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3 Great Spots for Birdwatching You Can Drive to From Indianapolis, IN

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A popular activity among Americans of all ages, birdwatching is a fantastic way to take a break from the routine and relax in nature after a busy week. If you are searching for new destinations to discover in your 2022 Jeep Gladiator, here are three fantastic spots you can reach in less than two hours from downtown Indianapolis, IN. Fill up your tank, don't forget your camera, and hit the road!

3 Great Spots for Birdwatching You Can Drive to From Indianapolis, IN

1. Yellowwood State Forest

Home to over 180 different species of birds, Yellowwood State Forest is one of the most popular destinations among birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from Indianapolis. Established by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, this public recreation area covers a territory of over 23,000 acres and features several miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.

Some of the bird species you can find while exploring this sprawling nature reserve include wood thrush, blue-winged warbler, common yellowthroat, chestnut-sided warbler, wild turkey, broad-winged hawk, yellow-billed cuckoo, and indigo bunting. Yellowwood State Forest is located about 50 miles south of the Indianapolis city center and can be reached in a little over one hour via route IN-135.

2. Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Another beautiful nature reserve featuring thick forests and over 100 bird species, Morgan-Monroe State Forest is located a little under 40 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis, making it an easy day trip destination that can be reached in less than one hour via route IN-37. This public recreation area was established in 1939 and offers not only excellent opportunities for birding and wildlife watching but also picnic shelters and several miles of hiking and biking trails.

Spanning an area of about 24,000 acres, Morgan-Monroe State Forest is managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and provides habitat to large populations of red-bellied woodpecker, chimney swift, Acadian flycatcher, eastern-wood pewee, American crow, hooded warbler, northern cardinal, mourning dove, and downy woodpecker. This public recreation area features a large family campground for those wanting to stay overnight.

3. Fort Harrison State Park

Located just 12 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis, Fort Harrison State Park is a wonderful destination to spend a day checking out some beautiful bird specimens without driving too far from the city. Established in 1996, this nature reserve spans about 1,700 acres and welcomes almost 900,000 visitors each year. Some of the bird species you can find here include the common yellowthroat, cerulean warbler, Kentucky warbler, and yellow-breasted chat.

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4 Fun Summer Activities You Can Drive to Near Indianapolis, IN

With hundreds of exciting events and festivals on the calendar, it can be difficult to narrow down your list of summer activities. We've made it easy for you with this guide to our picks for the best things to do in Indianap o lis, IN, this season. 4 Fun Summer Activities You Can Drive to Near Indianapolis, IN 1. Greenbriar Community Center Summer Festival Enjoy the nice weather with your neighbors at this fun summer festival. You'll find food, a petting zoo, a bounce house, face painting, and even a mechanical bull ride. Stay cool by playing splash volleyball or running through the sprinklers in the splash zone. The event is free to enter, and for a $5 donation, you can see an exclusive world premiere of the new comedy Daddy Daughter Trip with Rob Schneider. more Greenbriar Community Center is located at 1259 West 8th Street in Indianapolis. The event is from 1 to 3 p.m., with movie showtimes at 1, 3, and 5 p.m. 2. Bloombox Festival Once known as the Independent Music and Art Festival, this event is celebrating its 22nd year in downtown Indianapolis. Bloombox is an all-day, free festival where you can hear live music from 10 local bands and see original work from local artists. You can even shop for handmade clothes, jewelry, beauty products, posters, and much more at the event's INDIEana Handicraft Exchange. Bloombox Festival will take place on Saturday, June 17 from noon to 8 p.m. It's held at the Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 North Delaware Street in Indianapolis. 3. Sunrise Yoga on the Canal Start your morning with a relaxing stretch and a gentle workout at Sunrise Yoga on the Canal. This free class is open to all skill levels, and it's hosted by The Hot Room Yoga and the Indianapolis Culture Trail. If you plan to attend, make sure you register in advance at The Hot Room's website. Yoga on the Canal occurs every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. through September. Bring your own yoga mat and meet the group at the Admiral Spruance Basin, 410 West 10th Street at the end of the Downtown Canal in Indianapolis. 4. Indianapolis City Market Experience some of the best local produce and fresh food available in the city at this weekly outdoor market. Indianapolis City Market was established in 1821 and features more than 30 different vendors. The City Market is located at 222 East Market Street in Indianapolis. The outdoor market takes place every Wednesday from May through October, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. City driving is a snap with the Jeep Renegade, a sleek yet rugged compact crossover. Check it out in person today at Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Indianapolis.

