Best Natural Waterfalls In Indianapolis Near Me

4worldlovers:
Eagle Creek Park features more than 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of forest. It offers a wide variety of activities just minutes from downtown. Visitors enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and more. You may even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle.

The park is supported by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation. Visit the foundation’s website to learn about efforts to protect and improve the park for current and future generations.

View the Eagle Creek Park history booklet for a brief history of the land and the people that occupied it.

Eagle Creek Park is turning 50 this year! To learn more about our 50th Anniversary programs, events, and challenges please visit Eagle Creek Park 50th Anniversary

You must pay a fee to enter and use the park. The fees are listed below. Annual passes can be purchased online.

Generally, the park is open from dawn to dusk. Hours vary depending on the month:

From hiking to ziplining, Eagle Creek Park offers a variety of fun activities.

See the list of facilities below to find more information about park activities.

Eagle Creek Dog Park (Gordon Gilmer Canine Companion Zone) 317-327-7110

If you would like to rent an indoor facility, consider Eagle's Crest and Eagle's Hideaway – great options for weddings, showers, reunions, and more. 317-327-7193

Eagle Creek Park offers a variety of programs and events for everyone to enjoy. For complete details, click on the links below:

Keep dogs leashed at all times except at the canine companion zone.

Boats must be between 8 ft. and 26 ft. with motors no greater than 10 hp.

Launch canoes and kayaks from the old boat ramp by the Earth Discovery Center or the public launch at the back of the Marina parking lot.

Teaching classes in the park for a fee requires a vendor fee and agreement. Check with the park office or park manager for more details.

Alcoholic beverages, loud music, ground fires, littering, hunting and trapping, firewood gathering, off-road biking, drones, and watercraft of any kind in the waterfowl sanctuary are not allowed at any time.

For questions, contact the park office or staff using the information below:

Charlie Elliott, park manager (Admin Office, Bark Park, Boat Ramp, Gates)

4worldlovers:
Fort Harrison is a state park for many seasons for many reasons. Patrons may enjoy visiting the park year round, especially in winter since Fort Harrison features one of the biggest sledding hills in the area. Spring is the season to walk with the woodland wildflowers in full bloom across the park. Summer is the perfect time for a canoe trip down Fall Creek, the major water feature that runs through the north side of Fort Harrison. Autumn brings warm, sunny days and breathtaking fall colors to this, the last forested corner left in Marion County.

4worldlovers:
Please note that effective Wednesday, November 4, restroom facilities in Fishers Parks will be closed for winterization.

Nature is waiting to be explored at Cheeney Creek Natural Area (11030 Fishers Pointe Boulevard). The 25-acre park is a secret wildlife oasis in the heart of Fishers and home to several unique amenities. From fishing ponds to greenways, Cheeney Creek is the ideal place to unplug with friends and family.

With nearly 2 miles of nature and multi-use trails, the park is a favorite spot among local hikers, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers. A grassland corridor runs along the Cheeney Creek Greenway and is the perfect place to unplug with a scenic hike in nature. The soft surface woodland trail runs along the banks of Cheeney Creek throughout the park and boasts some of the largest trees in Fishers.

4worldlovers:
Opening in 1873, Garfield Park is the oldest Park in the city. It consists of 122.91 acres on the near southside of town. Before 1873 the area was called Bradley Woods. In 1873, the park was named Southern Racing Park. In 1881, the park was renamed Garfield Park after President James A. Garfield was assassinated. The park today has various amenities such as The Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden, Garfield Arts Center, Burrello Family Center, Garfield Aquatic Center, and the MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts.

Garfield Park was originally owned by The Indianapolis Fair Association and consisted of a Horse Racing Facility.

In 1895, the First Greenhouse was built and a home that housed the first park director. This 40,000 square foot greenhouse supplied other parks, fire houses and other state properties with plants.

In 1903, the Pagoda was constructed. It was designed by Daniel Dupree and was used as a bandstand and dancing area for neighboring families.

In 1905, the park became a zoo. It had cages with live animals such as monkeys, bears and other small animals. Also this same year two Tennis courts were built in the park.

From 1908 to 1915 the park was designed by George Kessler which also designed Riverside Park and University Square.

In 1915, The Sunken Garden was completed (dedicated on October 26th, 1916) and the Lawton Statue was moved from Court House Square to Garfield Park.

In 1920, Confederate Soldiers Monument was moved to the Park and the World War I “Grove of Remembrance” dedicated. Also the Amphitheater was built, now known as the MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts.

In 1922, Community Outdoor Shelter was built and the first Children’s Museum was opened inside of it. This building later became the Garfield Recreation Center and now the Garfield Arts Center.

In 1954, the first of its kind in the country aluminum framed Conservatory was built.

During the 1970’s baseball diamonds and Playground areas were built and the tennis courts and pool were remodeled.

During the 1990’s many improvements were done such as New Firehouse #29 was dedicated (1991), New Aquatic Center opened (1996), Amphitheater renovated (1997), Burrello Family Center dedicated (1998), Sunken Garden restoration (1998).

4worldlovers: Located in the heart of Fishers, Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve (10410 Hague Road) is the perfect place to unplug. The park, one of only two state designated nature preserves in Hamilton County, is approximately 127 acres, and boasts nine beautiful nature trails totaling over 2.25 miles that are perfect for running, walking, or enjoying time in nature.

While exploring the nature trails, visitors can enjoy one of the best spots in the city for bird watching and wildlife sightings, or meander down the Creek Ridge trail for a glimpse of Cheeney Creek located at the north end of the property. A shelter for picnics, several picnic tables, and public restrooms are also available on the property.

Ritchey Woods is home to several Fishers Parks events and programs, including the family favorite National S’mores Day, Keep Fishers Beautiful Spring Service Day, several summer camp programs, and the unique Nature First program.

The Nature First program is a one-of-a-kind partnership with Hamilton Southeastern Schools allowing every first grader in the district to visit, explore, and learn about the nature preserve and the environment through a combination of curriculum based activities and hands-on exploration. Children visit Ritchey Woods in the spring and fall to experience the changing of seasons while also learning about nature and environmental stewardship in the classroom.