If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful and diverse outdoor spaces in the country, look no further than Indiana’s state parks! Indiana is home to 24 state parks, and each one is packed with natural features and outdoor activities.
Get your heart rate up at Turkey Run State Park, which boasts breathtaking sandstone ravines and challenging trails for hikers and rock climbers. When you’re ready to relax, head to Indiana Dunes State Park, where you’ll find 15 miles of sandy beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Indiana’s rich history is on display here, too, from the exposed fossil beds at Falls of the Ohio State Park to the Shawnee living history museum at Prophetstown State Park.
Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or a nature lover, Indiana’s state parks have something for you. Get ready to mark your map with these amazing outdoor destinations.
Printable Indiana State Parks Map
Brown County State Park
If you’re looking for a state park in Indiana that’s both sprawling and beautiful, Brown County State Park is a great choice. This park is massive, covering almost 16,000 acres of gorgeous southern Indiana hills.
It’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular state parks in the state, drawing in over a million visitors each year. The park is located near the charming town of Nashville, Indiana, and has a rich history tied to both the area’s natural beauty and Indiana’s famous humorist, Frank McKinney “Kin” Hubbard.
When you visit, be sure to check out the Abe Martin Lodge and cabins, which are named after one of Hubbard’s popular fictional characters. You’ll love the rustic atmosphere and stunning scenery, which includes autumnal trees that are especially breathtaking in the fall.
The park also boasts plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, plus two serene lakes that attract a variety of wildlife. Whether you’re an artist, photographer, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Brown County State Park is definitely worth a visit.
Chain O’Lakes State Park
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If you’re a boating enthusiast, you won’t want to miss Chain O’Lakes State Park in Noble County, Indiana. As the name suggests, this park is all about lakes – 11 in total.
These kettle lakes were formed by receding ice sheets during the Pleistocene Epoch, and they offer a stunning natural setting for boating, fishing, and hiking. The park’s many hiking trails wind through steep hills and bogs, giving visitors a chance to explore the unique geology of the area.
In the winter, cross-country skiing is a popular activity. There are plenty of camping options, including a large campground, a Rally campground, and a Youth Tent Area, as well as 18 cozy cabins for rent.
And while you’re here, you might even catch a glimpse of the nearby Chain O’Lakes Correctional Facility, which houses adult male offenders and provides valuable work crews for maintaining the park.
Whether you’re here for the lakes, the hiking, or the peaceful setting, Chain O’Lakes State Park is a great choice for a getaway in northeastern Indiana.
Charlestown State Park
Charlestown State Park offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities on its 5,100 acres of pristine land. Located in Clark County, Indiana, the park sits on the banks of the Ohio River, offering amazing views of the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can explore the park’s numerous hiking trails, which range in difficulty and length, providing something for everyone. Additionally, the park offers opportunities for fishing, camping, picnicking, and horseback riding.
Birdwatchers will delight in the many species of birds that call the park home, including bald eagles, ospreys, and herons. The park also features an impressive 18-hole golf course, with sweeping views of the Ohio River Valley.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a golfer looking for a challenge, Charlestown State Park has something for everyone to enjoy.
Clifty Falls State Park
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Nestled in Jefferson County, Indiana, Clifty Falls State Park is a natural oasis waiting to be explored. With over 1,400 acres of natural beauty, the park boasts impressive waterfalls, steep cliffs, and rugged canyons.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll on one of the many nature trails, some of which lead to picturesque views of Clifty Falls. The park offers a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming.
The Clifty Inn provides a perfect retreat for overnight guests, offering cozy accommodations and pleasing views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a weekend getaway, Clifty Falls State Park is certainly worth your time.
Falls of the Ohio State Park
Falls of the Ohio State Park is a unique state park located on the banks of the Ohio River in Indiana, just across from Louisville, Kentucky.
It is a part of the Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area and boasts of its exposed fossil beds of the Jeffersonville Limestone dated from the Devonian period.
Visitors can marvel at the impressive fossil formations and learn about the natural history of the area at the park’s interpretive center, which features exhibits on the region’s human history as well.
The park’s Woodland Loop Trail is a popular spot for nature walks, featuring ten stainless steel markers that highlight the plant life of the trails. While it is not typical to find alligators and crocodiles in Indiana, they have been spotted in the park.
