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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