It's a little bit rare that I discover a spot previously unknown to me, however, this was the case…read moretoday when I visited Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve. I was between tasks near Castleton and decided to do a Yelp search to see if I could snag a review or two during my free time. As is often the case for me, I searched for "parks" and Oliver's Woods popped up along with a review from the always dependable Nicole S. It's amazing to me that I've driven by this preserve many times without realizing its existence. In fact, even while looking for it today I drove by it a couple of times before realizing the place where I needed to turn. It's not particularly well marked from River Road. As it turns out, this is part of its charm. Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve is a 56-acre preserve owned by the Central Indiana Land Trust. It includes 16 acres of woods, 37 acres of prairie-savanna restoration, and a mile of White River frontage. As is true for most preserves under Central Indiana Land Trust, Oliver's Woods is fairly light in development but a fairly nice effort toward some ADA accessibility is noteworthy. It's not perfectly accessible but, let's be honest, nature seldom is perfectly accessible. As Nicole S. notes, this is a rather sublime weaving together of urban and nature. In fact, I really expected this to be more like a pocket park considering it's situated so close to an office park, apartments, and a nearby shopping center along with the highway. Remarkably, this is simply a well preserved area of nature amidst it all. In terms of accessibility, the accessible parking is by the Daugherty house. Oliver Daugherty, who passed away in 2009, donated the property to Central Indiana Land Trust and some unexpected funding received allowed for increased development of it in 2017. The accessible parking spot allowed for access to a .6 mile trail made of crushed gravel. I'm a wheelchair user and had no issues with it. However, it's worth noting that parking in the usual parking lot is more difficult because the gravel isn't quite as crushed. While the preserve is open daily, there are specific times when a volunteer docent is available to give a tour of the preserve. There is a canoe launch available for any craft legally allowed on the water in the city of Indianapolis that you can carry to/from the river from the drop-off area in front of the Daugherty House. The southern half of the Town Run Trail Park also runs through this property with an agreement that was made between Indy Parks and Daugherty himself. Volunteers have helped plant native trees and plants and to remove invasive species. "This special care is allowing native species like wild ginger, Virginia bluebells, waterleaf, wild hyacinth and trillium to flourish," according to the CILT website. Because this is so wooded and you are along White River, seeing wildlife is also a strong possibility. This is not a "recreational" preserve other than the ability to launch a canoe. This is a wonderful preserve for enjoying nature, appreciating White River, and enjoying a short but nicely done trail. There are signs around the preserve explaining the preserve (including at the Daugherty House). Quite honestly, I'd have loved living here. I saw one other vehicle while I was here, though I never saw the person associated with that vehicle. I did hear traffic and the highway, though on a warm and sunny Fall day it all felt really perfect. Now that I know this is here, there's no doubt I'll return!

Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve is truly an urban oasis. You can see and hear the vehicles roar by…read morefrom I-465, just a short distance away. You walk through tall grasses as you walk past billboard signs. I love the city and I tolerate nature, so this place is a great combination of both for me. There are hiking trails here, but they're not clearly marked, so as we were walking and enjoying nature, we encountered several mountain bikers who raced past us. There must have been some sort of mountain biking thing going on, because there were a lot of bikers at the park. We must have been on the biking trail, because we didn't see any other walkers, just bikers. The path is super slim, so we had to duck into the brush whenever we saw a bicycler, which was every three to five minutes. Eventually, we headed back and found an actual walking path. All this to say: If you find a dirt path that is jutted, it's probably not the walking path -- it's the biking path. Once we found the walking path, it was very pretty and peaceful. The hiking / walking path will take you to the boat launch, where you can take your boat out onto the White River. It will also take you to the Daugherty House, which is a house that belonged to the original owner of the property, Oliver Daugherty. You can't go inside the house, but you can look at the outside, and there are signs and QR codes that give you more information about it. We found a lot of native plants here, including wild raspberries that were ripe and ready for picking. We also saw a beaver (!) and trekked across a stream that fed into the White River. This is such a cool place, and it's a true Indianapolis hidden gem.

