagon State Park is home to the historic – and super fun! – Toboggan Run, making it an ideal destination for winter fun. But that’s just the beginning. What makes Pokagon one of the best state parks in Indiana is its diverse list of activities available year-round.

In the winter, enjoy the toboggan run, hiking or cross-country skiing on a network of trails, ice fishing, or simply enjoy a good book or game next to a roaring fire at the Potawatomi Inn.

In the summer, relax on the beach for a sun and swim day, go horseback riding with guided tours from the Saddle Barn, or hit the trails for a hike or mountain bike ride.

Any time of year, book a room at the Potawatomi Inn – another of the seven lodges located within Indiana State Parks – for a nostalgic and cozy experience.

Park Features

• Potawatomi Inn (126 guest rooms and 12 cabins located on the shore of Lake James)
• Camping (electric and non-electric sites available, as well as group sites and youth tent areas)
• 12 miles of trails; perfect for hiking, mountain biking or cross-country skiing depending on the season
• Fishing Lake James (including ice fishing in the winter)
• Boating on Lake James (seasonal rentals available)
• Nature Center with wildlife exhibits and ranger-led programs year-round
• Picnic shelters, playground, and a sand volleyball court
• Summer swimming at the beach (open from Memorial Day through Labor Day)
• Horseback riding from the saddle barn (open starting in the spring)

Hell’s Point Challenge

The Hell’s Point Hiking Challenge is an 8-mile loop around the park that includes 84 steps up to the highest point in the park, the Hell’s Point lookout tower. The challenge begins and ends at the Pokagon State Park Nature Center and takes you through woodland trails, past the wetlands, and offers stunning views of Lake James. Snap a photo at all six designated locations along the trail and present them at the Nature Center to earn a challenge sticker and water bottle (while supplies last).

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10 | Potato Creek State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 25601 State Road 4, North Liberty, IN 46554 | Phone: (574) 656-8186

Best for preservation of the past! Potato Creek State Park might just be the most surprising of the parks we’ve explored so far. It covers nearly 4,000 acres in Northern Indiana, making it the fourth largest of the state parks, but its history and conservation efforts are what set it apart from the others.

The park is comprised of a variety of natural habitats, with 327-acre Worster Lake in the middle. Since the 1990s, efforts have been made to restore the land to its early forms, including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. Today, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife and migratory birds. In the spring, a vibrant display of wildflowers in the woodland areas invite songbirds.

Recognizing the park’s efforts to create diversified habitats supporting local and migratory wildlife, the Audubon Society designated Potato Creek State Park as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2006.

Another unique feature within Potato Creek State Park is the Porter Rea Cemetery. While it is not part of the park – it is owned and maintained by the Porter Rea Cemetery Association – you can access the cemetery along Trail 4. What makes the cemetery special is that it was among the first integrated cemeteries in the country with black and white families buried side-by-side.

New Inn Coming Soon!
A 120-room lodge and conference center is being built within Potato Creek State Park with an anticipated opening in 2026/27.

Park Features

• Camping (287 electric sites, 70 additional electric sites in the Horseman’s Campground, youth tent area)
• 17 family cabins
• Picnic Shelters, Playground
• More than 10 miles of hiking trails
• 3.3-mile paved bicycle trail; 7.4-mile mountain biking trail
• More than 7 miles of bridle trails
• Boat launch & fishing on Worster Lake
• Bicycle and boat rentals available at Recreation Building during summer months
• Cross-country skiing & tubing hill (seasonally, no onsite ski rentals)
• Nature Center with interpretive programs
• Wildlife observation area

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11 | Prophetstown State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 5545 Swisher Rd., West Lafayette, IN 47906 | Phone: (765) 567-4919

Best for family adventures! Prophetstown State Park offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and living history, making it an ideal destination for families looking to discover Indiana’s natural and cultural heritage. Located near Purdue University, this 3,000-acre park sits at the confluence of the Wabash River and Tippecanoe River, an area of great historical significance.