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3 Great Winter Activities You Can Drive to Near Indianapolis, IN

Winter in Indiana can be a magical time, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and indoor fun. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we'll explore three of the best winter activities that you can drive to near Indianapolis, IN. 3 Great Winter Activities You Can Drive to Near Indianapolis, IN Skiing and Snowboarding at Perfect North Slopes Located at 19074 Perfect Place Ln, Lawrenceburg, Perfect North Slopes is a premier winter destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The ski resort boasts a full-service ski and snowboard rental shop, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own equipment. more When you arrive at Perfect North Slopes, you'll be greeted by friendly staff who can help you get started with your skiing or snowboarding adventure. If you're new to the sport, they offer group and private lessons to get you up to speed. For more experienced skiers and snowboarders, there are plenty of challenging runs to keep you entertained. Ice Skating at the Indiana State Fairgrounds If you're looking for a fun and family-friendly winter activity, ice skating at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is a great option. Located just a short drive from downtown Indianapolis at 1202 E 38th St, the fairgrounds offer a 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink that's open to the public from November through January. The rink is open seven days a week, and it's a great place to enjoy a winter day with friends and family. In addition to ice skating, the fairgrounds offer a variety of other fun activities, such as a holiday light show, a Christmas market, and a winter wonderland complete with a snow tubing hill. Sledding at Fort Harrison State Park If you're looking for a fun and free winter activity, sledding at Fort Harrison State Park is a great option. Located at 5753 Glenn Rd, the park offers some of the best sledding hills in the area, with plenty of space to enjoy the snow and the beautiful winter scenery. When you arrive at the park, you'll find plenty of parking and easy access to the sledding hills. There are slopes of varying sizes and steepness. You can bring your own sled or rent one from a nearby sporting goods store. While you're at Fort Harrison State Park, be sure to take advantage of the other fun activities that the park has to offer. You can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the park's trails or simply enjoy a winter hike or nature walk. There are also plenty of picnic areas and shelters where you can warm up and enjoy a snack or a cup of hot cocoa. Grab your warmest coat, pack the car, and hit the road to explore the winter wonderland that Indiana has to offer! When you bring your friends or family to these places with you, you're going to want to make sure they can all ride comfortably. So make sure you're driving a roomy car like the new Jeep Compass Latitude. Check one out at Tom O'Brien CJDR – Indianapolis today!

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4 Reasons to Check Out the Indianapolis Zoo

Looking for a fun way to spend a day with the family? Come check out the Indianapolis Zoo, located right here in Indianapolis, IN. From savannah big cats to arctic penguins, there's an animal for everyone to love – just make sure none come home with you afterward! 4 Reasons to Check Out the Indianapolis Zoo 1. Total Adventure Package The Total Adventure Package (TAP) allows visitors to purchase special tickets for zoo rides and animal feeds. That's right: You get to feed some animals. You follow a specially designed path through flamingo, budgie, lorikeet, and giraffe enclosures; and the animals eat right out of your hand. While the flamingos are a seasonal adventure, the birds are housed in large aviaries year-round. more TAP also allows visitors to experience the zoo's many rides. The Endangered Species Carousel is one of our favorites, featuring hand-carved animals such as seahorses, penguins, elephants, rhinos, and many more. While only open from mid-March through December, the carousel is wheelchair accessible. Other exciting attractions include the Race-A-Cheetah simulation, the shark touch pool, the tots treehouse & play area (wheelchair accessible), and seeing the zoo by train. 2. Baby Animals This Zoo is an important contributor to animal conservation efforts, which means there are always new babies to discover! Their newest addition is an Addra Gazelle named Cobb. Many zoos play an integral part in animal conservation through selective breeding programs, which allow the sustainability of a genetically diverse population. Don't just take our word for it, though. The zoo offers programs for all ages on their efforts – the cute babies are just a plus! 3. Rotating Activities The zoo offers numerous extracurricular activities like overnight adventures, scout troop experiences, field trip options, zoo camps, animal adventures, and dolphin-in-water adventures. If that isn't enough for you, there are also adult, family & youth programs. Luckily, your new 2022 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 has plenty of space to bring the whole family so you can discover these incredible options. Have little ones? They offer the Jungle Juniors Preschool Program for ages 3-5. Saturday Science encourages kids ages 6-12 to ask questions about the science of the natural world, featuring different animals every week. Snakes, aardvarks, and kangaroos are only a few. For older kids, they offer a class all about zoo career options and can talk behind the scenes with the zoo staff. 4. More than just Critters in Indianapolis, IN Not only will you see animal enclosures here, but you'll also find the White River Gardens. At 3.3 acres, this beautiful area is home to multiple different (safe) species of animals, the Hilbert Conservatory, the DeHaan Tiergarten, and over 20,000 honeybees! During certain programs, the staff will lead you into the bees' hives and give you some incredible information on how we can all help protect our favorite buzzing pollinators. Zoos play an essential part in education, conservation, and community. Want to make sure you can bring home that extra-large stuffed tiger you got at the gift shop? Stop by Tom O'Brien CJDR today, and we'll make sure you drive off the lot with a car perfect for you and your family.