The Surprisingly Underrated State Park In The Midwest With Hiking Trails For Every Skill Level

Fort Harrison State Park is a 1,700-acre park located in Indianapolis, Indiana. It used to be a military base, and now it's a great place for nature lovers and anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. The park has a variety of recreational activities that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. You can walk or hike on the trails through the beautiful forests, hills, and waterways. You can also fish, watch birds, or have a picnic with family and friends.

The park is a peaceful and relaxing place to go if you want to escape the stress of daily life. You can take a break and enjoy the natural surroundings. There's plenty to see and do, no matter what time of year, so it's a great spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, Fort Harrison State Park has something for everyone.

Fort Harrison State Park has six well-marked hiking trails, catering to hikers of all skill levels and providing scenic views of the park's natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy picnics and explore the park's two historic districts. 

The longest trail is the Lawrence Creek Trail, which spans over 4 miles and takes hikers or bikers through the woods, offering a vibrant leaf show in the fall and colorful buds in spring. The Camp Creek trail is a moderate 2-mile trail that offers a view of the golf course and duck pond. The Fall Creek Trail is just over a mile long and offers opportunities for birding, fishing, and identifying wildflowers and trees, especially from the wooden boardwalk and observation deck. From this trail, you can venture off onto one of three cutoff trails that connect to the Harrison Trace Trail, a 3.2-mile-long paved trail perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. The Tree Line Trail is a 1-mile mowed trail starting just past the visitor center that is a perfect hike for beginners. Finally, the Schoen Creek Trail is a rugged 3-mile-long trail that takes hikers through the park's varied terrains.

In addition to hiking, there are many other fun, family-friendly things to do at Fort Harrison State Park. For instance, you can go fishing in Fall Creek for a variety of species, such as bass and catfish. You can play a round of golf at The Fort Golf Resort. Several picnic areas are available for visitors, and the dog park is a wonderful place for furry friends to socialize and play. In winter, you can cross-country ski, sled on the park's appointed sledding hill, or try your hand at ice fishing. 

The park's nature center offers educational programs and events throughout the year, such as birdwatching and animal-track trailing, to promote environmental conservation and awareness. There are also plans to reopen the saddle barn so visitors can enjoy the trails on horseback. And if one day is not enough, you can spend the night at the Fort Harrison Inn, built at the turn of the 20th century as the post hospital. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast, or a family looking for outdoor fun, Fort Harrison State Park offers something for everyone and promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Midwest.