The 8 Best State Parks in Indiana

Whether you’re traveling with little ones in tow or you’re setting out for a hiking and camping adventure with your furry pets, Indiana has a plethora of state parks that fit the bill. From parks with educational programs to outdoor green spaces with plenty of family-friendly amenities like visitor centers, camp stores, and hookups for recreational vehicles, here are the top eight state parks in Indiana.

Turkey Run State Park

Indiana’s second state park, in operation since December 1916, has it all—cabins, an inn, and campgrounds. You’ll need to book early as the park, located in the west-central part of the state along State Road 47, welcomes over one million guests per year, with summer being the busiest season. The reward for a visit? Views of spacious canyons, sandstone cliffs, and groves of thick trees.

Pop in the Nature Center first and then choose the trail that fits your desired difficulty level. Trails are listed by numbers, 1—11, and they vary in effort from easy to rugged. Most trails are under three miles. Beyond hiking, families can go horseback riding, canoeing, and kayaking on Sugar Creek, fishing, and swimming at Turkey Run State Park Swimming Pool.

Brown County State Park

Known as the “Little Smokies,” Brown County State Park is home to 16,000 acres, carved out by the meltwater from glaciers. Here, in the state’s largest park, you’ll find ridges and slopes, gullies, and forests. A popular place to stay is Abe Martin Lodge, which has affordable rooms, cabins, and an indoor waterpark. Other options include campgrounds.

The Nature Center, located off State Road 46, is a good place to start. Here you can learn where the best places are for seasonal mountain biking, hiking, and fishing. Bring your own horse or take a guided trail ride at the Saddle Barn. Be sure to see the Covered Bridge at North Gatehouse.

McCormick’s Creek State Park

The oldest state park in Indiana, located in Spencer, is McCormick’s Creek State Park, dedicated in July 1916. What’s really special about this park is that it is one of 14 Indiana State Parks that are situated in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse. Book a stay at Canyon Inn, a historic property with 76 guest rooms.

While in the park, you’ll see the upper levels of the canyon, which descend to the west fork of the White River. The waterfall is a main attraction of the park as it’s one of the few in the state. Trails are listed by numbers, 1—9, with Wolf Cave Trail being the most popular.  At two miles long, this trail loops through the Wolf Cave Nature Preserve along a maple-beech forest. Fit folks will love climbing the fire tower to get a panoramic view. Or check out the accessible trail that begins at the newly renovated nature center.

Indiana Dunes State Park

Located next to Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park sits on over 2,000 acres. Families love playing on the sandy beach, swimming in Lake Michigan, visiting the nature center, and hanging out at the historic shoreline pavilion that sells snacks and goods.

Enjoy over 16 miles of hiking trails, including the 3 Dune Challenge, a 1.5-mile climb up and down the three tallest sand dunes in the park. The dunes, which rise 200 feet above the lake, developed over thousands of years. Today they are home to a plethora of plants and animals. Find this popular state park, established in 1925, at the end of State Road 49 in Porter County, along Lake Michigan’s southern shores.

Pro tip: there’s a large birding tower on top of one of the dunes, near the beach, which is ideal for not only birdwatching but also, sunset viewing.

Spring Mill State Park

A stop on the Indiana Birding Trail, Spring Mill State Park, located in Mitchell, offers visitors four interpretive areas: Pioneer Village, Nature Center, Grissom Memorial, and Twin Caves Boat Tour.

Once registered, see caves at the park and Cave River Valley Natural Area. The restored Pioneer Village, originating in 1814, is a trip highlight—families can explore the 20 historic buildings; see the gristmill that, amazingly, still grinds cornmeal today; and listen to interpreters as they educate visitors on period crafts. The Twin Caves Boat Tour is also interesting for families with children over three years of age as guides navigate the boats down a stream and inform guests about the endangered blind cavefish, a frequent and fun sighting.

Beyond the interpretive areas, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, boat rentals for human-powered fun on the water, a camp store, and picnicking. Lodging is available at Spring Mill Inn and at various campgrounds.

Clifty Falls State Park

Located near Madison, Clifty Falls State Park has waterfalls that look different depending on the season and water flow—winter and spring are the best seasons to visit.

Begin your adventure in the Nature Center where you can pick up a detailed map and learn about the best places to visit. Pack a picnic and enjoy a scenic hike on one of the trails or take part in the Four Falls Hiking Challenge where you can see the cliffs and canyons as you make your way past the four major waterfalls for this four-mile experience. Take photos of the seven designated waypoints and then show the staff in the Nature Center to earn a special sticker.

For overnight stays, check out the Clifty Inn and Restaurant, which overlooks the Ohio River, or spend the evening at one of the campsites.

Shakamak State Park

Located in Jasonville, Shakamak State Park is not only fun to say, but also, it’s the perfect state park to visit for a little rest and relaxation. Enjoy the three human-made lakes where you can go fishing, boating, or swimming on 400 acres of water. Kids love the family aquatic center as well.

Seven hiking trails, all rated easy to moderate, will keep your family active and healthy. Trail number 1, for example, is a 3.95-mile moderate trail that starts near the swimming pool area and wraps around the shoreline of Lake Shakamak. You’ll see and hear lots of birds in their native habitat, which is such a treat!

The campsites here, located in a densely wooded area, are not only beautiful but also, functional as they offer plenty of shade for all-day enjoyment. There’s also a playfield nearby that gets lively during the summer months with visitors.

Chain O’ Lakes State Park

Located in Albion, this state park is loaded with special events and fun happenings, especially during the busy summer season when families visit for hiking, biking, camping, and water activities. Anyone who loves boating will love this park as there are nine connecting lakes at Chain O’Lakes.

Beyond boating, however, enjoy 23 miles of well-tended trails, which will certainly get your heart pumping as you make your way through the forests. Trail 8 is an interesting self-guided interpretive trail around the glacial kettle lakes. See also the historic Stanley Schoolhouse, go fishing on one of the 13 kettle lakes (ice fishing is available in the winter), and be sure to check the calendar for current events and family-friendly year-round happenings.