Pronounced as KO-TAY-WEE which means "fire" and possibly "prairie" in the Miami-Peoria language…read more Located in Hamilton county. The park is unique. This place offers the following: Aerial Adventure trails, Archery Range & Pro shop, Bike trails, Canoe launch, Equestrian center & trail, Fishing, Green space, Hiking trails, Natural History center, Nature trail, Prairie, Sport and target archery. The park encompasses 800 acres with 8 miles of multi use trails and 3 miles of white river. The restored Native American village was pretty neat to see how they lived. I had many pix and unable to post as my pix didn't transfer to new phone. =(

Another great park in Hamilton County!…read more Strawtown Koteewi Park is one of the more unique parks that I've visited in Indiana, as it has multiple Native American structures outside to explore. This is a really neat park to visit with kids, because they can go in and out of the huts, climb in and out of the archeology excavation site, and just have a good time learning about how people used to live on the land before we came along. There is also a very cool visitor's center with artifacts and treasures from a time long past, like a life-sized dugout canoe, animal skeletons, pottery shards, tools and weapons, and lots more. I took a foraging class here this summer, and it was really great learning about the edible plants that are on the park property. Best of all, it was free! But the class was so good that I would have paid for it. Different classes happen all year long, and many of them are free or very little cost. This park is actually very large, and there are different sections where you can hike, go zip lining and horseback riding. The zip lining and horseback riding areas are seasonal, so they're not open all year long.

Highland Park is a huge community park in Kokomo with lots of green space, recreational spaces and…read morea historic covered bridge. What I like best about the park are the mature trees that provide lots of shade. Some of the trees are over 400 years old. There is a huge colorful playground with climbing structures, swings and slides. The base is a mix of mulch and soft matting. Benches line the area for parents to sit and watch kids . (The equipment could use a good cleaning from the trees.) There are two ball diamonds with bleachers within the park. A beautiful stream that meanders through the park attracts fisherman. Tree-covered picnic areas are scattered along the creek. The Vermont Covered Bridge spans the creek and is open to pedestrian traffic. There are restroom facilities near the playground. There are several parking areas throughout the park and you can drive along the creek. Highland Park is a great place to bring the family.

This is a large park in Kokomo that truly has something for everyone. We were originally drawn here…read moreby the largest sycamore tree stump that is on display and the largest steer that is not alive, but a stuffed version is on display. There is parking right next to these attractions and easy access for those who need it. They were both behind glass so the glare made it hard to see both, but they were amusing. Right next to the display was a playground suitable for all ages. The slide is a bit high, and it seemed old, but in good condition. There are also covered picnic tables in the area. Down the ways a bit in the park is a red covered bridge that was fun to walk through and take some photos with. Lastly, there is a large pavilion stage area what was having an orchestra concert, free to attend, and the audience was partially shaded with some picnic tables in the back as well.

Awesome park for hiking, horse riding, and camping. My favorite is the fire tower! When open, you…read morecan climb to the top for great views. Signage at parking area indicates if the tower is open or closed. The park roads are well maintained and bathroom facilities available throughout. The park charges an entry fee in-season.

This review is for the campground!…read more Well maintained sites. Wooded. Private if on the exterior - highly recommend. Bathroom is not nice but not gross. Friendly campground attendants. Pack bug spray! I'll return to actually explode the park. We did off-site activities this trip!

