Another amazing day at Eagle Creek Park! Couldn't ask for better weather. Nature was REALLY showing off today. read more

I visited here get a little exercise while in town recently and was impressed with the quality of the 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 read more

Eagle Creek Park - Trail - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Eagle Creek Park is so beautiful during the warmer seasons. I took a walk on the red trail, an was able to take in the amazing sights. There is plenty to do such as taking a walk on the many trails, riding your bike, renting a shelter, kayaking, boating, going to the bird observatory and more! You can even go zip lining at Go Ape! The park is always clean and peaceful. There is a charge of $6 to get into the park, however you can purchase a year pass at a cheaper rate. read more

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Beautiful park, easy and walkable trails. Well maintained paths. Entrance fee is determined on what county you live in. Would love to visit during peak season. read more

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I enjoy visiting Eagle Creek every now and then. There are plenty of trails to explore, which makes each trip feel a little different. On our last visit, we ended up on an unfinished trail but still managed to make our way through and reach the lake. The trail markers could definitely be clearer, but if you have the Trail app or even just your phone's map, it's easy enough to navigate and enjoy the hike. read more

Eagle Creek Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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This was the chosen location for our family reunion. It has been decades since I've been to Eagle Creek. The grounds appeared to be well kept. We rented shelter A and found it to be a good size that accommodates up to a 100 people. It had a large double sided grill and clean attached restrooms. There is small lot across the street for additional parking.. There were 2 electrical outlets in the stone wall along with a water spigot. A good power wash was needed to remove the large spider webs that were around the shelter. However, it was fine for the day, but I'll be suggesting other local parks in the area that offer more amenities closer to the shelter that fit our needs along with no entrance fees in a more centralized location that is convenient for everyone. read more

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One of Indy's gems!! I always love coming out to Eagle Creek! There is so much to do, walk, run, hike, bike, fish and bird watching! There are trails ranging from just around a mile to a full loop of 6 miles. There is great birdwatching on the west side over by the water.you can ride your bike through the paved roads. Lily lake is a great place to relax and take in the beauty. There is plenty of parking all through. Sometimes the guard station is closed and it's free to enter, others it's just under $10 for residents and non-residents. Keep in mind, this time of year (fall) is one of the busiest, so get there early and expect busy trails. A great state park, and a great place to get into nature right inside the city! read more

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When we need to stretch our legs and get some fresh air from our downtown life, we head to Eagle Creek. It's hard to believe this place is a city park. The vast trail system, nature / ornithology center, picnic spaces, rowing center, etc would lead you to believe it's a state park. This is also a popular spot for cyclists (which is why we have a family membership)- it's one of the safer places to ride in town. Parking is easily found throughout the park and you pay by the carload. Check their daily schedules for nature walks, live music, Eagle demonstrations and more. read more

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There is so much to do on the beautiful grounds of Eagle Creek Park. The fresh air is invigorating and the surroundings majestic. The Park is large, in fact one of the largest urban parks in the country with over 5500 acres of water and wooded area. The park has over 18 miles of marked trails through woods, prairie and marshland. Some of the trails are paved and flat while others are natural and rugged. The vegetation is mostly natural with many large (200 yr+) trees such as oak, sycamore, black walnut and more. The trails are suitable for hiking, running, walking leased dogs and birdwatching. The ornithology center is a must visit if you like to watch and learn about birds. Passionate staff members are on hand to offer guidance on where to visit and what to see. Over 100 species of birds migrate through the park each year. There is a swimming area on the south side of the park that is open during June and July. At the marina, guests can rent boats or bikes and there is a small concession center. There is an Earth Discovery Center that I have not had a chance to visit, but will on my next trip. Entry by the carful is only $6 for Marion County residents or $7 for non-resident cars. The park is a great place to bring kids to learn about nature. There are picnic and restroom facilities scattered throughout the park. Fishing is permitted with a license. The park opens at 7 am. The staff is friendly, knowledgable and helpful. read more

