This park is dedicated to the mountain bike riders of central Indiana. Here, the riders have right…read moreof way on the 127 acres of park trails. Seriously, if you are a hiker or walker, please find some place else. The park is on the south side of 96th, immediately east (about 50 yards) of Hazel Dell Parkway. (Hint: It is much easier to find if you are approaching from the west so that you don't have to turn across traffic so close to a stop light.) Inside the park, there is plenty of parking, some picnic tables, and a small shelter. From what I saw, the trails are narrow and have some serious drop-offs along the way. There are ponds and the river along the trail as well. Please note that if the trails are wet, the folks who oversee the park want to avoid damage to the trails from ruts that harden and make the trail lose its accessibility. So ride when the trails are dry. Pretty simple rule to comply with. I am encouraged by the information on the Indy Parks website that there are plans for a skill and challenge feature for developing the skills of the riders in a controlled environment before confronting those challenges on a trail. Review #736

One of two areas in Metro Indy specifically designed for mountain bikers, Town Run Trail Park is…read more127 acres of beginner and intermediate level of trails offering an approximate total of seven miles worth of trails. The first thing worth pointing out, though it has been said in other reviews, is that this trail system is truly devoted to bikers. While hikers and walkers are allowed here, the bikers have the right of way and the trail itself is truly developed with bikers in mind. I've done my share of wheeling, I'm a wheelchair user, on difficult trails but having visited again this afternoon I was again reminded that even the easiest spots here are truly not designed to be accessible. Even if you have off-road wheelchair tires, there are lots of twists, turns, inclines, places to fall, and places where you could easily get stuck. While there's a decent chance you'll run into someone on this trail, I think the vast majority of wheelchair users should steer clear of Town Run Trail Park. Town Run does offer the possibility of other activities including fishing, kayaking/canoeing, and observing of nature. Because it truly is more of a natural trail, nature is much more likely to be here. The Hoosier Mountain Bike Association is involved with the trail and assists with upkeep and installation. The beginner features include a bridge and subsequent single track, dirt rollers, and a rock garden. The advanced features include North Shore Ladder, shoots, bridges, table top jumps, and dirt jumps. If you can't jump, then you're going to have a hard time doing the entire trail. There is parking nearby and the area has been kept fairly natural even around it. This is a great area that's really right around Indy, Fishers, and Carmel but this actually falls within Indy Parks. I enjoy coming here to just hang out and observe, though I definitely don't venture too far into the park because there's simply too high of a risk of injury, getting stuck, or having a fall. This is especially true considering my last amputation. However, for its intended use it's quite the beautiful park and for mountain bikers I'll definitely give it a thumbs up. It's also, in my opinion, one of Indy's better maintained parks.