The Monon High Bridge Trail is part of Delphi, Indiana's 10+ mile system of historic trails that…read morerun throughout the city that rests alongside the Wabash and Erie Canal. The trail became an infamous part of Indiana's crime history on Valentine's Day in 2017 when teenagers Abigail Williams and Liberty German were murdered on the trail after having gone there for an afternoon of hiking on an unseasonably warm February day in Indiana. I must admit that I hesitated to add the trail, a previously popular trail on Delphi's Eastside that seems to be mostly used at this point by those seeking some sort of closure in dealing with the crime and by other curious Hoosiers. For a smaller city, Delphi has a rather nicely developed trail system. Since the tragedy occurred in 2017, Delphi has been making tremendous strides in raising funds and working toward further enhancing the safety of its trails. As a longtime activist in the area of violence prevention, I've long been outspoken about violence involving children and the Delphi killings struck me particularly hard as it was right around the time I was doing one of my Tenderness Tour events. Over the past year, I'd wanted to try to wheel this trail, knowing that it wasn't quite as developed as I usually try to stick to, but it has never felt quite right given the tragedy and my overwhelming desire to not exploit those involved. Having done a recent event, however, I had the opportunity to visit Delphi and to wheel this trail without any publicity and with no commercial attachments. While I am not connected to Delphi, Abby, or Liberty, like many it felt very personal. The trail is a 1.5 mile trail accessible by the abandoned Monon Railroad and from County Road 300. There is some parking available, though I should say up front that neither the parking area not the actual trail would likely be considered wheelchair friendly. The parking area isn't paved - it's more natural dirt/gravel road with a gravel pathway to the actual trail that is actual gravel and not crushed stone. It's not an easy wheel. You can tell you're in the right place if you see a Centennial Stone dedicated to General Samuel Milroy There's a very clear Delphi Historic Trails sign also present. The trail features Indiana's second highest railroad creek crossing, a crossing that is currently blocked off largely related to the crime and issues with private property and planned renovations. When you visit the trail, you are immediately overwhelmed with the fact that the trail is relatively close to a highway and also a property that is on the National Register of Historic Places. While I was able to make my way up to the closed area in a wheelchair, it's pretty clear that the pending renovations and lack of utilization have allowed for some wear to exist on the trail that would likely be addressed more fully if the trail was more actively utilized. We ran into an elderly area couple on the trail while out there - they acknowledged it was their first time on the trail since the killings and they shared their insights about the town's ongoing inability to use the trail. It appears this is magnified because no one has been arrested for the killings. The trail itself is mostly natural, somewhat cleared yet definitely one that requires full attention to ensure safe passage. While the bridge itself was blocked off, it is well known the railroad crossing would not be wheelchair friendly even for a pretty extreme adventure guy like myself. The trail also offers access to the Mary I. Gerrard Nature Preserve, a 6-acre nature park that is right near the end of the trail where the kilings occurred. There's also a memorial to Abby and Liberty that is still presence, a simple yet powerful reminder of the tragedy. It feels weird to "rate" the Monon High Bridge Trail "as is." Yet, it's a trail that remains open to the public and is due to be renovated and upgraded with enhanced safety features. While it remains to be seen if the public will return to the trail, one hopes that the beautiful setting will once again be visited even if it must wait until someone is held accountable for the tragedy that occurred on the trail. The trail is open dusk to dawn. The trail itself does not wind around - once you reach the end, you'll turn around and return the same way. It should be obvious, but if you choose to visit the trail do so respectfully. Delphi is a city with very little crime and the tragedy that occurred on the Monon High Bridge Trail has truly shaken its soul. Please be respectful of anyone you see and the memorial markers that continue to be present toward the end of the trail. Ultimately, the trail is best for hikers and those without mobility concerns. Those in wheelchairs and those with other gait or walking concerns may want to stick to the paved trails closer to town.

Knowing to whom this park is memorializing, I can't help but feel a little melancholy while my own…read morechildren are enjoying the various playgrounds this park has to offer. However, it's a nice big open park with plenty of parking where a portion is paved and the other on gravel. It's a well kept park and you can tell there's a lot of community involvement to make this an enjoyable space for all who pass through. There are also many picnic areas to enjoy under pavilions and 2 buildings where their restrooms and concession stands are located. There are 4 playgrounds placed in different areas around the park, an amphitheatre towards the wooded area, a plain wide open field with a little hill, and 3 baseball/softball fields. The playground closest to the parking lot has workout equipment for adults, making this park available for all ages. The reason for my 4-Star review is due to the fact that the park is not 100% accessible for persons with handicap and/or strollers. One playground outside the baseball fields and towards the back has no paved walkway that it is almost difficult to access through the grass. Also, my lack of 1 star is from the limited restroom access during the weekday. The only restroom available was the family restroom by the parking lot. When we would play at the other playgrounds by the baseball fields, it was quite a long walk to the lone functioning restroom. Overall, we had a good time and the kids seemed to enjoy the different playgrounds so they are never bored. Since we came during a weekday, the park didn't seem so busy.

