The Bald Eagle is America’s national symbol. Proud, powerful, majestic and free, it soars in the sky and skims over the water. The nature reserve at Eagle Creek Park, just a few minutes’ drive from central Indianapolis, is a haven for eagles and many other species of animal.
Great blue herons, cormorants, grebes and loons deer, beavers, mink and turtles. The wildlife here lives among the rustling trees and silent lakes, meadows and old forest, in a natural habitat that is colourful and captivating throughout the year.
As home to 260 out of Indiana’s 400 species of bird, Eagle Creek Park is a must for bird lovers. From the bluff overlooking the trees and hills of the park, the Ornithology Center has the best views, as well as information on bird behaviour and ecology and impressive bird of prey displays.
To learn about the other wildlife in the park, visit the eco-friendly Earth Discovery Center near the walnut meadow at Eagle Creek. Home to reptiles and amphibians, it also has detailed information on Indiana’s native species.
A fantastic place to go to get out into the countryside without straying far from the city, Eagle Creek Park has 16 kilometres of hiking and biking trails as well as a lake for swimming, boating or kayaking. Fish here for bass and catfish and take the time to immerse yourself in Indiana’s natural beauty.
For a bird’s eye perspective of the park, the Go Ape Treetop Adventure course has high zip wires and trapezes, rope ladders and bridges that criss-cross through the sky.
During autumn, the park comes into its own, with the reds, golds and oranges of the trees shining brightly against the sky. However, the natural splendour of this park will not fail to delight you at any time of the year.
Eagle Creek Park is open every day and there is a small fee to enter.