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I really love coming here when I can. It's the perfect reset and there are a number of trails to choose from with changing scenery on each. Thinking about getting a park pass for the year! I love that there are parking lots scattered throughout the park to make it accessible from various points. read more

It's been a little over 12 years since I moved into Lawrence Township. It's an area I love and I really love Fort Harrison State Park, however, having grown up in Pike Township I can't deny that I also really miss being a frequent visitor to Eagle Creek Park. Eagle Creek Park is one of the nation's top 10 largest municipal parks with 3,900 acres of woods, meadows, and ponds along with 1,300 acres of reservoir. By comparison, Fort Harrison State Park is a total of 1,700 acres. Eagle Creek Park's hours vary daily, though it almost always opens at 7am. Seasonally, closing hours change and range from 6pm in December to 9:30pm during the summer. Pricing: Annual: $60 Non-Marion County residents, $50 Marion County residents, $40 seniors (62+), Pedestrian/Bicycle $35, 50% off for veterans, $75 for the bark park (this is one dog, though additional dogs get half price). Daily: $6 Non-Marion County, $5 Marion County, $1.50 for pedestrian/bicycle, no senior or veteran discount on a daily pass, $5 at the bark park, and buses can get in for $15. There are quite a few areas available for rental: boat and bike rental, companion zones at the bark park, two wooded retreat facilities, 15 covered shelters, a beach shelter, and meeting/workshop spaces. The park's website has quite a few details. The Earth Discovery Center is free with park admission, though does have more limited hours. Inside the center you'll find exhibits and information about native Indiana plants and animals, including aquariums with live native reptiles, fish, and amphibians, taxidermy mounts, and replicas. Other wildlife educational ambassadors may make appearances at scheduled program times. You can see a beautiful view of the reservoir out on the deck, or hop on the nearby hiking trails. Naturalists host over 100 nature-based public programs, events, and summer day camps. The Ornithology Center may very well be my favorite space in the park. It has its own Yelp page and is amazing. Go Ape Treetop Adventure is in the park (though priced separately) - 16+ is $59.95 and under is $39.95. This includes 5 zip lines, rope ladders, tarzan swings, etc. Eagle Creek also features the bark park, a concert series, a golf course, a beach and swimming, watersports, a soccer complex, fishing, picnics/playgrounds, cross-country skiing, trails, and the Peace Learning Center. There are over 16 miles of trails. Accessibility tends to be fairly strong here in most facilities. Not every activity is accessible nor is every trail, however, I actually consider accessibility stronger here than at Fort Harrison. Oh, and yes, you really can see eagles at Eagle Creek Park! This is definitely one of Indy's gems and I'm always grateful when I get a chance to return to this area and visit Eagle Creek Park. read more

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This is a nice area that is next to Eagle Creek Park and overlooks the resovoir. It is also known as the 56th Street Overlook and is marked by the huge Galyan's Bear (hence the name) metal sculpture that was gifted to the city after Gaylan's was purchased by Dick's Sporting Goods. The overlook has a decent sized parking lot, with immediate access to a nice paved trail for biking, walking or jogging. There is a sign that says admission to the area is $5 but there was no booth there and no one was collecting money when I visited. There is supposed to be an automatic gate and fee collection system, but that was nowhere in site. The area was recently reopened after incorporating drainage improvements, and updating the parking lot. The trails that branch off the area are very nice, picturesque and full of wildlife and nature. There are paths, stairs and bridges. I was more pack than normal while I was there, especially considering that it was a bit chilly. I credit the bump in visitors to access to the area being free. There were some picking just sitting in the parking lot taking it all in too. The view from the spot is decent, but not life changing or anything. As I mentioned, you get the reservoir and vehicles driving down 56th Street. This is a nice spot, especially for outdoor enthusiast. You will find some very nice paved and nature trails over here and they are not as traveled or busy as the main Eagle Creek Park. I am sure they will fix the fee thing real soon, so I would hurry and visit will it is free. read more

