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    Skiles Test Nature Park

    4.1 (10 reviews)

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    Cynthia A.

    Great local nature park which I didn't know existed. Great to visit with Bookmarks Indy who shared the history of Skiles Test who donated the property to the City of Indianapolis on his death in 1964. Wish they wouldn't have torn down the home and outbuildings. If you walk the trails you can still see here and there indications that there used to be structures on the site.

    Ken N.

    If you want to get a good work out while escaping the daily grind, consider going to Skiles Test Nature Park soon. There is a nicely paved path that winds up a steep hill at the beginning (there are about five rest areas along the way if you need them!). Once it crests the hill, it leads to the north end of the park which makes it about 3/4 of a mile from the parking lot. On the east side of the park is a reclaimed prairie area. I was a little surprised that the grasses had been cut before winter, so it didn't look much like a prairie as it did a giant lawn. On the west side of the path is a densely wooded area with one primary side path that loops through the forest. It is mostly well maintained, but is not paved like the central path. And for those a bit more adventurous, there are numerous less traveled paths that wind around. I took one of those on the northern end and had to negotiate my way across a shallow stream about six feet across by using stones in the floor of the creek. As I rose up the bank on the other side, I noticed the tracks of the deer that had recently used the path too. There are no path markers or any pamphlets in a kiosk at the beginning. No restroom and water fountains are on site either. But if you like being out in nature and don't mind the challenge of a steep hill, then Skiles Test NP may be perfect for you! Fun Fact: Skiles Edward Test was a local business man who is connected to the Indy legend of the "House with Blue Lights". Review #592

    It is hard to believe you can be out amidst nature and still hear traffic in the distance!
    Richard P.

    I can't help but notice that Neal P. has really accurately described Skiles Test Nature Park, which he describes as an 80-acre city park that isn't really a traditional "city park." While his review is from 2013, not a whole heck of a lot has changed. It's an area that has seen its share of both fun and frightening controversy ranging from one of Indy's great urban legends, the House of Blue Lights once owned by the park's namesake Skiles Test, to the park area's history as an area frequently used for sexual encounters in the 1990s. Fortunately, both "controversies" are well behind it and Skiles Test Nature Park is primarily used now as a place for casual encounters with nature and a nice connector to the larger Fall Creek Greenway that is mostly paved and perfect for biking several miles. Assuming you park in the relatively small parking lot just West of Shadeland Avenue off Fall Creek Parkway, Skiles Test Nature Park gives you the option of crossing the street and going left through a surprisingly large natural wetland area. While I'd been aware of this area for years, it always surprises me just how extensive it is as I wheel through it. Because it's a wetland area, you should be aware that it floods relatively easily and it's not uncommon for the trail to puddle in places. When I visited yesterday, there were a few spots of mild to moderate flooding that were easily handled in a wheelchair. I also like this section as it tends to be more wheelchair friendly than the rest of the Skiles Test section of the trail. However, this section is relatively short but does tie in directly to the Fall Creek Greenway and a much larger parking area. The first thing to notice about the Skiles Test trail is that what you think simply goes through a residential area is a remarkably wooded area. It's clearly marked to help you identify the various wildlife and tree life you may encounter. While I'm sure this has changed somewhat given the increase in industry in the area since the park was created, it's still relatively common to see wildlife in the area. I always think of that movie "Over the Hedge" and how the animals tried to peacefully co-exist with the ever increasing residential areas. That said, even driving by this area is often greeted by sights of deer and other animals. They say you can still see skunks, coyotes, deer, black rat snakes, various lizards, owls, a variety of birds and a few other animals along the nicely wooded yet fairly nicely paved trail. It also offers a variety of side trails, some very lightly paved and others mostly cleared out dirt paths. I saw several runners/walkers taking these paths. While city parks, in general, are disability/wheelchair friendly, Skiles Test Nature Park really pushes the boundary in this area. As Neal notes, there's an initial incline going into the park that led several trail walkers/bikers to look at me and say "Boy, you're really getting your workout today." Yep, that was true. I would likely not recommend it for a standard wheelchair user in a manual wheelchair. It's a difficult incline even for experienced trail users like myself. If you are a chair user in good shape, it's a beautiful setting and a nice, relatively short physical challenge. I'm guessing the first half, maybe not even that far, is truly well paved. After that, you tend to get broken pavement that hasn't been as maintained as you would think a city-owned area would be. It's not bad or dangerous - just more challenging. I saw bikes tackling it without much problem, but it seems like most strollers weren't covering the entire trail. While I didn't see as much wildlife as I'd hoped, I was excited to reach within eyesight of trail's end and spot a young doe crossing the path. It stopped and looked at me for a while, but eventually walked away when a less enthralled runner decided to take a side path and the noise seemed to surprise it. This particular trail area seems to be less fully utilized than the Monon Trail, though there's a point where you can also catch the Monon from the Fall Creek Greenway. All of these trails are a wonderful Indy resource and I always find people in the Skiles Test area to be moving at a slower, friendlier pace. I had one particular young woman on a bicycle pass me by with a friendly "hello" before turning around to greet me a few minutes later and tell me that the trail would eventually dead end and how much she was inspired to see me out on the trail - sadly, that likely means that not enough folks with disabilities are using these for the most part disability friendly trails. I have to knock off a star for the accessibility concerns, though I'm always excited to see accessible parking in park areas, but Skiles Test Nature Park remains a beautiful option for slowing down and appreciating nature while not having to drive too far from home for Indy's Eastsiders.