It has been nine years since my original review of Indiana's longest rail-trail, the Cardinal…read moreGreenway. Despite the popularity of Central Indiana's Monon Trail, the Cardinal Greenway is a much longer trail at 62 miles of paved trail and another 15 miles of road that many bicyclists use (from Gaston to Jonesboro). I just finished the Cardinal Greenway yet again for one of my Tenderness Tour events, an annual long-distance wheelchair event that I use for fundraising and outreach. As is nearly always the case for me, I started at the Sweetser Switch Trail in Sweetser, Indiana, a smaller trail that leads right into the Cardinal Greenway. My review is based largely upon my experiences as a wheelchair user on the trail, though some of my insights will universally apply. As someone who enjoys long distances, the Cardinal Greenway is ideally suited for a 2-3 trek. It's a mostly wheelchair friendly trail, though some with upper body weakness may struggle on some of the inclines. I will also note that while the Cardinal Greenway tends to have a decent number of trailheads with portable toilets, some of these are surrounded by gravel and may be more difficult to navigate for wheelchair users. \Additionally, multiple parking areas had clearly marked accessible parking yet were either only gravel or had a surface that was so uneven you'd be a fool to try it in a wheelchair. So, a little advance planning is probably a good idea for wheelchair users. Fortunately, the Cardinal has a good team behind it and it's fairly easy to get accurate info. I'd originally given the Cardinal Greenway a 4-star review precisely because of some of my accessibility concerns. I'm increasing to a 5-star this time around because, quite honestly, accessibility has improved over the years and I've simply fallen in love with this trail. It's a fun mixture of city and rural sections. If starting in Sweetser, the lovely Sweetser Cafe is directly off the trailhead and a great place to stop for breakfast/brunch or a drink (before 2pm). In the rural areas, you can go for miles without seeing more than a few people. The Marion section, which goes directly through the more urban parts of Marion, still seems to be under-utilized but is honestly a lot of fun. It looks a little rough, however, I've never had a single issue wheeling through Marion. As you move out of Marion, you start to experience the country area and, of course, once you hit Gas City you either decide to try the bike trail (not advised for walkers...minimal shoulder and occasionally busy traffic) or pick up in Gaston. I loved the Gaston to Muncie stretch and it takes you through downtown Muncie. The trail's main office is at Wysor Street in Muncie, an area I was told isn't the greatest but looks deceptively calm. Again, I had no problems at all but staying aware is important. I will note that the Wysor Street Depot is a beautiful historic landmark that serves as the Cardinal office - yet, it appeared they've reduced their hours. After Muncie, you have a fairly significant period of a modest incline. It was an exhausting stretch for me that ended in Losantville. This is a particularly long stretch and those who want to do an overnight will probably leave the trail in Losantville and stay in Winchester. Losantville to Richmond is, with a couple of exceptions, a pretty nice downhill. Among the three major cities on the trail, I was most impressed with Richmond's care for the trail with the exception of the ending D Street Trailhead that is located in a hard to find and rather run down area a few blocks from City Hall. The trailhead itself is nice and I found several nice people upon my arrival, but the area itself just seems an odd place to end such a wonderful trail. I've always loved this trail and the people I meet along it. The Cardinal Greenway is in the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame (as is the Monon) and continues to get even better every time I ride it. The restroom situation, in particular, has really improved and over 20 trailheads now have a restroom option. If you're looking for a modestly challenging and scenic trail, the Cardinal Greenway is a tremendous option and easily within a couple hours of Indy even at its most distant point in Marion or Richmond.

My husband and I recently biked the cardinal greenway and had such a nice time. We parked at the…read morestop in gas city and it had a nice lot and bathrooms. We rode north 10 miles and back. The trail is Good despite a decent amount of bumps which can be rough in a road bike. The bridges and scenery were great though. Fun ride!

I'll openly admit that I'd never heard of Hague Road Nature Haven until I decided to do some…read moreHamilton County exploring today following church. Hague Road Nature Haven is a relatively small spot at 43 acres. It's located at the Southeast corner of Hague Road and SR 38. The master plan calls for an outdoor education center, though for the most part the current status of Hague Road Nature Haven is as a fairly rough, immersive, and absolutely peaceful place that makes up for its accessibility issues with being a bit of natural wonder right here in Central Indiana. Hague Road Nature Haven is surrounded by Cicero Creek. There's a small parking lot. It's cleared but still natural in presentation. Plans eventually call for campsites, a natural playground, a nature center, study areas, and I believe I even saw plans for a small, natural amphitheatre. There are no plans, necessarily, to turn this into anything resembling a recreation area and we should be grateful for that. For now, you've got lots of greenery, hiking trails, creekside spots for stomping or wheeling or just watching. There's one absolutely delightful spot with a sort of swing bench. It's an inspired touch for an inspiring location in Noblesville. You can fish here, of course, and I was honestly surprised at just how much of this nature haven I could handle by wheelchair (though certainly not all). The creek itself stays relatively shallow. However, obviously, children should be supervised and care should be taken to ensure safety. This is nature, after all, and things can happen easily. Animals may very well be here, as well. This haven is still relatively light in terms of attendance and in one afternoon I saw fish, tadpoles, lots of birds and, yes, even deer. I wouldn't be surprised if turtles are around here and maybe even a snake or two (I like snakes...for me, that's a good thing). There's a relatively light "nature walk" trail here. It runs just under a mile. The path is natural, though I found it cleared enough that I could manage it. In adverse weather, I probably could not. It's not technically "accessible," but it's wide enough, mostly smooth ground/crushed stone, and almost completely flat. Plus, it's right by the creek. This also means mosquitoes in season, but that's easily handled. Absolutely heaven. This is a relatively secluded area - this can be an amazing thing, but it's also worth noting in terms of taking appropriate precautions. You're really not that far from residential areas here, though this truly is a set-apart haven and a magnificent slice of nature almost smack dab where you least expect it. There's no question I'll be back.