I came with a group for a Hayride around the Park. It was a beautiful Saturday night and it wasnt cold yet. We took fun pictures at the cutouts then it was time for our hayride. The guys were helpful and polite and helped us climb into the tracker. The park provided blankets to put down on top of the hay. We all had a good time taking in the sites of the park and chatting among ourselves. After the hayride, we had to enjoy some smores and apple cider. The smores packets included 2 marshmallows, 4 graham crackers and chocolate. I could have split it with someone. read more

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I showed up to Eagle Creek expecting a great experience with my kids. I went to the swimming area expecting Wibits and floaties. A ton of bugs and weeds which was very unkept. A lot of false advertisement about the beach. I was super disappointed and a very extremely small swimming area. Do not come to Eagle Creek Swimming Area. I ended up taking my kids to another locations because this place was atrocious. read more

I am not sure how I missed reviewing Eagle Creek Park. This is an Indy gem located in the heart of Indy right off of I-465. A massive park with everything for everyone from hiking, fishing, playground, kayaking, bird watching, barbecuing to just lazing around and enjoying nature. It's a beautiful spot and the hikes are mesmerizing. Nothing to talk less of, just the right amount of everything. There is a fee of $5 as an Indy resident to enter but it's so worth your dime cause the park is effortlessly maintained with not a speck of trash or waste around. Lovely area and I highly recommend for any weather. Enjoy the park before it gets colder!!!!! read more

Really nice park. Plenty of trails and things to do. We rented a pontoon and had a blast. Our only negative experience here was the bathroom by the boat rentals. They were trashed,, really trashed. read more

A city park so big you'll think it's a state park. Plenty of picnic areas accommodated all of the Memorial Day visitors. Boat rentals were open and doing a lot of business. Single and double kayaks were the most popular. Paddle boats were second. A few pontoon boats, the most expensive to rent. We rented a Jon boat which is for fishing and comes with a 10 hp outboard motor. The swimming beach was closed. There was a lot of fishing both in the main reservoir and Lily Lake. Even though both gates had a steady steam of 10-15 cars waiting to pay at the gate the park didn't seem too crowded or over whelmed. Yes a lot of people parked on the side of the roads after the small parking lots filled up, but the spacious of the park seemed to handle the crowds well. We did not check out the trails but I assumed by the numbers of cars that the trails were very popular. Picnickers brought their own grills, tents, canopies and games. Admission is $5 for Marion county residents and $6 for non-residents per vehicle. Restrooms were all portable style including large ones that accommodate handicapped folks. read more

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This park is always a favorite when looking for a spot for trails and a picnic. We met several friends on a holiday weekend for a hike around the lake and some food. One recommendation is to arrive early if going on a nice weekend or holiday as the line to enter was over a mile as we left later in the day. We found the 56th street entrance to be relatively quick and you can pay cash or credit as it is $5 to enter. They also have maps of the park which is handy for finding shelters and restrooms, or picking your trail. We followed a 2 mile ish hike around Lilly Lake, and enjoyed the fact that there were sunny and shaded spots, as well as lots of views of the lake. Many people were out fishing and hiking and everyone was really friendly. It took us about an hour as we meandered along, and it was a relatively easy hike. I love that there are a myriad of parking spots all around the park as well as many picnic tables, secluded spots for eating and playground areas as well. We had brought in a picnic lunch which we enjoyed near our parking on a picnic table. We found some restrooms later a bit of a drive away, but it wasn't too bad considering the size of the park. This is a family friendly spot with most hikes being medium to easy. We enjoyed our day and will return! read more

Came here on a Sunday morning to kayak and take a walk. $6 non-resident entry fee, $5 for resident. Lots of trees, pretty creek. Weather was overcast so it wasn't amazing but park itself was nice. Lots of parking, signs for some of the hikes. Good spot close to the city for some nature! read more