Turkey Foot Nature Park is notable for the spectacular virgin sycamore trees that line Eagle Creek…read more A 335 year old downed tree is featured on display in the park. The display marks the rings on the tree trunk with significant events dating back to 1679! The 23 acre park was built along a section of the Eagle Creek just north of Zionsville that was never developed. Today, the park is hidden between housing developments and a Pete Dye golf course. The town of Zionsville maintains the park. On the south end of the park is a paved parking lot which holds 15 cars. The 1.3 mile of trails are also nicely paved making the hike suitable for a stroller or wheelchair. Small unpaved paths along the trail lead down to Eagle Creek where you can get great views of birds and other wildlife including an occasional bald eagle. Along the sycamore-lined trail, native wild flowers bloom throughout the season. There is a lovely footbridge that crosses Eagle Creek. I find the walk tranquil and refreshing. The park is used for running, biking or walking the dog. There is also entry points for canoe/kayak and fishing is allowed in the Creek. There is no charge to use the park.

Turkey Foot Nature Park is a hidden gem! We discovered it via a tip from a friend who likes to take…read moreher kids creek stomping. This is a great park to do that. There is a shallow creek here that's perfect for wading with young kids, and a short hiking trail, and beautiful nature all around. On the bank of the creek, you'll find little shells all around. When we visited, there wasn't anyone else there, so it was very peaceful and quiet. The parking lot is small, so I imagine that Turkey Foot doesn't get too many visitors at one time anyway. There is a pedestrian bridge that was being repaired when we visited, so we couldn't access it, but we were able to see it from the creek.

Calling all nature-loving families…read more If your kids would rather play with sticks, logs, and their imagination than a traditional playground, this spot is for you Little play hut with a table and two chairs Hopscotch and balance beams Lots of tree logs, sticks, and natural elements for open-ended play Encourages creativity, imagination, and nature-based exploration Completely covered by trees, so there's plenty of shade Multiple walking paths nearby for a family nature walk ‍ This is one of those places where kids can slow down, get creative, and connect with nature. No flashy playground equipment--just all that Mother Nature has to offer #coolcreekpark #nature #natureplayground #carmel #hamiltoncounty

What a great nature center and park! We visited to check out for our granddaughters. The Nature…read moreCenter has a nice bird watching deck, a selection of live turtles and snakes and much more. We found the bird collection particularly useful in helping us identify some of our backyard birds. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They were preparing for a school group during our visit. After the nature center, we walked on one of the nature trails. Some flowering trees were in bloom. The trails are wide and well marked (but not paved). Strategically placed benches along the trails make perfect spots to bird watch. Nearby, is an outdoor amphitheater with a large grassy area for seating. I'm not sure what programs they host, but the space is nice. Near the front of the park, is a modern playground with several colorful climbing structures, swings, slides and the usual equipment. A pavilion is available to get shade or feed the kids. There is a water fountain to keep the kids hydrated. Behind the playground, adult exercise equipment is available. We also saw a soccer field perfect for local practice. There is dedicated parking with handicapped spaces and restrooms on site.

We were on our way to Louisville and decided to stop at this massive municipal park on the…read morenorthwest side of Indianapolis. There is a small entrance free per car but well worth it. Plenty of trails,picnic area and parking. We stopped at the Ornithology Center which was fantastic. Plus you get to see an eagle and a variety of raptors. We were short on time but will definitely go back when we have at least half a day to explore the area.

