Escape into Nature in Western Indiana at Turkey Run State Park

Less than 90 minutes from Indianapolis in western Indiana lies one of the Midwest’s most scenic state parks — a sprawling 2,382-acre expanse known for its stunning landscapes, deep canyons, and sandstone gorges.

Turkey Run State Park has been a longtime favorite of Hoosiers and out-of-town outdoor enthusiasts for decades as hundreds of thousands of travelers visit each year to explore an extensive trail system, stay in historic guest cabins, and escape into nature.

DID YOU KNOW: Turkey Run was one of 1 of 14 Indiana state parks in the path of totality during the 2024 solar eclipse — it experienced 43 seconds of totality.

No matter your reason for visiting, Turkey Run State Park is the kind of place where a day trip can easily turn into a vacation and every visitor can find something to explore within this Indiana gem.

A Hoosier State Hallmark

Established in 1916, Turkey Run in Parke County was the second state park in Indiana. While no one knows for sure the origins of the park’s unique name, one theory holds that the area’s deep gorges (or runs) were a popular warming spot for wild turkeys.

Once the home of Native American tribes, glaciers and wind carved the park’s impressive geology, and sandstone erosion over time has resulted in scenic gorges that are similar to those experienced by tribes and pioneers many years ago. 

Today, visitors can meander down scenic trails lined with old-growth trees, lush plant life, and an abundance of wildlife that makes animal tracks, beaver-chewed trees, and woodpecker excavations a common sight in the park.

A Multitude of Activities

As one of the most scenic parks in the Midwest and one of the more popular outdoor destinations in Indiana, Turkey Run State Park has something for everyone.

Hiking Trails

Turkey Run has over 14 miles of trails — ranging from easy to rugged — allowing hikers and bikers alike to find their perfect path.

NOTE: Bikes are only allowed on paved trails.

To describe Turkey Run’s trails as legendary is not an exaggeration. With deep canyons flanked by sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and paved paths for bikes, visitors can explore the majesty of Turkey Run from dawn to dusk.

NOTE: Turkey Run has 11 total trails — ranging from the easy 0.5-mile Trail No. 11 to the moderate/rugged 3-mile Trail No. 1.

Many of the trails are accessed via a suspension bridge over Sugar Creek — a journey that requires several dozen steps to reach. Crossing the bridge, however, puts visitors in the Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve — a jewel within the park with deep sandstone canyons and remnants of a sprawling forest.

Thrill seekers can try the 5 Mile Challenge in the Park. The hike starts at the park’s Nature Center, crosses the suspension bridge into the preserve, and continues on the perimeter trails in a loop. Doing the challenge clockwise knocks out the hardest sections first and takes hikers up a ladder, through three canyons, and past a historic home.

NOTE: Those who complete the hike and take pictures in several designated spots can earn a special sticker.

Nature Center

One of the best places to start your excursion to Turkey Run is the on-site nature center, which provides information on the park, interesting exhibits, and even a wildlife watching room.

The center is open year-round and is also home to many special events and naturalist services. Visitors can participate in guided hikes, a junior naturalist program, planetarium programs, and history talks among other events.

Fishing

With scenic Sugar Creek running through the park, it’s the perfect place for eager anglers to try their luck fishing for bass, bluegill, and other species. Just remember to have your state fishing license handy.

Anglers who want to fish from a boat rather than from shore can put in at two access points just outside the park — near the Narrows Covered Bridge and near the Cox Ford Covered Bridge.

Canoeing & Kayaking

For visitors who don’t fish but still want to be on the water, Sugar Creek is also an ideal place for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. While the park itself doesn’t offer equipment rentals, several private liveries on Sugar Creek offer tube, kayak, and canoe trips.

Those who want to explore on their own can put in at the same access points near the Narrows Covered Bridge and the Cox Ford Covered Bridge, which are upstream and downstream from the park respectively.

Historic Sites at Turkey Run

While Turkey Run’s magnificent sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations make the park a must-see Hoosier State destination, it’s also home to fascinating historic sites dating back to the 1800s.

• The Richard Lieber Cabin — Located at Sunset Point on Trail 6, it’s made of virgin timber and commemorates Lieber’s contributions to state parks in Indiana.
• The Narrows Covered Bridge — Built in 1882, the bridge spans Sugar Creek and is one of the many bridges of Parke County. It can be found on Trails 1, 2, and 4.
• The Log Church — Built in 1871 and moved to the park in 1923, the church can be found on Trail 11 and still holds seasonal non-denominational services each Sunday.
• The Lusk Home — Built by Captain Lusk on a piece of land that also included a grist mill, the Lusk home serves as a reminder of pioneer ambition and is open for seasonal tours.

Lodging at Turkey Run

Visitors planning on an extended stay at Turkey Run State Park have plenty of lodging options, including rustic and RV camping, cabins, and a chance to stay at the historic Turkey Run Inn.

The park gets around a million visitors each year, but with only 61 rooms in the Inn, the spaces fill up quickly.

The Inn — which was built in 1919 — has long been a popular lodging spot for adventurous Midwesterners. It offers the comforts of home with the rustic ambiance of nature, giving lodgers the best of both worlds. Amenities include a lounge, a gift shop, a game room, an indoor pool, and a covered veranda.

Visitors looking for a more rustic experience can choose from 213 electric campsites as well as two youth tent camps for youngsters and their adult leaders.

The state park also offers three cabins for rent along with 20 cabin rooms. Guests can enjoy common amenities (as well as those offered by the Inn) amid the peacefulness of the state park. These are also popular and tend to be reserved early.

Make the Journey to Discover Turkey Run State Park

With incredible geology, opportunities for outdoor leisure, and unique historical sites, Turkey Run State Park in Indiana is an ideal Midwest destination to escape into nature. Whether you’re keen to hike through deep gorges and scenic forests, find a quiet spot to enjoy nature photography, or paddle along on Sugar Creek, the opportunities for adventure are endless at Turkey Run!