With rolling hills, beautiful forests, and sparkling lakes, Indiana is a place of natural beauty and rich history. If you want to traverse the hills, weave through the trees, or swim in pristine waters, you won’t need to drive far from Indianapolis, IN. Curious about the history of the land? Want to connect with nature? Here’s a few state parks nearby that’ll satisfy your adventurous side.
1. White River State Park
Whether you like flora or fauna, there’s a place here for you. Located in the heart of Indianapolis, White River State Park boasts the White River Botanical Garden and the Indianapolis Zoo. History buffs will enjoy the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Medal of Honor Memorial, and the Indiana State Museum. From your child to your grandparent, this park has something everyone can enjoy.
2. Fort Harrison State Park
Named after President Benjamin Harrison in 1906, Fort Harrison State Park was a military base until 1991. Now, instead of hosting soldiers, it hosts hikers, bikers, and horse riders. Golfers can come to the Fort Golf Resort that hosts a 72-par course. When you’re tired from marching, or biking, through the site’s six trails, you can visit the Museum of 20th Century Warfare and view the retired uniforms, and military artifacts, from the World Wars.
3. Mounds State Park
Created by the Native Adena-Hopewell people in 160 BCE, the “Great Mound” lies inside of Mounds State Park in Anderson, Indiana. Canoe down the White River, find a campsite, or fish during the summer and winter. If you’re looking to learn while exercising, their interpretive naturalists will lead you on a hike while teaching you the history of the indigenous people who first settled the land.
4. Summit Lake State Park
Summit Lake State Park is well known for its bird watching, and you may get a chance to spy a bald eagle from the park’s observation point. Prefer to stay grounded? There are 120 campgrounds and four hiking trails to choose from. If you’ve had your fill of the sky and earth, then walk the beaches of Summit Lake. Swim, Fish, or rent a boat to ride across Lake Summit’s still waters.
5. Brown State Park
Only an hour away from Indianapolis, Brown State Park covers nearly 16,000 acres of land. For those that want modern accommodations, the Abe Martin lodge offers hotel rooms, cabins, and a dining facility. For the rugged men and women, there are campgrounds, trails, and a saddle barn for guided horseback riding. Hike the rolling hills, view the misty ravines, and when you’re tired of walking, sit back and relax to the sound of Lake Strahl and Ogle’s gentle tides.
Whether you’re driving ten minutes to White River State Park, or an hour to Brown County State Park, you’ll want to get there comfortably and safely. Visit Tom O’Brien’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and find a vehicle that’ll take you back to nature.
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