A day on the boat at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, Ind.

Hiking at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, Ind.

Eagle Creek Park is the largest park in Indianapolis, Indiana, and one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.

Located at 7840 W. 56th Street in Marion County, it covers approximately 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of land!

Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, Indiana

Our family of three headed to the park’s marina for a boat rental. The marina offers guided paddles and paddle races for water enthusiasts. I enjoyed feeling the light breeze on my face on such a warm day.

As we headed farther away from land I felt removed from city-life even though the park is right in the middle of Indianapolis.

The day away brought a nice escape!

Plenty of Family Activities 

Trail at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, Ind.

Boating at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, Ind.

If you are not boating, then there are still plenty of activities to find at this Central Indiana park.

Eagle Creek Park has about 10 miles of well-marked trails for walking and hiking that are only open for foot traffic. There’s a big playground for the little ones as well as plenty of picnic tables throughout the park.

Also, take some time to visit the wonderful Nature Center. A Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure is also located at the park.

Hiking at Eagle Creek Park

You will find beautiful scenery around every corner at Eagle Creek Park especially out on the trails. I enjoy hiking not only because is it a great workout but also because it clears the mind.

In fact, walking has long inspired poets and writers. Some have spoken of the sense of freedom that comes from leaving the city behind; the delight of multiple paths that lead through deep woods and foliage. In the “Song of the Open Road”, Walt Whitman wrote:

Afoot and light-hearted, I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me, leading wherever I choose.

Go There

Paddle Boats Eagle Creek Park

Paddle Boats at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, Ind.

I would suggest visiting the park’s online web page (find the link below) prior to going so you can plan your day. Dogs are welcome. There also are plenty of picnic areas.

What are you waiting for? Indy residents and visitors, make an afternoon or full day of this! Cost: $5 per car to enter the park.

Don’t just live in the city–explore it! THIS is Big City, little Indiana!

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Just don’t forget to tell ’em that  little Indiana sent you!

Eagle Creek Park
7840 W. 56th Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46278

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