The Falls Creek Gorge is one of those places that if you go at the right time and/or have the right…read moreclothing/gear, you get a nice experience. Maybe even some great photos, too! The entire trek from parking lot to the potholes, then the mini waterfall, and then back the way you came to your car, is less than a mile. So, if you pack your car accordingly with a change of shoes or water shoes, you may not mind getting your feet wet if the water level is higher than when I went. Know that once you climb down a short stairway, you will most likely have to cross a slightly sloped rock area where water flows over it. I wasn't worried about getting my shoes wet (it was only about 1/4 inch deep) but because of the possibility of slipping and taking a hard fall onto the rock and sliding into the creek. The creek wasn't deep either, but rock is a lot harder than my bones, so I was careful as I crossed the area to the stairs that lead sharply up to the rest of the trail. I was fortunate that the water level was low and easily crossed to a spot where I could stand at creek level to view the potholes. The eddying current of the creek has worn a series of potholes in the river bed than make for a great audio experience hearing the water flow through them. The trail is steep at points and is narrow most of the way as you can get views from above the potholes and the creek. If you continue on the trail, it leads back to a mini waterfall that is only a couple feet high, but because of the setting and the sound, I found I was very pleased I went the extra distance to view it. I understand that the experience can be completely different after a heavy rain or in the winter when ice covers much of the creek. My advice is to know your own skill level at handling flowing water and ice before you undertake this park when the conditions are more challenging. Review #2843

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign. This attraction was one of only two in Williamsport that enticed us…read moreto drive here from Indy. The gorge itself was splendid but upon our return to our vehicle we were welcomed by the local anti-economic development committee (the local police force) trying to scare us away. Weird. Oh well, enjoyed the trip anyway.

It is more beautiful than I ever imagined. I would encourage a visit if you haven't already.read more

Unless you are a skilled hiker, I recommend going to this beautiful nature preserve when the…read moreweather has been dry. There is about 90 feet of elevation change on the 0.8 mile loop that can be a bit slippery if you pick a time when mud/rain can be a problem. I only explored the north end trail during my visit. After parking in a shaded lot, I went into the park where I had a choice of left or right. The right side has a steeper descent than the left. Fortunately, there is a hand rail for stability. I figured it easier to go down the steep side than up, so I stayed on the right hand path. There is a fairly level area before you reach the "stairs". The stairs are mostly natural, so they aren't evenly spaced. Just keep focused and you should be alright. Once the trail reaches the bottom of the gorge, there are places where elevated paths keep your feet from trekking through the mud. Depending upon how much rain has fallen, you may get some mud, but my feet stayed dry the entire loop. At the base, there are deep ravines where the trees catch the sunlight and light up in brilliant yellow greens. The rocks are layered and take on a rusty color that can make for some great photos. The highlight of the loop is finding the "arch" through the ridge of rock. It was just a bit taller than my head (I would say most folks won't need to duck going through.) After that, you will start working your way back. Although I traveled the same distance up, it was gradual and not nearly as challenging as climbing steps. I didn't see much wildlife there, but there were squirrels and butterflies that showed themselves. I like a short hike that features a destination and great scenes along the way. If you like that too, then seek out this park. Review #2840

Happily, I found Happy Hollow Park after a quick search for places to hike in West Lafayette. I was…read morein a grouchy mood, and I was in West Lafayette, and I needed to touch grass, as it were. Happy Hollow Park came through! There are paved trails that go through the woods, which was perfect for me. I like enjoying nature, as long as my shoes don't get muddy and I don't encounter bears. (There are no bears in Indiana! Hallelujah.) The paved trails are also wide and smooth, so they are perfect for people who use wheelchairs or strollers. Signs all around the trail encourage you not to wander off the path, because the area is experiencing significant erosion. There are a couple of playgrounds here, as well as places to walk down to the creek to go creek stomping. My child enjoyed playing on the playground for a bit -- the playground structure is large and there are lots of things for big kids to climb. Next to the playground, there are some restrooms and a water station, and a map that tells you where you are and where you might possibly want to go.

This park was a great place to get out and go for a walk. The sidewalk is oversized with plenty of…read moreroom for people to pass or go on opposing directions. On our walk we headed up a long winding sidewalk for a mile. We still hadn't reached the end before turning around and heading back. There were so many adorable dogs on the visit. We also saw several birds and squirrels. Plenty of parking and areas to get out. There is also a children play area and places to picnic. Recommended

I visited a couple of parks during a recent work trip to Lafayette. I was in the area of Greenbush…read moreStreet and found two parks a couple miles apart. By far, this one was preferred. Munger Park is a 32-acre park developed on land donated by Cinergy-PSI. It is named after Thomas and Alice Munger, whose $100,000 donation made development possible. The park was dedicated in 1997. The trail, which I found very accessible, offers lots of open space for frisbee play. The trail goes around the pond and fishing is permitted (state regs apply). Munger Park participates in Indiana DNR's urban fishing program called FishIN in the City. The shelter is located next to the asphalt parking lot off of Greenbush Street. As Ken N. notes in his review, if you want the playground, enter at the south entrance; the north entrance offers the shelter, lake, and hiking. You can easily access all of it without moving the car if you're able to walk/roll, etc. about one mile. The shelter is available for rent each day of the week. You can reserve online, though be aware reservations are non-refundable. This is a really attractive park. It's relaxing, well cared for, and offers great views and easy ways to enjoy the area and take a stroll. The park also has benches to relax along the way. I'd easily return on future trips. This may be more of a 4-star, however, I liked it enough that I'm sticking with the 5-star rating.