Why has it taken me this long to discover Eagle Creek Park on Indy's west side?! In all fairness, I did visit on an elementary school field trip...but it wasn't until recently I enjoyed a beautiful fall morning here. This park is HUGE. We did a three-mile loop out by the lake and through the woods, and drove around to see the rest of the park. You can explore by the water (or on the water and rent a kayak), in the woods, on the paved road, on gravel trails, pack a picnic, visit the ornithology center...the options are endless. There is an admission fee per car (although I think the gatekeeper charged us per person?) and it is slightly higher for out-of-county cars. read more

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I come here all the time sit with nature sometimes on kayaking and fishing and looking for weird rocks read more

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So, this is what I'm calling my "pandemic update". Please see my original review as well! Anyway, they are keeping the trails and roads open through the park as of this posting on 3/29/20. Playground areas, the marina, etc. are closed. They have signs reminding people to practice social distancing; PLEASE PLEASE folks, cooperate with this, or they might have to close, and we need outdoor spaces to stay sane... My experience so far is that early mornings are pretty easy for practicing social distancing. I went for a hike at 8AM last weekend and encountered a few folks and their dogs...and a lot of geese who were NOT practicing social distancing...but the people were, so it seemed OK. The flowers are starting to bloom and there was a migrating flock of white pelicans on the reservoir. This weekend I went for a run on the roads around 8AM and there were a decent number of people out, but switching sides of the road made it do-able to social distance. It is peaceful, stress relieving and sanity restoring to get outside. We are very lucky to have such a large park in Indy that is compatible with social distancing as long as people make an effort. Fingers crossed that people behave and enable Eagle Creek to continue to keep the roads and trails open! read more

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I always park at the Ornithology Center, it's perfect starting point for many different hikes. It's lovely even just to walk around for a short nature break! Always birds to see from up above or when you hike around the water. read more

Eagle Creek Park - Even the rain and cold can't keep us away - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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what a cute little surprise!! a group of us met up here for a walk and it was honestly so pretty!! a nice distance too. if you go far enough you can even stop a picnic table by the lake like we did (: and this was just one of the many trails in the park! i have been to multiple and they're all beautiful and well worth your visit read more

Eagle Creek Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I attended a field trip with my daughter to Eagle Creek Park. Initially, I was trying to understand why they would schedule a park for students to visit during the school year on a field trip. As we arrived and got things sorted, I quickly understood why. The guides for the nature hike were amazing. They understood the plants and animals natural habitat as well as information on those things that they shared with the kids. They also were knowledgeable to let students know which plants they could touch and those that would be dangerous. They spilt the group into several smaller groups with rotations. Students were able to enjoy the nature hike, searching for tadpoles in a pond, and creating an earthworm habitat. I was extremely impressed by what Eagle Creek Park offered students. read more

Eagle Creek Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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This park is great. It's close to downtown, and full of wildlife. Parking is a little limited with how many people were visiting at the time, I've never seen it so busy! But, we were able to park along the road with others. For a beautiful hike, check out the blue trail which will loop you around the forest as well as a pond, and then the lake. Only a couple of miles and beautiful all times of year. I'm so excited for the spring, we were already able to see all kinds of birds and even a coyote from across the lake. I also found out they offer kayak rentals so I will be back soon! read more

Eagle Creek Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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This park is absolutely stunning. I went in a 6 mile run on a Saturday morning following the red trail and it was safe, well kept, beautiful and easy to follow. This park is incredibly family friendly and offers many trails and activities along the way. Highly recommend! read more

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I don't know how I just discovered this place! The moment you cross into the park, you forget that you JUST drove through downtown (at least from the way we enter). This has got to be the best city park in the Midwest. There are multiple hiking trails, which we have yet to discover. They do not have any mountain biking trails, but you can ride your bicycle on all the roads throughout the park. We honestly haven't taken advantage of all this park has to offer yet, but it's still great. With its proximity to the city, it's easy to swing over after work, which we've done a couple of times. The week night bonus is how few people are there! We went for the first time last year, primarily to rent paddle boards to see if we liked them enough to buy our own. Eagle Creek Outfitters rents kayaks, paddle boards, and more. We really enjoyed the paddle boards and purchased some late last year and have been back several times with ours since. From the marina, you can head off both ways. I highly recommend figuring out which way the wind is blowing and head into it first! We take snacks and sodas in our cooler and paddle and drift for about 3 hours each time, but you can also buy drinks, snacks and frozen treats at the same building where you rent the water equipment. As of August 2018, Marion County residents can purchase an annual pass for $50 or pay $5/car or bicycle plus $3/boat for a one-time visit. After Labor Day, the annual pass price drops to $25. Even with the annual pass, you still have to pay for the boat. Pets are welcome, so long as they are on a leash. read more