The park features more than 13 miles of trails for hiking and biking (mostly easy to moderate difficulty), winding through diverse habitats including prairies, wetlands, and riparian forests. These trails provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring the reconstructed tallgrass prairie ecosystem, one of the park’s highlights. The aquatic center offers a refreshing retreat during summer months, while the Farm at Prophetstown State Park brings history to life. Learn about the farming lifestyle and practices from the early 1900s and explore the Native American village.

For paddling enthusiasts, the Wabash and Tippecanoe Rivers provide scenic waterways to explore by canoe or kayak. The park also offers excellent camping facilities and a nature center with interpretive programs that help visitors connect with the region’s rich Native American history and natural heritage.

Park Features

• Camping (110 sites, half with full-hookup capabilities)
• Picnic shelters
• More than 13 miles of hiking and biking trails
• Prairie restoration area and wildlife habitat
• The Farm at Prophetstown with living history demonstrations
• Aquatic Center (open Memorial Day to Labor Day)
• Nature Center with interpretive programs

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12 | Shades State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 7751 S. 890 W., Waveland, IN 47989 | Phone: (765) 435-2810

Best for rugged adventure! Shades State Park is a hidden gem for those seeking challenging terrain and dramatic natural beauty. Often compared to its neighbor Turkey Run State Park, Shades offers a more secluded, backcountry experience with equally stunning ravines, waterfalls, and rock formations carved by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago.

The park features 10 rugged hiking trails, with most rated as moderate to very rugged. These trails wind through deep sandstone canyons, past cascading waterfalls like Devil’s Punch Bowl and Lover’s Leap, and along scenic Sugar Creek. The terrain includes streambed hiking, ladder climbs, and steep ascents that reward hikers with breathtaking views of ancient rock formations and pristine wilderness.

Shades State Park is perfect for experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a more primitive camping experience and the solitude of less-traveled trails. The park’s location in Parke County, known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World,” makes it an excellent base for exploring the region’s historic covered bridges as well.

Park Features

• Camping (105 non-electric sites, 7 backpack sites, 10 canoe camp sites, and youth tent areas)
• 10 miles of rugged hiking trails
• Deep sandstone canyons and waterfalls
• Scenic Sugar Creek for fishing and wildlife viewing
• Canoe launch for paddling adventures
• Picnic shelters
• Nature Preserve areas protecting old-growth forests
• Backpacking opportunities on backcountry trails

Six Ravine Challenge

This nearly 4.5-mile hiking challenge takes you throughout Shades State Park, exploring the best – and most rugged – terrain it has to offer. As you hike through ravines, climb ladders and traverse creek beds, you’ll have opportunities to stop and photograph some of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls and vista views. Challenge stops include: Shawnee Canyon, Kickapoo Ravine, Frisz Ravine, Kints Ravine, Silver Cascade Falls, and Red Fox Ravine. Show your photos at the gatehouse or at the nearby Turkey Run State Park Nature Center to earn a commemorative 6 Ravine Challenge sticker ($1).

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13 | Turkey Run State Park

👉🏼 ADDRESS: 8121 E. Park Rd., Marshall, IN 47859 | Phone: (765) 597-2635

Best for hiking! For those who love hiking and don’t mind a little challenge, Turkey Run State Park features 11 trails through deep sandstone gorges and ravines, old-growth forests, and along beautiful Sugar Creek. Trails range from one-half to two miles and are mostly considered moderate to rugged. Several trails incorporate streambeds, and the popular Trail 3 features several ladders not recommended for hikers with disabilities, small children or pets.

Turkey Run State Park is located within Parke County, Indiana, considered the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World” for its 31 historic covered bridges. One of those – the Narrows Covered Bridge – is located within Turkey Run State Park (between trails 2 and 4; spanning Sugar Creek).

Extend your time at Turkey Run State Park with a stay at the Turkey Run Inn & Cabins. The inn features 61 rooms, plus 20 cabin rooms and 3 standalone family cabins. Amenities at the inn include an onsite restaurant, indoor heated pool, game room and outdoor playground.

