Winter, spring, summer or autumn, any time is a good time to visit Fort Harrison State Park. The 690-hectare woodland located 14 kilometres northeast of central Indianapolis makes a great escape from the city throughout the year.
With some of the biggest hills in the area, bring a sledge here in winter so you can whizz through white fields, between trees and down twisting paths. In spring, wildflowers turn the spring meadows into a tapestry of colours. In summer, Fall Creek is perfect for canoeing. And in autumn, the colours of the woodlands are simply magical.
A number of different meandering hiking trails wind through the trees and gentle sloping hills, past lakes and ponds. They range in length from 1.6 to 4 kilometres. As you walk the trails, listen in the quiet for the birdsong and use your binoculars to spot wildlife on the ground. The park once belonged to the US army but now it definitely belongs to nature. There are blue herons and songbirds, deer, frogs, squirrels and beavers all living in the constantly changing forests.
Nothing could be more idyllic than exploring the natural world on horseback, and here at Fort Harrison State Park, there are horse-riding lessons and excursions available at the Saddle Barns.
There are many activities to keep everybody occupied at this park, with biking, fishing, golf and a museum also on offer. The paved trail is suitable for bicycles and takes you past ponds and lakes full of wildlife. Fall Creek is great for line fishing and ice fishing in the winter – collect a permit from the park office. There’s even an 18-hole golf course, set among the natural beauty of the forest.
To finish your visit, whatever the time of year, stop at the Museum of 20th Century Warfare. Small but comprehensive, the exhibits and superb volunteers paint a colourful picture of the country’s military past. The collection of uniforms is particularly interesting.
Fort Harrison State Park is open throughout the year and a small fee is charged for entry.