Eagle Creek Park - Hubby paddle boarding - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Eagle Creek Park may be my favorite Indy hangout. I spend most of my time walking here. The park has approximately 10 miles of trails which can be pieced together for longer walks or walked in sections for those looking for less mileage. There's a trail for all! The trails are well kept and good for trail running. The marina has some great spots to sit by the water and is a popular fishing spot. You can rent a canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard, pontoon boad or paddleboat there, too. There are also places to put in your own water craft. While on the water, be mindful of rowers practicing. You'll see the lanes. The park has one of the few regulation rowing courses in the US and hosts college meets! The beach isn't currently open and I've never used it. There is an extra fee to use the beach. Pop into the orinthology center or new nature center to learn about native wildlife and plants and check out the events calendar. Both have programs for adults and children for little to no cost. And if you're enjoying a nice woodsy hike on the orange trail and are startled by screams of terror you are nearing the Go Ape course, located by the nature center. Pavilions are available to rent for large groups and small groups can set up pinics or barbecues at one of the numerous tables located in the park. The ones near playgrounds tend to go fast. In the summer, the park hosts local music at no additional cost outside the gate fee; for cars $5 for Marion county resident, $6 out of county; pedestrians are $1.50. read more

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If you're looking for a mini vacation without leaving Indy, this is the place to go. You'll feel free hiking down the trails to the big lake opening. In the summer, you can also rent kayaks, canoes, and mini sailboats to take out on the lake (I believe you have to be 21+ to rent them and have an ID on you). There's a snack bar and I once arrived and there was a cultural festival happening. It's definitely hopping in the summer. Visit at all times throughout the year to enjoy the fresh air and nature! read more

This park is so incredibly beautiful! It's truly an amazing place to walk through. I visited Indianapolis in the spring (maybe 2016 spring? 2015? Man, I need to go back) and the flowers were a in bloom and it was just absolutely perfect. There's plenty of pathways where you can rack up the steps and a ton to see. It has been one of my favorite state parks within a city that I've been to in the USA. read more

I love Eagle Creek Park! The people who run it are good people, and the entire location is well kept, and is beautiful state park! My wife and I are regular members and look forward to getting our 2024 membership pass. read more

Eagle Creek Park is one of those parks that I've heard about from numerous people, and yet it took me almost four years to visit it. I think what stopped me was that they charge admission to enter the park. On the day I visited, it was $3 that I pushed into a slot in a box because there wasn't an attendant at the entrance; other days, it's $6. There are so many free parks in Indianapolis, so why pay to go to this one? Because Eagle Creek is unique and worth the entrance fee! For starters, they have an ornithology center, where you can learn about all kinds of native Indiana birds. When we were there, it was pretty much empty except for a couple of birdwatchers in the viewing area looking at all the birds visiting the bird feeders. We grabbed a couple pairs of binoculars and starting birdwatching, too. The center provides a binder of the most-likely-to-visit birds, with pictures and descriptions, so you can know just who you're looking at. We walked around the rest of the bird center and saw taxidermied birds of all sorts. It's nice to get an up-close look at the birds, because they never let you get this close in real life! There was also an exhibit where you can push buttons and hear different bird calls. Down the hall, there is a room just for children, with games, puzzles, coloring pages and other activities to do. All in all, the ornithology center is a nice place to visit! Then there is the Earth Discovery Center, where you'll find lots of activities and manipulative for kids. This is where they hold storytime each week. You can also find books for young children, a few toys, and an aquarium where you can touch tadpoles with your bare hands! I'm pretty sure I didn't even see the entirety of Eagle Creek Park, as my first visit was limited to the ornithology center and the Earth Discovery Center. But this park is huge. Apparently, there are also three different playgrounds with playground equipment! Oh, and there is a huge lake in the middle of the park, with hiking trails that go around it. I've been told that the hike around the lake is long. Eagle Creek is such a peaceful place -- I can see why so many people have been telling me to check it out! read more