Visitors should keep an eye out for strange wildlife, and be sure to stop by the center for a fascinating educational experience.
Fort Harrison State Park
Fort Harrison State Park is a unique Indiana state park that features a rich history with many interesting historical sites to explore.
The park is located in Lawrence, Indiana, and occupies the former site of Fort Benjamin Harrison, which was an active military installation from 1906 to 1991.
Visitors can explore the former Citizen’s Military Training Camp, Civilian Conservation Corps camp, and World War II prisoner of war camp that were located on the site.
There are also several walking and jogging trails to enjoy, including a connection to the Fall Creek Greenway.
Additionally, the park is one of 14 Indiana State Parks that are in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness 3 minutes and 48 seconds of totality.
With nearly 900,000 visitors annually, Fort Harrison State Park is a popular destination for those seeking to explore history and nature.
Harmonie State Park
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If you’re looking for a calming retreat in nature, look no further than Harmonie State Park. This beautiful park offers something for all tastes, from hiking trails to a seasonal nature center with animal exhibits.
Take a dip in the pool, enjoy a picnic in one of the many sheltered areas, or participate in one of the park’s interpretive programs. With about 130,000 visitors annually, Harmonie State Park is a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
And if you’re a fan of celestial events, be sure to mark your calendar for the 2024 solar eclipse, when the park will be in the path of totality for an impressive 3 minutes and 50 seconds.
Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana Dunes State Park is a gem in northern Indiana. Located just a short drive from Chicago, the park offers visitors stunning views of Lake Michigan and over 16 miles of hiking trails through sand dunes and wet prairie.
The park also features a public swimming beach with lifeguards on duty during the summer months and a beach house with concessions. A bird observation tower provides birdwatchers with an opportunity to view marshland wildlife.
The park’s Nature Center offers year-round programming, including guided hikes and arts and crafts for visitors of all ages. The campground has been recently renovated and offers 140 campsites with modern amenities.
In 2018-2019, Indiana Dunes State Park was the most visited state park in Indiana, with over 1.3 million visitors.
Lincoln State Park
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Lincoln State Park is a beautiful destination in southern Indiana that offers visitors a glimpse into the childhood of Abraham Lincoln. The park, established in 1932, spans over 1,700 acres and includes two lakes, campgrounds, group cottages, and cabins.
Visitors can explore the 10 miles of trails and enjoy recreational facilities built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.
The park is home to the Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve and offers access to important sites such as the Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church and Cemetery, where Lincoln’s sister Sarah is buried, and the home of Colonel Jones, a Civil War officer and merchant who employed Lincoln.
The park also includes memorials to Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, whose gravesite is contained within the adjacent Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.
With an interpretive center and annual visitors exceeding 235,000, Lincoln State Park is a must-visit destination.
McCormick’s Creek State Park
If you’re looking for a beautiful and historic state park in Indiana, McCormick’s Creek State Park is definitely worth checking out.
As the oldest state park in the state, it’s full of natural attractions and rich history. You can enjoy hiking and exploring the park’s many trails, which take you through picturesque canyons, along creeks, and up to imposing overlooks.
The park also has a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites as well as cabins. Plus, with the park being in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, you can experience an unforgettable natural wonder with over four minutes of totality.
It’s no wonder that McCormick’s Creek State Park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, with over 640,000 visitors each year.
Mounds State Park
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Mounds State Park is a fascinating destination that celebrates Native American history and culture in Indiana. The park features ten ceremonial mounds that were built by the Adena culture, a prehistoric indigenous people of eastern North America.
The site was later used by the Hopewell culture, who also left their mark on the mounds. Visitors can explore the mounds and learn about the people who built them at the park’s interpretive center.
The park also offers hiking trails, a swimming pool, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. With about 400,000 visitors annually, Mounds State Park is a popular spot for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Plus, it’s one of 14 Indiana State Parks in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, with almost four minutes of totality, making it an even more exciting destination to visit.
O’Bannon Woods State Park
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Welcome to O’Bannon Woods State Park! Located just 32 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky, this 2,000-acre state park in Indiana offers a great escape from the city.
One of the park’s main attractions is Wyandotte Caves, a fascinating underground wonderland with over nine miles of caverns and one of the world’s largest underground “mountains.”