I visited here get a little exercise while in town recently and was impressed with the quality of…read morethe trails and hiking paths around. Parking was easy to come by on a weekday but I can see it getting tough on a nice weekend day. I thought the $8/day was a little steep and wished they had a weekly pass

Indy is truly so lucky to be able to have as much outdoor space as we do through Fort Harrison…read moreState Park. There are trails galore, and that's mainly why I go, so I'll focus on that. There are a lot of different trailheads that have different difficulty, but I'd say they're mostly moderate on average. Each trailhead has its own parking lot. There is also a $7 entry fee per car. The trails aren't too busy most of the time but it's not uncommon to pass by others. The trails are also very clean and kept under good shade covered. There's nice views here with all the trees and the historical sites from when Fort Harrison was, well, a fort. I'm mostly a hiker by way of my outdoor adventures, so I'd love to check out some of the other resources at the park sometime!

Back at Fort Harrison with my best fur-iend Bentley. There are lots of trails here, but when this…read morelittle guy is with me we stick to the paved paths. He's got a huge adventure spirit, just little legs, so we switch things up with chauffeur service, aka me pushing his stroller :D This is one of our favorite easy outings together.

When we first moved to Indiana, we would come to the Flowing Well about once a week to fill water…read morejugs with fresh artesian water. Back then, the area around the park was still undeveloped farm land and the well was not covered like it is today. The park around the well has been upgraded with beautiful trails, bridges and even a pavilion for picnicking. Restrooms are also available. It was a thrill to visit today and walk the trail. I saw several virgin sycamore trees that were amazing. The creek is picturesque with the foot bridges. The Hamilton Parks Department is working to restore natural vegetation and remove invasive species. Parts of the trail are concrete but parts are also natural ground. The walk was lovely with benches available to sit and enjoy the sounds of nature. A sign tells the story of the well. Water erupted at the site when people were drilling for natural gas around 1900. The well has been an attraction for over 100 years. Today, the flow of the well is augmented with an electrical pump to keep up with the demand for water. People came steadily to fill water bottles during my visit. Placards describe the artesian well. The well is surrounded by immaculately manicured landscaping. The parking lot has space for about 15 cars. There is no charge to visit or collect water. Worth a visit and walk.

Perfect spot for a laid-back family adventure!…read more Flowing Well Park in Carmel is a hidden gem for families looking to spend time outdoors without a big production. The open space, fresh air, and scenic creek made for a relaxing, fun-filled afternoon. Our kids had the best time splashing in the water, exploring the trail, and collecting cool rocks along the way. It felt like a mini nature escape right in town. Major parent win: there's a foot wash station at the entrance--so helpful when little feet are muddy but happy! There's also a picnic area to grab a bite to eat. We'll definitely be back for more sunshine and creekside exploring. Towels would probably be a good idea to have on hand.

Have you checked out Prather Park yet?! Formerly known as River Road Park, this 62-acre park has…read moreWAY more to explore than just a playground! Located along the White River, Prather Park has paved trails, a river overlook, prairies, wetlands, sports fields, and tons of green space. The playground has 3 types of swings (traditional, flat + baby), lots of climbing equipment, a tunnel, double-decker spinner, 4-person seesaw, communication board, and a wood-chip surface. A few things I noticed: bathrooms are relatively close, there's adult workout equipment nearby, and there's one bench for parents by the playground. There's also an interpretive building that was designed to teach visitors about Native American life hundreds of years ago and the historical significance of the local area. Unfortunately, it wasn't working when I visited, so I wasn't able to check it out! But one of my favorite things? The walking trails have exercise stations along the way! You can get your steps in, stop for different exercises throughout the trail, explore the park, and even make your way down to the river to dip your feet in afterward. Basically, it's a playground + walking trail + outdoor workout all in one!

