The 6 Best Indiana State Parks (Bloomington and Beyond)

Warm weather is just around the corner!

If you’re anything like us, that means that you are itching to go outside and experience all nature has to offer. Luckily, if you live in Indiana, you have incredible options!

Indiana has a plethora of beautiful nature, and nowhere is that more evident than at one of its’ gorgeous state parks. If you’ve been dreaming of exploring the hiking trails but aren’t sure where to start, we have you covered.

Today, we’ll be talking all about the best Indiana state parks and help you decide where you’d like to explore first!

Know Before You Go

Ready to put your hiking boots on? Hold on a second. While exploring Indiana’s state parks is fun, it’s a good idea to come prepared. Before you head out, here are some things you should take care of:

• 🎫 State Park Pass – Did you know that you can purchase year-long passes that let you access any Indiana state park? State park passes can be purchased at the parks themselves, but you can also buy them online. You can purchase both daily and annual passes.
• 📚 Do Your Research – We are all for spontaneity, but when it comes to visiting the state parks, it is a good idea to do a little bit of research. Knowing what amenities are available to you and how long the hiking loops are can help you pack accordingly.
• 🚮 Leave No Trace – If you love the great outdoors, you are no stranger to the idea of “leave no trace.” This simple slogan aims to teach parkgoers to respect nature. This means staying on the trails and not leaving behind any litter.
• 🎒 Pack Smart – Whether you are planning a day trip or a camping trip, it is a good idea to pack a few essentials to get you through your visit. We recommend bringing a picnic lunch, some water, and proper clothing. Bug screen and sun protection are also must-haves!

Top 6 Indiana State Parks

Ready for an adventure? Check out six of our favorite Indiana state parks and all that they have to offer!

1) McCormick’s Creek State Park

McCormick’s Creek State Park is one of the most popular destinations for Indiana travelers. The park is known for having a variety of interesting natural features to explore. The most notable of these is the Falls on McCormick’s Creek. The waterfalls are easily accessible on a short .5 mile out and back trail.

You’ll also want to check out Wolf Cave, which is known for being relatively remote. You can walk through the carved passages, which used to be the home to native Indiana wolves.

McCormick’s Creek State Park is a great family camping destination, complete with electric campsites, cabins, and a restaurant. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit so that you can enjoy the Olympic-size swimming pool!

2) Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park boasts the honor of being Indiana’s largest state park, with over 15,000 acres of protected land! It also happens to contain the highest point in Indiana at Weed Patch Hill.

If you love to bike, you have to visit this state park, with its numerous mountain biking trails. Prefer to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground. That’s okay too! You’ll find plenty to do on the 18 miles of hiking trails.

Try your hand at horseback riding on one of The Saddle Barn’s guided trail rides over the summer. Whatever your interest, you will find plenty of things to do!

3) Indiana Dunes State Park

Indiana Dunes State Park is a destination trip for anyone visiting the state. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, it is the perfect place to spend your summer.

This is the perfect state park getaway for anyone who loves swimming. After diving into the cool waters of the lake, you can walk along the tall sand dunes or explore some of the hiking trails.

Enjoy your time on the water with kayak and canoe rentals or fishing. When you’re done, you can enjoy a nice meal at one of the many high-quality restaurants in the area.

4) Spring Mill State Park

Located in southern Indiana, Spring Mill State Park is perfect for the history lovers in your group. The park contains a restored Pioneer Village from the 1800s, complete with period reenactors who help to educate and recreate village life. Want to know more about Indiana’s history? Visit the Gus Grissom Museum to learn about the Indiana native who was the second man to ever go to space.

5) Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Park is named after the president himself, who spent his younger years exploring the area. In fact, Abraham Lincoln’s sister herself is buried on park grounds at the Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Cemetery.

Have a boat? Take it out via the park’s boat launch, and enjoy the plentiful fishing that the area has to offer. When you’re done, be sure to take a swim at the Lincoln State Park beaches!

6) Turkey Run State Park

Want to take a vacation to a state park but aren’t interested in camping? Turkey Run State Park has a gorgeous inn complete with cozy cabin decor. Enjoy your time outdoors and make use of the parks’ ball courts and swimming and wading pool.

Don’t forget to visit the nature center, where you and your family can engage with wildlife and learn about the native plants and animals in Indiana.

Let Us Care For Your Home

Vacationing and exploring the area is all well and good, but it is less fun when you aren’t excited about coming home. If your home is in need of a little TLC, you need Rapid Roofing. Our team is the go-to choice for Bloomington and greater Indiana residents. Contact us today to get a free quote on your roofing project.