The park is also home to the Blue River, which provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. With its varied terrain and abundant wildlife, O’Bannon Woods is a paradise for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers.
Don’t miss the O’Bannon Woods Interpretive Center, which offers a range of exhibits and nature programs year-round. Come and explore one of Indiana’s “Seven Hidden Jewels,” with about 120,000 visitors annually.
Ouabache State Park
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Ouabache State Park is a wonderful state park in Indiana with plenty of beauty to explore. With the Wabash River running through the park, visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and nature viewing.
The park is also home to a 100-foot fire tower, which offers panoramic views of the park. It’s fascinating to note that the park was once known as the “Greatest Wildlife Laboratory in the U.S.” for its pheasant and quail breeding program.
Today, remnants of the old pens can still be seen. Additionally, the park has a rich history of construction projects, with workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helping to improve the park during the Great Depression.
The park receives around 200,000 visitors annually and is one of 14 Indiana State Parks that will experience the 2024 solar eclipse. During the eclipse, visitors to the park can experience 2 minutes and 47 seconds of totality.
Pokagon State Park
Pokagon State Park, located in the northeastern part of Indiana, is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is named after Chief Leopold Pokagon and his son, Simon Pokagon, who were both influential figures in the Potawatomi tribe.
The park spans over 1,260 acres and offers a range of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and camping. Visitors can also explore the historic Potawatomi Inn, which was built in 1927 and overlooks Lake James.
The park is particularly popular during the winter months when the famous Toboggan Run is open, allowing visitors to speed down a quarter-mile track at speeds of up to 35 mph.
With nearly 640,000 visitors each year, Pokagon State Park is a beloved destination for Hoosiers and tourists alike.
Potato Creek State Park
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Potato Creek State Park is a hidden treasure located in the north-central part of Indiana, just a short drive from South Bend. With something for everyone, the park is a popular destination for visitors year-round.
Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, fish, or mountain bike, Potato Creek has you covered. The park’s 327-acre Worster Lake is a great spot for fishing and boating, while the diverse habitats, including restored prairies and wetlands, offer opportunities for wildlife observation.
The Swamp Rose Nature Preserve covers over a square mile of wetlands and lake. It’s no wonder the park receives about 570,000 visitors annually!
Prophetstown State Park
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Prophetstown State Park is a fascinating and unique state park that celebrates the rich Native American history of Indiana.
The park features a living history exhibit of a Shawnee village founded by Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa, along with a 1920s-era farmstead.
Visitors can learn about the daily lives and customs of the Shawnee people and their allies, as well as experience the history of the region leading up to the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. The park also offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and camping.
With over 300,000 visitors annually, Prophetstown State Park has to be on the itinerary for anyone interested in the history and natural beauty of Indiana.
Shades State Park
Welcome to Shades State Park, a marvelous site located in Montgomery, Parke, and Fountain Counties in Indiana. This state park is perfect for hikers, campers, and nature lovers, with its rugged sandstone canyons, flowing streams, and abundant wildlife.
The park is only 47 miles (76 km) away from Indianapolis, making it a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Shades State Park is also one of the 14 Indiana State Parks that will be in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors.
With nearly 87,000 visitors in 2018-2019, this park is worth a visit for anyone looking for a peaceful and scenic outdoor experience.
Shakamak State Park
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Welcome to Shakamak State Park! If you’re looking for a serene and picturesque site to unwind, look no further. Shakamak’s pristine lake and surrounding greenery make it the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, but there’s plenty more to explore, including hiking trails, paddle boating, row boating, and swimming. Shakamak also offers rentals for cabins and campsites, so you can make the most of your stay.
Located just a short distance from Jasonville, Indiana, Shakamak State Park is a hugely satisfying spot for anyone looking for a relaxing retreat in the great outdoors.
Don’t forget, Shakamak is also one of the 14 Indiana State Parks that will experience the 2024 solar eclipse, with an impressive 3 minutes and 53 seconds of totality!
Spring Mill State Park
Spring Mill State Park is a picturesque state park in Indiana that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration.
The park boasts several natural wonders, including caves, sinkholes, and virgin timber, which are protected in the Donaldson Woods Nature Preserve.