Very short trail. If you're going for walking I don't recommend but if you just want to be outdoors…read morein the shade and near the creek it would be fine. I went with my dog hoping to get a decent walk in and I was disappointed.

The wetlands have been allowed to stay primitive. The only concession to that is that a path has…read morebeen made to skirt within viewing distance of the water that stands. Much of the water that is still has become overgrown with floating vegetation which is not pretty to look at, but is expected. The animals didn't seem to mind as I saw ducks feeding, often bobbing their heads below the surface to grab something. A bullfrog could be heard during a long stretch of my walk. A turtle nestled in the sun atop a fallen branch that protruded through the surface of the water area. For hikers, the trail is partially paved and some of it is a slightly elevated boardwalk to allow feet to stay dry. There is very little elevation change, so it makes for an easy stroll along the pond and wetlands. The trail connects to the White River Trail. The trails accommodate walkers and cyclists, so be aware since the path is not very wide. The park has a parking lot on site and some large shade trees on a lawn area near the street. It seemed a popular place for visitors to have enjoy their lunch in a green setting. Review #1103

Hear me out... this is not my normal park post--but do you want a day trip to a 90s kids park?…read moreCheck out Memorial Park in New Castle, IN. it has a small toddler-friendly playground in the sand bring your bike or stroller and explore all the old 90s playground pieces throughout the park well-established park with tons of shade ponds for fishing (and don't forget bread for the ducks ) open grassy fields + beautiful mature trees = room to roam if your 3-year-old "golfs" like mine... there's a golf course This park has the sweetest history too--it was originally dedicated to Henry County men and boys who fought in WWI, and later rededicated to honor veterans of all wars. It's even on the National Register of Historic Places It's about a 45 minute drive from Indy, so pack a lunch, plan to stay awhile, and let your kids get a little dirty living out that 90s childhood

I was expecting a little more from the park considering how large it is and that it is next to a…read moregolf course. I think it was the layout that bothered me. The park is quite hilly and parts of the park seemed difficult to get to from a central road. Without a map of the park layout, I kept driving around trying to figure out if I could get to the playground from the central road. I never did find a way, so I left the park and pulled into a separate parking lot along Memorial Drive to access the playground, the creek, and the Wilbur Wright memorial. The majority of the park is densely wooded and contains numerous small shelters, many with stone fireplaces. On top of the hill, I found a clubhouse (?) with basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts that were in okay condition, but the netting needed tightening. There was also a natural amphitheater with some chairs arranged to face an "anniversary gazebo". The entrance of the park has a pull off lot for those visitors who wish to climb part way up the hill to see the veteran's memorial. There are several ponds on the lower property with fountains and usually, some ducks. Review #1196