    From city web site. Just a place-holder.
    Neal P.

    This is an 80 acre city park, or more accurately a "Natural Resource Area". It does NOT have any amenities that you would expect in a "park". There are couple miles of trails in the park proper, but only a small part of which is paved (asphalt.) The start of the trail, though paved, is very steep. You would need to be in good shape to push a kid in a stroller up this hill. I would not call this hill handicap accessible. When you get to the top of the hill, it changes to stone and dirt. Good for bird-watching, and catching a glimpse of deer. It's right next to Interstate 465, so you do get some traffic noise. The parking area is very small. I do not remember seeing any bathrooms or drinking fountains here. Presently (July 2013), this (the parking lot actually) is the northern end of "Fall Creek Trail". http://www.yelp.com/biz/fall-creek-trail-indianapolis So from Skiles Test, you can transit the entire Fall Creek Trail, going SouthWest to the Monon Trail, about 7 miles. There are only 11 regular parking spots, plus 2 handicap spots. If the Skiles parking lot is full, go .13 miles West on Fall Creek Road, and turn South (left) onto Fall Creek Parkway N. Dr, and go .25 miles until you get to a parking lot adjacent to Fall Creek Trail, which will be on your left. If you're brave and willing to cross Shadeland Avenue on foot, there is plenty of parking at Boy Scout headquarters across the street, at Shadeland and Fall Creek Road, with a 1/4 mile walk back to Skiles.

    Nice day to be outside.

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    Review Highlights - Skiles Test Nature Park

    As I rose up the bank on the other side, I noticed the tracks of the deer that had recently used the path too.

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    Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens - Dragon for the castles  and dragon theme this year.

    Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens

    4.6(150 reviews)
    10.8 mi

    This is a great spot for locals and visitors alike! We stopped by from out of town thinking it…read morewould be a good winter activity for our little one while it's too cold to walk much outside. The conservatory exceeded our expectations! Admissions is affordable at $5 per person, but it was free the day we visited because of a reptile show! We got to see tortoises, skinks, salamanders, tarantulas, snakes, and more! Inside the conservatory, there are fish and a couple other critters permanently on display. The signage around the gardens is informative and interesting- and the plants are simply beautiful! So well cared for and healthy. I could have walked around the loop 5 times and noticed new things each time. There are several places to sit and relax throughout the gardens (we fed our baby on one of the benches). There is a restroom and coat racks- which you'll need because the gardens are quite warm! What a great find for the afternoon! Bonus that it's located right in a park, by a library, several cute places to stop and eat, and public art. The only downside I can think of is that there wasn't a ton of parking- probably more accessible when there isn't a special event going on!

    There is something about plants and nature that brighten up my mood. I came here on a gloomy rainy…read moreday, and it was the perfect decision to lift up my spirits. It's close to the highway so easy access and near my house - double plus. The admission to get in was $4 per person, and they take card - another plus for being inexpensive. They have plants for sale and host events/activities, the lady working was friendly and explained all of that. They have brochures in the front as well. Inside is so astonishing, there is so much to see. It's so beautiful, I adore and admire all of it. I love how things are labeled and have informational tidbits about the plants. They have ponds with live fish and waterfalls around. They have a restroom and it had a window so of course there is a plant inside, I love it. I'll have to take note next time I go here that it was very warm inside, I felt very hot so dress accordingly. There is parking available. Check hours before coming, holidays vary.

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    Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens
    Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens
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    Holliday Park - Bird at the ruins

    Holliday Park

    4.7(149 reviews)
    6.1 mi

    This place was cute and a nice stop on our vacation. We showed up just after a couple had gotten…read moreengaged which was cute. Let them sit and take pictures while we waited to go explore, luckily my son was patient :P we were going to dinner after this so we didn't stay to long.

    It's been a decade since my last review of Holliday Park, so it's time for an update. I've been…read morevisiting this park since I moved to Indiana more than 10 years ago, and it had stayed reliably the same, until recently. Now, there's a brand-new playground! The playground at Holliday Park has been completely redesigned as of November 2025. The new playground is nature-inspired, with lots of wooden elements. My favorite part of the playground is the loose parts area, where kids can make teepees and build forts with the collection of natural elements that are there: sticks, tree limbs, stumps, rope, wooden crates, straw and other things that allow kids to use their imagination to create. The playground is designed for all ages, but to me, it skews slightly in favor of younger kids. Which is nice for parents of younger children, because most playgrounds seems to be built for older kids. But there are some elements for older kids here, like the huge rope climbing structure. A niggling thing: There is zero shade on the playground now. None. Which isn't a big deal on overcast or cool days, but once summer comes around, this playground is going to be insufferable. They got rid of some of the trees that used to be where the new playground is, which is a shame. One cool thing, though, that I've never seen in any other playground: hammocks! There's an area near the trees with a bunch of hammocks that kids can lie in and just relax under the trees. The rest of Holliday Park is the same. There's still a splash pad by The Ruins during the summer. There's still a nice nature center. There are still lots of trails to explore. This is one of the best parks in Indianapolis, in my opinion.