On February 13, 2017, Delphi Community Middle Schoolers Abigail "Abby" Williams and Liberty "Libby"…read moreGerman were killed while hiking on an unusually warm day in Indiana while hiking near the Monon High Bridge. Indiana has been and continues to be preoccupied with the still unsolved tragedy. A grainy video with audio was left behind by the secretly recording Libby. During a Tenderness Tour event in 2018, I ended up wheeling the trail that Abby and Liberty were on when they were killed. I've continued to follow the case in hopes that their murders would be solved. Abby and Liberty Memorial Park was developed in memory of these young girls. It opened "officially" this weekend and I couldn't resist the opportunity to honor their memories myself once again by visiting the park on its opening weekend. Abby and Liberty Memorial Park includes softball and baseball fields, an amphitheatre, picnic shelters, a multi-purpose building, a concession stand, public restrooms, 2 age-appropriate playgrounds, and a walking trail that wraps around the beautifully set and developed park that is actually one mile north of Delphi at the intersection of State Road 25 and State Road 218 West. Given that this was considered an official opening for the entire park, activities were buzzing and you could tell that community members were in a reflective, thoughtful space. People were friendly and smiles were aplenty, though there was also a strong sense of melancholy mixed with determination. L&A Park Foundation, an established non-profit, maintains responsibility for the park and operates with a board of directors. In 2020, L&A Park Foundation was named a recipient of the NBA All-Star 2021 Legacy Grant. I should also note that the park was designed to meet ADA standards and the trail that surrounds the park is quite nice. I'm not sure I'd say it perfectly meets ADA, though it's clear the community has worked hard to make it a place where all are welcome. Delphi has always been a rather close community. I have a couple of friends from there and even prior to this tragedy had visited Delphi on my Tenderness Tour events. This park is a beautiful way of honoring Abby and Liberty and what I would call a communal coping skill.

When I arrived at the park, I was surprised that there was so much to look at. It's not like most…read moreparks. This one has a pioneer village with log cabins, a museum (which was closed for a private event during my visit), and canal boat rides. The village is open to walk through and includes the Case Reed House which was moved from downtown to this site around 1986. The house was converted to a hotel for travelers after being a private residence. The canal boats are colorful and provide guided tours for those who wish to take the trip. I didn't have time to go on the ride, so I can't say how much it costs or how often the rides leave the dock. There is also a trail that runs through the park along the canal. This is a nice piece of local history from an era when Indiana thought it could be a navigable transportation area with the help of canals. Review #2792

Volunteers and historians have passionately worked to restore the old cabins, school house and…read moreresidences in this park. It's a nice park with shaded and open areas. Lots of park benches and trails to explore. One of the highlights is a boat converted to playground. You'll get a treat if you happen to go during Canal Days, which happens one summer weekend a year.

My boyfriend, dog, and I stayed at France Park for two nights and had a great time. We rented the…read morecabin (there's only one on site) and wanted to make a review since it's hard to find info on it. The cabin is tucked away and was difficult to find due to the staff not giving us a map or directions but we found it just after driving the whole park and deciding to go back for directions. The cabin is primitive and you have to bring your own bed clothes, pillows, etc. no running water, electric, or heating/cooling but there is an electrical outlet a little ways from the cabin. You'd need an extension cord to reach the cabin though. Picnic table and fire ring on site. They didn't give us any hassle with bringing our dog which we declared when making the reservation. The cabin is very shaded and I was not worried about my dog over heating. There's also a store on site with basic supplies and you can also buy firewood on site. There were vault toilets right by the cabin but they were intolerable...strong odor, wet floors, you get it...so we would head up to the bath house for the rest rooms. Little bit of a walk so we'd drive up. Those were clean and the showers were free. France Park had a lot of fun things to do including various fishing areas (one being just down the hill from the cabin), a swimming/beach area with an obstacle course on the water, and the coolest disc golf course I've ever seen (we brought our own discs. I didn't check to see if you could rent or buy on site). The course goes through the woods and was very challenging for a beginner like myself but loved the experience. The location is also fairly close to a tubing place called Riverside Rentals and we really enjoyed that river float. Also not too bad of a drive to town if needing supplies. I wish we would have taken more photos but was too consumed in being present and enjoying disconnecting. Overall, the only negative was the vault toilets but we'll definitely be back to enjoy this location. What a gem!