Visitors can take a boat tour of Twin Caves or explore the park’s many trails, which wind through the forest and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The park also features a settler’s village and the Gus Grissom Memorial, which houses the Gemini 3 space capsule. Additionally, Spring Mill State Park has campgrounds and the Spring Mill Inn for visitors who want to extend their stay.
The park attracts around 675,000 visitors annually and is one of the 14 Indiana State Parks that are in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, with the park experiencing 3 minutes and 21 seconds of totality.
Summit Lake State Park
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Nestled in east-central Indiana, Summit Lake State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park spans 2,680 acres, which includes a pristine 800-acre lake.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or a bird watcher, Summit Lake has something to offer for everyone. The park is home to over 100 species of birds, making it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
The hiking trails offer sweeping views of the lake and surrounding woodlands, old fields, wetlands, and prairie restoration areas. Don’t forget to explore the Zeigler Woods Nature Preserve, which is the only dedicated nature preserve in Henry County.
Summit Lake State Park attracts around 235,000 visitors every year and is one of the 14 Indiana State Parks in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, with 3 minutes and 59 seconds of totality.
Tippecanoe River State Park
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Tippecanoe River State Park is a beautiful state park located in Pulaski County, Indiana. The park is home to a stunning grove of old-growth white pine trees and preserves over 2 miles of undisturbed wetland shoreline on the Tippecanoe River.
The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and more. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wildlife and bird watching, and the park is also home to several historical sites, including an old grist mill and a covered bridge.
Tippecanoe River State Park receives about 127,495 visitors annually and is a much-loved destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Indiana.
Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is an amazing state park located in the west-central part of Indiana. It’s the state’s second state park, established in 1916. The park is named after the “Turkey Runs,” the narrow gorges formed by Sugar Creek.
The park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing, among others. Visitors can take advantage of the park’s well-maintained trails, including the popular Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve.
The suspension bridge over Sugar Creek is another notable feature, providing beautiful views of the park’s rugged terrain. Turkey Run is a popular destination, attracting approximately 700,000 visitors each year.
It’s also one of the 14 Indiana state parks in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, with visitors experiencing 43 seconds of totality.
Versailles State Park
Versailles State Park in Indiana is a remarkable destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
The park’s 230-acre Versailles Lake and Laughery Creek provide ample opportunities for fishing and boating, and visitors can even take a stroll across the historic Busching Covered Bridge, which dates back to 1885.
The park is also home to a group camp originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and a statue honoring the CCC’s work in the area. While swimming is not allowed in the lake, there is a 25-meter pool available for visitors to cool off in.
With about 225,000 visitors annually, Versailles State Park is a popular spot for those looking to explore Indiana’s natural and cultural heritage. Plus, with the park being in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, it’s a prime location for astronomy enthusiasts as well.
White River State Park
White River State Park is an incredible urban park located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. With over 267 acres of land situated along the banks of the beautiful White River, there is no shortage of amazing sights to explore.
The park is home to a variety of world-renowned attractions, including the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, and the Indianapolis Zoo.
Sports fans will love the NCAA Hall of Champions and Victory Field, the home of the Indianapolis Indians baseball team. For those who enjoy beautiful gardens, the White River Gardens are an absolute must-see.
Additionally, the park and the Indianapolis Canal Walk are one of seven designated cultural districts, making White River State Park the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Whether you’re a resident of Indiana or just visiting, you won’t want to miss this stunning park.
Whitewater Memorial State Park
Nestled in Union County, Indiana, Whitewater Memorial State Park is a sprawling 23,000-acre park that honors the memory of American soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World Wars I and II.
It is the third-largest state park in Indiana and attracts around 240,000 visitors annually. The park is home to a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages, including hiking on the five trails, horseback riding on the nine-mile trail, swimming in Whitewater Lake, and even houseboating.
The Brookville Reservoir, which is part of the park, is a great spot for fishing bass, bluegill, and other small fish. Whitewater Memorial State Park also offers hunters an opportunity to hunt for deer, rabbits, and raccoons.
If you’re interested in the park’s unique flora, visit the Hornbeam Nature Preserve, home to rare hornbeam trees.
Finally, if you’re lucky enough to be in Indiana in 2024, the park is one of 14 in the path of totality for the solar eclipse, where visitors can witness 3 minutes and 33 seconds of totality.