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I love this park! It has all the brown county state park feels. There are so many trails and things to do! I wish I had known sooner it was here. I moved to the area last year and discovered it right after. I love walking the trails and the scenery. It's the largest park in Indy! It's open all year around but closes at 6. It's open at 8 am everyday, but does close at 5 on Fridays. I have a pass, but otherwise it does cost at entry and if you want to go to the beach area that also costs extra. So many fun things to do! You should definitely check it out! read more

Eagle Creek Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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I love Eagle Creek! It's a very large state park with lots of trials. Be mindful of sticking to your trail and paying attention to the signs or you could easily end up lost. The trails are short and long, you can definitely get an excellent workout in these. Even the more difficult trail is still pretty tame, great for different skill levels. Aside from the gorgeous and extensive trail system, they have a couple of attractions along the park, too many to name all. My favorite has to be the bird building. They have lots of bird feeder that draw in a variety of local feathered friends, knowledgeable staff, and a room with taxidermy local birds so you can see them up close. So interesting and useful! Overall, this park is a must see! read more

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I have been to this park a few times. The events include: - most recently, a friend's outdoor wedding and reception - a bird watching event with the Boy Scouts - to watch the meteor shower of 2018 - a company picnic - to go to a beach in Indianapolis - bike riding Each time I am here, I think that I have only scratched the surface of what this park has to offer. I think I am deterred from going here more often because of the entrance fee to get in and I think I can go elsewhere. However, after my last visit I left again wanting more. It is worth the $5 entry to get in. I think I'll get the annual pass and see what I can get out of it. It is a lovely park, well kept, and has a lot to offer. You won't be disappointed. read more

Eagle Creek Park - Path into the park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Eagle Creek is, no doubt, my favorite spot in Indianapolis. This park offers so much in the way of trails, educational activities for children, community races, and more. I've been running at eagle creek for over five years now and still find myself awed by a sunrise on the land bridge or a beautiful fall afternoon. There is so much to explore that you'll keep stumbling across trails all year long-trails that look gloriously different depending on the season. COVID specifics: I've seen a few people in masks, but not very many. That's a little disheartening considering the close-proximity of some of the trails. Yet, I see others faithfully wearing a mask occasionally and that is encouraging. read more

Eagle Creek Park - Beautiful marshy pond near the nature center. - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I have to admit, I've lived in Indy 3 years and hadn't made it to Eagle Creek. Boy was I missing out! I went on a Thursday in late October and picked up the blue trail right inside the entrance off of 56th. Gorgeous trees but the real treat was the bird reserve. I didn't make it around but will be back to do so before it gets too cold. Bring water & a protein bar if you're going to be gone for a bit and enjoy the beauty right here in Indianapolis :) read more

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Went to eagle creek park for the first time and had a great experience. There was no park ranger when we pulled in but put money for admission in the drop box. I did a little research ahead of time to check out trail options. We chose the blue trail because it went around the lake for a scenic view. We parked at the orthinology center where the birds are. It took us about an hour to walk the entire trail. So many people out and about with their dogs. It is a beautiful and clean park. Can't wait to go back and explore more. read more

Eagle Creek Park - Blue trail hike - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Love coming here!!! Great spot to enjoy nature! Lots of picnic areas - so a good spot to bring lunch and then go for a hike on the trails. One of my favorite times to come is when the leaves change to fall colors - but really all year there are awesome views and you often see deer and other animals. read more