Whether you’re traveling with little ones or embarking on a hiking and camping trip with your pets, Indiana offers a wide variety of state parks to suit your needs. From parks with educational activities to outdoor spaces equipped with family-friendly amenities like visitor centers, camp stores, and RV hookups, here’s a look at the top eight state parks in Indiana.
The state’s second-oldest park, established in December 1916, offers cabins, an inn, and campgrounds. Located in the west-central region along State Road 47, it attracts over a million visitors annually, especially during the summer. The beautiful canyons, sandstone cliffs, and dense forests make it worth the visit.
Start at the Nature Center and pick a trail that matches your preferred difficulty level. The trails, numbered 1 to 11, range from easy to challenging and are mostly under three miles. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking on Sugar Creek, fishing, and swimming at the Turkey Run State Park Swimming Pool.
Brown County State Park, known as the “Little Smokies,” spans 16,000 acres shaped by glacial waters. As Indiana’s largest park, it features ridges, slopes, gullies, and forests. A popular stay is Abe Martin Lodge, offering affordable accommodations and an indoor waterpark, along with campgrounds.
Begin your visit at the Nature Center off State Road 46 to find the best seasonal spots for mountain biking, hiking, and fishing. Bring your own horse or enjoy a guided ride at the Saddle Barn. Don’t miss the Covered Bridge at North Gatehouse.
In Spencer, McCormick’s Creek State Park is Indiana’s oldest state park and one of 14 parks in the path of the 2024 solar eclipse totality. Stay at Canyon Inn, a historic site with 76 guest rooms.
While exploring the park, view the canyon’s upper levels leading to the White River’s west fork. The waterfall is a major draw, being one of the few in the state. Trails are numbered 1 to 9, with the Wolf Cave Trail being a favorite. It’s a two-mile loop through a scenic maple-beech forest. Adventurers will enjoy climbing the fire tower for panoramic views or exploring the accessible trail starting at the renovated nature center.
Adjacent to Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park covers over 2,000 acres. Families enjoy the sandy beach, swimming in Lake Michigan, and exploring the historic shoreline pavilion selling snacks and goods.
The park has over 16 miles of hiking trails, including the 3 Dune Challenge, a 1.5-mile trek over the three highest dunes. Rising 200 feet above the lake, the dunes are home to diverse plants and animals. Established in 1925 in Porter County along Lake Michigan’s southern shores, it’s a must-visit.
Pro tip: Check out the birding tower on one of the dunes near the beach, which is perfect for both birdwatching and sunset views.
Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell is part of the Indiana Birding Trail and features four interpretive areas: Pioneer Village, Nature Center, Grissom Memorial, and Twin Caves Boat Tour.
Explore the park’s caves and Cave River Valley Natural Area. Don’t miss the historic Pioneer Village dating back to 1814, where families can explore 20 historic buildings, see a working gristmill, and learn about period crafts. The Twin Caves Boat Tour, available for children over three, introduces the endangered blind cavefish.
In addition to the interpretive areas, there are plenty of trails for hiking and biking, boat rentals for water fun, a camp store, and picnic areas. Accommodations are available at Spring Mill Inn and various campgrounds.
Clifty Falls State Park, near Madison, offers waterfalls that change with the seasons. Winter and spring are prime visiting times.
Start at the Nature Center for maps and tips on the best sights. Enjoy a picnic and a hike or try the Four Falls Hiking Challenge for a four-mile adventure past four major waterfalls. Capture photos at seven waypoints and show them at the Nature Center for a special sticker.
For overnight stays, consider Clifty Inn and Restaurant with its Ohio River views, or camp at one of the park’s campsites.
Shakamak State Park in Jasonville is perfect for relaxation. Enjoy three man-made lakes for fishing, boating, or swimming over 400 acres of water. Kids also love the family aquatic center.
Seven easy to moderate trails keep families active. Trail 1 is a 3.95-mile moderate hike starting near the swimming pool and circling Lake Shakamak’s shoreline. Expect to hear and see plenty of birds in their natural habitat.
Campsites, located in a beautifully wooded area, provide shade for all-day enjoyment. A nearby playfield becomes lively during summer with visitors.
Chain O’Lakes State Park in Albion is buzzing with events and activities, especially in summer. It’s a paradise for boating enthusiasts with nine interconnected lakes.
Besides boating, enjoy 23 miles of beautiful trails. Trail 8 is a captivating self-guided walk around the glacial kettle lakes. Visit the historic Stanley Schoolhouse, try fishing on one of the 13 kettle lakes, or check out the schedule for current events and family-friendly activities all year round.
