Did you know that Indiana is one of the most amazingly scenic, diverse states in the country? It’s totally true; lots of folks (particularly ones who have never been here) seem to enjoy dismissing it as a “flyover state” without much thought, but, well, we have some bad news: they are mistaken. As it turns out, the Hoosier State is ridiculously scenic, and many of our state parks (of which there are 24) are picture-perfect proof of this. Here are some truly amazing parks in Indiana that’ll make you feel like you’re on another planet instead of in the American Midwest.
- Indiana Dunes National Park
U.S. Department of the Interior/Flickr
Tom Gill/Flickr This little slice of paradise has the distinct honor of having been Indiana’s first-ever National Park, and we’re not at all surprised. When it comes to amazing places in Indiana, this one might just take the cake, with breathtaking sand dunes galore and impeccably perfect views of Lake Michigan that feel more like a tropical paradise than a Midwestern lakefront. While the dunes are extraordinary, please be careful when exploring them. Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304, USA
- Turkey Run State Park
Tom Gill/Flickr
Tom Gill/Flickr Need to get away to, say, Middle Earth, but can’t get over the intense disappointment that Middle Earth only exists within a book (and New Zealand)? Well, you might want to explore Turkey Run State Park, especially during the warmer months of the year. It becomes so intensely lush green that you might just feel like you’re in a rainforest retreat instead of on a Hoosier State hike. And we’re totally serious about the Middle Earth thing. Turkey Run State Park, 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859, USA
- Summit Lake State Park
Chris Riley/Flickr
Mark Moschell/Flickr This is one of the most tragically underrated parks in all of Indiana. This 2,600+ acre state park includes an 800-acre lake of the same name, which is home to delightful recreation areas, hikes, camping, and more. It’s one of a few places in Indiana where you can camp all year-round, rain, shine, snow, or fog. Summit Lake State Park, 5993 N Messick Rd, New Castle, IN 47362, USA
- Shades State Park
Anna Hesser/Flickr
Norm Hoekstra/Flickr If Turkey Run State Park was your thing, you’re going to love the sequel. Shades State Park is on that same level of “green paradise” as Turkey Run is, though Shades is more popular with visitors and locals alike. We don’t blame them; once you find yourself here, you’ll never want to leave. We here at OnlyInYourState aren’t saying you should abandon your life and become a person of the woods at Shades State Park… but you’re gonna want to once you’ve been there. We’re just saying. That, and it’s an amazing destination for hikers unlike any other in the Midwest. Shades State Park West Road, Shades State Park W Rd, Brown Township, IN 47933, USA
- Brown County State Park
Elizbeth Nicodemus/Flickr
Photographer/Flickr Brown County is LITERALLY known for how ridiculously beautiful it is. It’s the oft agreed-upon “most beautiful” area in Indiana, and it’s so awe-inspiring that they went ahead and turned it into a park. We’re glad they did, because Brown County State Park is easily one of the most scenic places in the country, not JUST Indiana if you ask us. A trip here is guaranteed to relax you whether you want to or not. You hear that? That’s what the best hiking in the state sounds like. Brown County State Park Road, Brown County State Park Rd, Nashville, IN 47448, USA
- Clifty Falls State Park
Roger Gerbig/Flickr
Shannon Tompkins/Flickr Finally, no list of amazing parks in Indiana is complete without mentioning Clifty Falls State Park. As it turns out, Indiana is home to more than 22 waterfalls, several of which are found at this breathtaking state park. Clifty Falls is a can’t-miss, and so is, well, the entire place. Who knew Indiana was home to so many perfectly picturesque parks and recreation areas? Now you do. Clifty Falls State Park, 2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250, USA
So, what are your thoughts? Did your favorite amazing parks in Indiana make the list? If not, tell us about it by filling out this form – we love hearing about the places you can’t get enough of.
U.S. Department of the Interior/Flickr
Tom Gill/Flickr
This little slice of paradise has the distinct honor of having been Indiana’s first-ever National Park, and we’re not at all surprised. When it comes to amazing places in Indiana, this one might just take the cake, with breathtaking sand dunes galore and impeccably perfect views of Lake Michigan that feel more like a tropical paradise than a Midwestern lakefront. While the dunes are extraordinary, please be careful when exploring them.
Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304, USA
Need to get away to, say, Middle Earth, but can’t get over the intense disappointment that Middle Earth only exists within a book (and New Zealand)? Well, you might want to explore Turkey Run State Park, especially during the warmer months of the year. It becomes so intensely lush green that you might just feel like you’re in a rainforest retreat instead of on a Hoosier State hike. And we’re totally serious about the Middle Earth thing.
Turkey Run State Park, 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859, USA
Chris Riley/Flickr
Mark Moschell/Flickr
This is one of the most tragically underrated parks in all of Indiana. This 2,600+ acre state park includes an 800-acre lake of the same name, which is home to delightful recreation areas, hikes, camping, and more. It’s one of a few places in Indiana where you can camp all year-round, rain, shine, snow, or fog.
Summit Lake State Park, 5993 N Messick Rd, New Castle, IN 47362, USA
Anna Hesser/Flickr
Norm Hoekstra/Flickr
If Turkey Run State Park was your thing, you’re going to love the sequel. Shades State Park is on that same level of “green paradise” as Turkey Run is, though Shades is more popular with visitors and locals alike. We don’t blame them; once you find yourself here, you’ll never want to leave. We here at OnlyInYourState aren’t saying you should abandon your life and become a person of the woods at Shades State Park… but you’re gonna want to once you’ve been there. We’re just saying. That, and it’s an amazing destination for hikers unlike any other in the Midwest.
Shades State Park West Road, Shades State Park W Rd, Brown Township, IN 47933, USA
Elizbeth Nicodemus/Flickr
Photographer/Flickr
Brown County is LITERALLY known for how ridiculously beautiful it is. It’s the oft agreed-upon “most beautiful” area in Indiana, and it’s so awe-inspiring that they went ahead and turned it into a park. We’re glad they did, because Brown County State Park is easily one of the most scenic places in the country, not JUST Indiana if you ask us. A trip here is guaranteed to relax you whether you want to or not. You hear that? That’s what the best hiking in the state sounds like.
Brown County State Park Road, Brown County State Park Rd, Nashville, IN 47448, USA
Roger Gerbig/Flickr
Shannon Tompkins/Flickr
Finally, no list of amazing parks in Indiana is complete without mentioning Clifty Falls State Park. As it turns out, Indiana is home to more than 22 waterfalls, several of which are found at this breathtaking state park. Clifty Falls is a can’t-miss, and so is, well, the entire place. Who knew Indiana was home to so many perfectly picturesque parks and recreation areas? Now you do.
Clifty Falls State Park, 2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250, USA
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