Munger Park has two entrances: One on Greenbush and the other on Union...that's a mile away! So,…read moreif you want to go to the playground, go to the south entrance. If you want to use a shelter, see a lake, and do some hiking, go to the north entrance. Otherwise, you can count on a long walk to get from one side to the other! The park has really nice landscaping on both ends and access to the same trails. Both ends have parking lots on site as well. The playground is pretty standard with swings, climbing and sliding pieces. There is also a fitness station near the playground also. Review #1075

Beautiful well kept park for sport and summer games and ice skating in the winter, there is easy…read moreand free parking, even more nearby at the mall, easy access right off State Street, good lookout points to the river, and excellent walking to downtown via the pedestrian bridge which also leads to the trails. Makes for a relaxing bit of green amidst downtown, campus, and a good stopping point on the Wabash Heritage Trail that runs all over for both running and biking.

Tapawingo Park is a small park in West Lafayette, but it's super interesting. There are outdoor…read moresculptures, a playground that's accessible for all ages, and a pathway that's a little over a mile that takes you through the park. I only saw a small part of it, but like all public park spaces, I'm glad that this park exists. Did you know: "Tapawingo" means "place of joy" in the indigenous Miami-Illinois language? Yes, yes it does. This park is on the banks of the Wabash River, and walkable to many fun things in West Lafayette and Lafayette. Be sure to visit Pearl of the Wabash, a sculpture in the park by the playground that looks like a mussel with a pearl in it. It's pretty cool.

This is one of my favorite parks in the area! The park is beautifully landscaped and has multiple…read moresport activities available (3 baseball diamonds, a basketball court, and five tennis courts.) There is a hiking trail (2/3 mile) that loops a photo worthy lake with a fountain and numerous gardens lining the shores. There is also a small playground south of the sports complex that is a little distant, but keeps the little ones from any disturbance from the ball games. In the middle is a central building for concessions and restrooms. Near that is a rentable shelter. Oh, and though I didn't get a photo, there is a swimming pool on the west end of the complex, but I don't believe that entrance connects to the central part of the park. Review #1071

Nice community park with 3 baseball diamonds, concession stand, tennis and basketball courts,…read moreplayground, pond with walking trail, and swimming pool. I really like the park but docking a star for parking - it gets tight with multiple events ongoing.

The best trail for running in the West Lafayette/Lafayette area. On the southernmost point, you can…read morepark at Fort Ouiatenon, take the sidewalk 3/4s of a mile to the trailhead then follow the dirt path along the Wabash River up to the pedestrian bridge, where you can cross over to the Lafayette side or continue up a bit more on paved surface toward a small park, restaurants and the edge of Purdue's campus. If you head over to the Lafayette side, the trail continues on paved surface for a while before returning to a dirt surface and concludes at the Tippecanoe Battlefield Park in Battle Ground, roughly 13 miles from Fort O. The trail is mostly flat and runnable from start to finish. After heavy rains, the river regularly floods the southern part of the trail.

The Wabash Heritage Trail is 13 miles long making it a perfect training ground for a mini marathon…read more However, today we were exploring nature with our granddaughter. We started on the north end at Battleground Memorial. At the head of the trail is a sweet little nature center (Wah-ba-shik-a Nature Center) filled with descriptions of wildlife and fauna that are native to the area. My granddaughter was delighted to see the big white owl that greeted us at the door. The volunteer at the Center was welcoming and admission was free. They had maps for the trail that you can take. There are also special programs offered throughout the year. The trail starts and Battleground and extends all the way to Fort Ouiatenon. We only toured a couple miles along a creek that eventually meets the Wabash River. The trail is mulch covered and easy to navigate by foot. It would be difficult to maneuver a stroller or wheelchair onto the trail. The trail is lined with very large sycamores, oaks, walnuts and other trees native to the area. Some of the trees were at least 300 years older. The creek is clear and suitable for a little stomping. There are occasional benches along the trail as well as informational markers. There were also picnic tables and a water fountain at the trail head. We did not see any restroom facilities, but there were probably some in the Battle Ground Museum. The hike is quiet during the week. You can enjoy the sounds of birds and squirrels. I can imagine how beautiful the trail is when the leaves are changing color. There is some highway traffic noise as you get closer to the highway. The trail does not loop, so you have to backtrack to return to your car. There was plenty of parking at the Memorial. The map indicated that there were about five parking lots along the trail. We enjoyed the hike and will return to do a different section soon. I highly recommend.

This is such a beautiful new park; perfect for kids ages 1-10!…read more My 1 year old loved the area with the swings set back in the trees, and my 4 year old loved the slides that were up on the hillside. Lots of clean bathrooms to choose from, lots of space for kids to run, and the boating area looks like it'll be great for the summer!

Came here for the first time on a Sunday afternoon for a leisurely walk and some exercise outside…read more Parking was ample perhaps because we came at an earlier time however I can easily see this place filling up. It's great to see the restroom area, which was actually fairly clean a lot of seating and some picnic tables and there were people there having parties for children. The fishing pond area looks pretty clean, although I will say it's a little small for kayaking or canoe trips for an hour which you can rent the canoe there. The children's play area is very nice very modern and very innovative. It includes owl shaped, and owl, looking playground toys for climbing, as well as some built-in music tools. There are some various slides as well, which I found a little narrow perhaps because they're meant for children not for an adult and they are quite steep. The walk into the woods part is rather short, but it's nice. I hope this place is getting developed even further to create more walking paths. They also did a great job preserving the old school building, although you can't go in it because it's locked.