Park Features

• Turkey Run Inn & Cabins (61 rooms in the inn, 20 cabin rooms, 3 standalone cabins)
• Camping (213 electric sites, plus youth tent areas)
• 14 miles of hiking trails
• Saddle Barn with escorted trail rides
• Playground, Tennis Courts, Swimming Pool and Picnic Areas
• Fishing
• Nature Center with interpretive programs

Five Mile Hiking Challenge

The Five Mile Hiking Challenge takes hikers along the perimeter trails of Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve, incorporating portions of trails 3, 4, 5, 9, and 10. The total distance is a little more than 5.5 miles and includes hiking through three canyons, climbing one ladder, and crossing a suspension bridge. Take photos at the nine designated locations along the way, then present them at the Turkey Run State Park Nature Center for a Five Mile Challenge Sticker ($1).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are any of the state park trails wheelchair accessible?
Eleven of the Indiana State Parks offer free use of “trail chairs” – motorized wheelchairs that can be used within the park and on designated trails for individuals with physical disabilities. For more information, visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website here.

Which Indiana State Parks have an inn?
Seven Indiana State Parks feature lodges with comfortable accommodations, making it easy to extend your stay and fully explore these beautiful destinations:

• Brown County State Park (Abe Martin Lodge & Cabins)
• Clifty Falls State Park (Clifty Inn)
• Fort Harrison State Park (Fort Harrison Inn)
• McCormick’s Creek State Park (Canyon Inn)
• Pokagon State Park (Potawatomi Inn & Cabins)
• Spring Mill State Park (Spring Mill Inn)
• Turkey Run State Park (Turkey Run Inn & Cabins)

Why should I participate in the State Park Challenges?
State Park Challenges are a fantastic way to discover Indiana’s natural beauty while adding a fun, goal-oriented element to your outdoor adventures. These challenges encourage you to explore lesser-known trails and features within each park, often leading you to stunning vistas, unique geological formations, or historically significant sites you might otherwise miss. Completing challenges earns you commemorative stickers, pins, or merchandise that serve as mementos of your accomplishments. Beyond the tangible rewards, these challenges motivate families and outdoor enthusiasts to visit multiple parks, try new hiking trails, and develop a deeper appreciation for Indiana’s diverse landscapes, from sand dunes to waterfalls to ancient earthworks.

What other challenges are offered at the Indiana State Parks besides those listed above?
In addition to the individual park challenges highlighted in this guide, many Indiana State Parks offer additional seasonal and themed challenges throughout the year. Check with individual park offices or the Indiana DNR website for current challenge offerings.

What is the best time of year to visit Indiana State Parks?
Each season offers unique experiences at Indiana’s state parks. Fall (September-November) is incredibly popular for viewing spectacular foliage, especially at Brown County State Park. Spring (April-May) brings vibrant wildflowers and migratory birds, making it ideal for birding, nature photography and hiking. Summer (June-August) is perfect for camping, swimming at beaches like Indiana Dunes, and paddling on park waterways. Winter (December-February) offers fewer crowds, dramatic frozen waterfalls at Clifty Falls, and winter sports like tobogganing at Pokagon State Park. The best time ultimately depends on your preferred activities – whether you’re seeking adventure, solitude, or seasonal beauty.

Do I need a pass to visit Indiana State Parks?
Yes, Indiana State Parks require either a daily entrance fee or an annual pass. Daily gate fees vary by park, with most charging $7-$8 for Indiana residents and $15-$20 for out-of-state visitors. An annual state park pass ($50 for Indiana residents, $120 for non-residents) provides unlimited access to all 24 state parks and is an excellent value if you plan to visit multiple times throughout the year. Discounted annual passes are also available for seniors (age 65 or older) and others listed on the DNR website. Annual passes can be purchased online, at park gates, or at state park offices. Some parks, like Falls of the Ohio, charge a minimal parking fee instead of standard gate fees.

Can I bring my dog to Indiana State Parks?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Indiana State Parks but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Pets are allowed on most trails, in campgrounds, and in picnic areas, but are prohibited from beaches, nature centers, and most buildings (except where designated as pet-friendly). Always clean up after your pet and dispose of waste properly. Check with individual parks for specific pet policies, as some trails or areas may have additional restrictions to protect sensitive wildlife habitats.