I love when a park tells a story. Prather Park is built on an ancient Native American site…read more Artifacts found at the site confirm that Moffitt Village (8000-6000 bc) was home to Early Archaic and Woodland people. Artifacts from modern Native American people (1300 ad) were also found at the site. Today, the park offers walking trails, green space with football practice fields, a playground and a small interpretive center with artifacts and a recreation of a Native American dwelling. In addition, several recreated mounds stand near the playground. The interpretive center was not opened during our visit, but we could see the artifacts through the windows. I think there is supposed to be recorded information, but the system was not operational. The park and trail are lovely with leaves just starting to change color for fall during our walk. The trail is paved and an easy walk. A restroom is available near the parking lot. The playground has colorful climbing structures with slides, a spinning structure and swings. A structure called "Rattlesnake Effigy", inspired by the Middle Woodland people stands near the playground. The park is worth a visit.

This is one of my new favorite places to go for a walk/ hike. There are so many trails to choose…read morefrom and when you enter the park on a sunny day, most of the trails to your right are shaded by the umbrella of trees. The trails to the left, on the other hand, are well- lit and sunny. On our most recent visit, my husband and I stumbled upon a very small cemetery. I thought that it might have been a pet cemetery due to its size, but after some quick research, my husband was able to find information regarding the family that it is believed to have belonged to. It was both creepy and cool at the same time. We walked a loop that was surprisingly dense at points and I was amazed at the fact that we didn't pop back out onto the main trail as quickly as I'd thought we would. There were some very steep slopes at points that were marked with cones that I found to be quite dangerous, but it's nature, so what are you going to do?! I love the preservation of this natural/ wild space. The sound of the birds in the forest canopy is calming and there are several places to stop, have s seat and just listen. There is also at least one of those tiny community libraries located there, as well as many other interesting features.

Growing up in the city of Danville, Illinois, there were always parks to enjoy nature. I would…read morenever expect that in the middle of Indianapolis, you could get lost in the wilderness. When me and my wife went hiking on these trails, I forgot we were in the city. It was so peaceful and pleasant and relaxing. This is definitely a place to go for a nice walk and tranquility. Even the squirrels, birds, dragonflies, and all of nature's creatures seem to enjoy the area. I can't wait for us to go back again.

The first thing I'm always struck by when I visit new Fields in Indianapolis is the level of…read moreprofessionalism and warmth of the staff. Everyone from the person at the information desk to the people who check your bags at the little security checkpoint our consummate professionals, warm, and will get you where you need to be. Another thing for out of towners to know is that New Fields is the Indianapolis Museum of Art. For some reason, the name throws people off. New Fields also includes the Lilly house, Garden, and Fairbanks Nature Center. Personally, I would start the garden. Walk into the main entrance, and walk to the right from the ticket desk. Follow the signs and you'll end up in the garden. You could spend a day or two out there. Just enjoying it. Oh, and don't forget that they are members of NARM and AHS, so many reciprocal museum memberships will get you free entrance into New Fields.

Ten of us (some in costume) attended the Harvest Nights event (first time) it was great. The…read moregrounds were beautifully decorated and all of the present staff were extremely friendly from parking to on site. Even the adults were given a bag and directed through a trick or treat area. Since we had kids, we didn't go to the adults only lounge I think I read about, but that's ok. There were stops to get food and drinks if needed (we didn't). I don't know how they manage all the amazing decor. The Lilly House all made into a haunted house inside and out was incredible. Parking off Michigan Road was super easy with attendants directing us. Next up Christmas (they are going to be busy! I wonder what they do with the thousands of pumpkins and gourds decorating the place!

Tucked behind Riverside Intermediate and Riverside Junior High School is a little trail, next to…read morethe school tennis courts, that opens up into a larger park that Fishers recently established. The two baseball fields might need a little work to meet the standards our kids are used to, but it's ready for play! Get your hiking shoes on and come on out. There are also adjacent trails around the perimeter that are available for hiking.

Who knew these trails were tucked behind the Riverside schools? Judging by the fact we were the…read moreonly people there, apparently no one. But there are in fact several trails on the property with a variety of settings: woods and hills, flat open prairie, and canopied trees. Nice to get some nature in on a nice day where there aren't a ton of people -- or in this case, any.