How to Visit Turkey Run State Park in Indiana

Turkey Run State Park in Indiana is a beautiful nature getaway with plenty of scenic routes that you take can by canoe, foot and even horseback. It offers cabins to spend some quality time away from home, picnic areas, a nature center and an area where you can be out in the great outdoors. Turkey Run is a great place for families to gather together to take a short vacation or just spend the day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Drive to the city of Marshall, Indiana. Turkey Run is near Indianapolis, Indiana. The gateway fee for Monday through Thursday is is minimal. On Fridays through Sundays, the fee is a bit more, but still minimal. For those who enter Turkey Run on bike, horseback, or as a pedestrian, the daily fee is a few dollars less.

2. 

   Rent a cabin if you plan on staying more than one day. Check in time is 4:00 p.m. and check out time is 12:00 noon. For those who would like to park their camper, there is a campground site that has electricity available as well.

3. Bring a picnic basket and plenty of food to last throughout the day. Turkey Run offers picnic areas and picnic shelter houses for days that end up with rainy weather. The shelters can be reserved for up to one year.

4. 

   Go hiking on some of Turkey Run's rugged trails. Choose from easy, moderate or very rugged trails. See historical sites such as the Narrows Covered Bridge. You get a chance to go near Goose Rock and Lusk Earth Fill. The easy trails will take about a half-hour, while the more moderate trails are three miles, and will take longer.

5. Saddle up a horse and take on the great outdoors on the horse trails. You can also take guided horseback trails if you are a beginner. Those who have their own horses are not allowed to bring their own. The saddle barn is open during the months of April through October. If you had plenty of fun horseback riding, take a chance at a hayride, too.

6. 

   Enjoy traveling through the waters at Turkey Run at Sugar Creek. It is a scenic river that runs through the park. There is no swimming in Sugar Creek as it can be dangerous. If you would like to sit back and enjoy some good fishing, Turkey Run also allows fishing within the lake too.

7. Educate yourself with some of the nature programs that Turkey Run has to offer. Take a nature hike; participate in planetarium programs or history talks. The nature center at Turkey Run offers this as a free service.

8. Visiting Turkey Run is an affordable way to take a mini vacation if you are on a strict budget.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring plenty of sunscreen if you plan on spending quality time outdoors.
• Bring enough water for long hiking trips so that you do not become dehydrated.
• Wear good hiking shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking.
• Always stay on marked trails. You could get lost or injured.
• Do not swim in the waters of Turkey Run. There could be currents that you are unaware of. Swimming is only allowed in the pools at the park.
• Do not bring harm to any part of the woods, structures or animals when you are at Turkey Run. All dogs and cats must be kept on leashes.
• Do not feed any of the wild animals.

Resources

• Turkey Run State Park

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on 8/21/2008 Thank you!