Visits to the Oakhurst Mansion and Gardens are part of the Minnetrista complex of activities in…read moreMuncie. The Oakhurst Mansion was built in 1894 by George and Frances Ball in the Arts and Crafts style. The Balls were avid readers and created the Blue Book of Canning, that teaches food preservation. This remarkably maintained house is open for self guided tours. The interior contains all original woodwork, trim details and some furniture. Family history is abundant throughout the home. My granddaughter enjoyed the interactive activities throughout the house, especially canning in the kitchen and creating a family tree. Immaculate gardens surround the house. The garden is filled with oak trees and other dense hardwoods. Paths meander through the garden. There was one clerk present during our visit that checked us in and invited us to explore the house and grounds. She was friendly. Admission was included in the $15 tickets that we purchased at the Bob Ross Experience (but can also be purchased on line). There is ample parking in the lot northwest of Oakhurst. Accessible ramps are located at the east entrance of the home. They are opened Wednesday - Sunday.

The campus of Minnetrista is beautiful! My sister and I often drive here and park to start and end…read moreour run from the campus. There are nice paved paths that easily connect to the Cardinal Greenway or just a short jog to the White River. The paths through Oakhurst Gardens are not really long enough to do your full run, but they are a nice little detour from typical sidewalks! I would highly recommend the garden paths for an easy stroll on a nice day. This is a safe and free area to enjoy a nice walk. Even in February the gardens are well kept and the ornamental sidewalk designs provide enjoyable scenery. I am looking forward to going back as spring awakens the blooms in the garden. Another plus about parking/visiting this area for a walk or run is that the Minnetrista museum building is unlocked during business hours and you can sneak in to use the restroom!

I was recently appointed to the Indiana Trails Advisory Board. We held a meeting at Wilfong…read morePavilion in Founders Park, another Carmel Park I'd had yet to visit. This is a 37-acre park (it feels bigger, but that's according to the Carmel Parks website). I think the reason it feels bigger is that it better utilizes its space over a park like the nearby Hazel Landing. Founders Park has a large shelter, restroom facility, open sports fields (there were kids playing soccer while I was there), walking trails, and a very cool playground that is nature-inspired - swings, a sandbox, climbing structures, and more. Founders Park also has native prairie, wetlands, and a pond. Wilfong Pavilion is a neat facility with a capacity in its main room of 99 people. It also has beautiful views. Founders Park has had multiple upgrades recently including repair of its retaining wall, new fencing, an improved parking lot, and added rubber safety surfacing with the playground. I definitely see this as a very family friendly park. There's a seasonal drinking fountain, fishing, trails, a bike rack, and a seasonal foot wash station that makes me wish I had feet. Carmel is typically good about accessibility and that's definitely evident here. The bathroom had a nice, larger stall with grab rails. I would definitely return and I would definitely consider renting Wilfong Pavilion myself as it has accessible parking and appropriate curb cuts.

Founders Park is a really cool park with some unique features! I especially enjoyed the educational…read moredisplays about colors, aquifers, groundwater, and the water table. It's a great place for kids and adults to learn something while enjoying the outdoors. The park also has the Ralph Wilfong Pavilion, an indoor facility available to rent for parties, meetings, receptions, and other gatherings. It has large windows overlooking the park, restrooms, and kitchen facilities, with seating for up to 100 people. My only complaint is that the bathrooms weren't nearly as clean as those at other parks I've visited in the area. Overall, this is a really interesting park with a nice combination of recreation, education, and event space. Definitely worth a visit!

Rates aren't too bad. The 10+ mile trip is actually 9.25mi. Once you get to the end, you may wait a…read morewhile to be picked up (30+ minutes). Overall though, not too bad. Wear sunblock, wear a hat, bring water at least for when you finish.

The owner of this company, Robbie, refused to honor vouchers that were bought from a radio station…read morebecause they had expired. They expired in October of 2021-clearly deep into the pandemic- He didn't offer any amount of anything for them. I told him we were uncomfortable going during the summer of 2021. He told me "The pandemic was over last summer" & I said "actually it's still going on"...He got super angry & through clenched teeth yelled to me "You shut your mouth!" Then turns to his staff & says "they're not going"