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    Holliday Park - It's hard to beat their nature center.

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    Holliday Park - Squirrels on trail 2 along the river

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    Indianapolis Canal Walk

    Indianapolis Canal Walk

    4.5(206 reviews)
    9.3 miMile Square

    Goodness, have I walked the canal about 50 times now?!…read more It's such a unique experience for Indy to have some water space in the middle of the city. This 3 mile loop will take you from 11th Street down to White River State Park to access the green space and extra trails down there. The canal water itself is not super cute, where there can be litter, and the water is rather opaque. They do drain the canal every so often to keep it from getting too uncute. The sidewalks are kept nicer, though a few spots in front of apartment buildings could use some TLC. There are also a few spots where the sidewalk is not level, so take caution if that is an issue. It's mostly stair access to the canal, but I *think* I've seen an elevator around the Ohio street basin. The canal has a few businesses along it for your merriment. Notably, there is Fresco on the Canal (I have a separate review for this) which is open March-October. Eiteljorg museum cafe is open daily around the lunch hours (11-3) and can be accessed through their patio gate. Entertainment wise, there is more going on. I've done the swan boat rentals, where you can pedal around on the canal. This is quite a workout! Rental of swan boats and kayaks is near the Ohio Street basin. There is also the gondolas, where your gondolier can sing, and they've always sounded marvelous. There's also a few stations for the Pacers Bikeshare around the canal, which is free for Marion County residents. Any time the weather is right, you can find me getting my steps in!

    Nice river walk nearby center city area. It's refreshing looking at the water flowing through…read more We saw some fishes so definitely clean water for the city. Love the greens, bridges, arts around it. It would better with warmer weather for sure. I couldn't walk far because of the cold. But overall I love the scenery.

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    Indianapolis Canal Walk
    Indianapolis Canal Walk
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    White River State Park

    White River State Park

    4.7(109 reviews)
    9.7 mi

    White River State Park is one of the most popular parks in the city, and for good reason! The…read morenickname for it is Indy's backyard. With riverfront and canal-front trails, a pedestrian bridge to the zoo, proximity to the city, and the amphitheater, so much goes on down here. Over the years, my favorite special events have been the food truck festival and the solar eclipse festival. The area is kept to be pedestrian friendly, with parking being underground to the park and wide walking and biking lanes. During warmer weather, I often see a hotdog vendor for a nice and easy lunch. There's lots of sculptures around the park too, which helps to keep things scenic. There's also a huge lawn space for running around.

    This park is such a gem! As I write this review while listening to "Here Comes The Sun" by The…read moreBeatles, I feel like I'm right back walking through the beautiful pathways and taking in skyline views. From the canal and trails to the open green spaces, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. Plenty of smaller festivals and walks/runs are held at this park, and it truly seems like the perfect spot for them. My favorite festival that happens here is the Taste of Indy, which takes place in the summer and the MS Walk is always a well organized event here. I also really enjoy walking the paths behind the zoo, especially in the spring when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Absolutely gorgeous! Ps - As beautiful as it is, be sure to stay alert while on the pathways!

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    White River State Park - Finish by Terrence Karpowicz.

    Finish by Terrence Karpowicz.

    White River State Park
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    Colts Canal Playspace - Outside

    Colts Canal Playspace

    4.3(24 reviews)
    8.9 mi

    If you're looking for a great park to take the kids, get a walk or run in, or even hop on a bike,…read morethis spot is perfect! The playground equipment is super nice--you can definitely tell they put some money and effort into making it great. It's right next to the canal, so once the kids are done playing, you can head out for a walk or rent a bike and ride along the water. There's even a dog park area, which is a huge plus if you want to bring your pup along. They have poop bag stations stocked and ready, so no worries if you forget yours. The whole place was really clean too--I didn't see any trash around, which shows people actually care about keeping it nice. The only downside is that there aren't any restrooms by the park. So definitely make sure you (and especially the kids) empty your bladders before you get there, otherwise you'll end up leaving to find a bathroom nearby. Parking is mostly street parking, and yes, you'll need to feed the meter. But if you go on a Sunday or a holiday (like I did), you're in luck--free parking! And honestly, who doesn't love free parking downtown?

    This place is really dang cool. Tons of things for the kids to climb around on and explore. The…read moresurface was pretty spongy so if one did fall it would most likely not be too bad. I took my family here to get them amped up before heading down the road to goto the awesome Childrens Museum. This is a must visit park if your kids love climbing on EVERYTHING!

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    Skiles Test Nature Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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