Great campground and activities. Beautiful waterfall. Great trails. The water was amazing for…read moreswimming. Had a live DJ and concessions. Had a blast! Would highly recommend.

We came to Prophetstown State Park in the hope of continuing our Battle of Tippicanoe experience…read more I had assumed that there would be some historical memorial to the Indian settlement that had once been here - unfortunately other than a very small recreated Indian village there was nothing. This was extremely disappointing and it certainly isn't worth the entry free to just see the three mock Indiana buildings they have here. Assuming however that you agent coming here to see Indian related memorials, then this park is very cool. There are trails to hike - a working farm to visit - playgrounds to play in. Whatever you would normally expect in a State Park. So like anything else - do your research before arriving. I unfortunately did not.

I saw the sign on the highway so decided to stop. Trail wasn't anything spectacular. The visitors…read morecenter was small. Unless you are planning to go to aquatic center or camping, nothing much to see here.

When I'm on one of my Tenderness Tour events, sometimes I'll give myself easier days to give my…read morebody a break and to also give myself time to actually visit the cities and towns I wheel through. One such lighter day would be the Little Turtle Waterway Trail, a 1.8 mile asphalt paved trail in Logansport that qualifies as both a rail-trail and a waterway trail. The trail allows walking, biking, rollerblading, and running and is also wheelchair friendly and documented as ADA compliant. The trail has three key features worth visiting - Little Turtle Park, the Wabash River, and the railroad it follows. The river, in particular, is quite beautiful along the route with periodic benches so that you can simply sit and enjoy it. The trail falls under the management of Logansport Parks and Recreation and is well maintained. Logansport has several trails within its city limits including the multi-county Nickel Plate, but if you're wanting to spend some time in Logansport this is a terrific trail to visit. The trail gets its name from the Miami Chief Little Turtle. The primary trailhead is Little Turtle Waterway Plaza, a place that offers parking and will also eventually be a connector to other trails. The trail crosses some bridges over the Wabash and the Cass County Historical Museum is within walking distance of the trail. The trail's East end, near 5th street, offers a dirt trail for hiking or biking. This isn't the most extensive or fanciest trail, but it's rather nice and when everything gets done in this area it may very well turn into a 5-star trail! Since much of the trail is along downtown, you also do have some options for dining and/or restrooms.

Reasons we LOVE Morse Park & Beach…read more Newly renovated playground with multiple levels to climb and explore--perfect for adventurous kids! Features monkey bars, a variety of slides, and a fun whale-shaped rock wall Has a small toddler section, but overall better suited for confident climbers Woodchip ground--something to consider for babies or toddlers still crawling Great, easy fishing spot if you have your license In the summer, there's a beach area for swimming and cooling off Such a fun mix of playground + outdoor adventure all in one spot!

Morse Park and Beach is a lovely park with lots of amenities on Morse Lake. The park is quite large…read morewith beach front, trees and green areas. The grounds are well manicured. My granddaughters loved the upscale playground with lots of climbing structures. The swings are suitable for all ages. Various merry-go-rounds were favorites. There are many nice benches, picnic tables and grills throughout the park. Accessible walkways meander through the park and across the water front. Fishermen were taking advantage of the early morning fishing along the waterfront. There are a number of places to dock your boat or launch your kayak within the park. There are a number of picnic pavilions along with the Osprey Pavilion. The Osprey Pavilion is an air conditioned building that can be reserved for holding meetings or events. There is a deck that overlooks the lake from the building. The deck needs some work. There is a beach that charges $6 per person (under 1 are free) to enter and play/swim in the lake. We had planned on letting the kid's swim, however they do not open if the air temperature is below 70 degrees and it was 68 degrees. The enclosed beach area and fence looks like it needs some updating and care. There are public restrooms that were nice except that there was no soap during our visit. There is a lot of green space to play ball sports and there is also a frisbee course and volleyball court at the park. There is no charge to enter the park (just the beach area). There is plenty of parking in several lots including accessible parking. I'm guessing that the park is crowded on weekends.