TOP 30 Best Woodland nature preserves in Indiana

Welcome to Barker Woods Nature Preserve Nestled in the heart of Michigan City, Indiana, at 444 Barker Road, Barker Woods Nature Preserve offers a serene escape into nature amidst an urban residential setting. Established as a dedicated state nature preserve in 1975, Barker Woods is a rare urban example of an old-growth forest, providing a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Cool Creek Park Nature Center is a popular destination in Carmel, Indiana, offering a wide range of activities for the whole family to enjoy. With 90 acres of beautiful parkland, visitors can explore 4 miles of wooded trails, perfect for hiking, jogging, and bird watching. Scenic paved roads are also available for cycling and rollerblading. In addition to the trails, the park features playgrounds, soccer fields, and a basketball court for more active pursuits. Nature lovers can appreciate the wetlands, prairies, and benches along the trails, all installed by Eagle Scouts. The Cool Creek Nature Center is a hub for learning about Indiana woodlands and the importance of preserving natural habitats, open daily for exploration.

Lindenwood Nature Preserve is a serene and picturesque park located at 600 Lindenwood Avenue in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This beautiful preserve offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with winding trails through lush forests, tranquil ponds, and vibrant meadows. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. With its diverse ecosystem and stunning natural beauty, Lindenwood Nature Preserve is a true gem in the heart of Fort Wayne.

Vandolah Nature Preserve, managed by the ACRES Land Trust, is a peaceful oasis located at 16151 Tother Road in Indiana, United States. Despite the constant hum of Interstate 69 nearby, this preserve offers a glimpse into the region's natural beauty before development took over. Originally owned by James and Rebecca Vandolah in the 19th century, the preserve's woodlands and wetlands have been preserved for future generations to enjoy. Thanks to a generous gift from their great-grandson, Barney Stellhorn, the land is now protected by ACRES Land Trust.

Cheeney Creek Natural Area, located at 11030 Fishers Pointe Boulevard in Fishers, Indiana, is a 25-acre park that serves as a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park offers a variety of amenities, including fishing ponds, greenways, and nearly 2 miles of nature and multi-use trails for hiking and birdwatching. Visitors can explore the grassland corridor along the Cheeney Creek Greenway or take a leisurely stroll along the soft surface woodland trail that runs alongside Cheeney Creek. The park is home to some of the largest trees in Fishers, providing a peaceful and scenic setting for outdoor activities.

Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve is a hidden gem located in Michigan City, Indiana. This Indiana state nature preserve is a sanctuary for a variety of plant and animal species, including rare club mosses, colorful mushrooms, salamanders, migratory birds, and hooting owls. With vernal pools, rivulets, and woodland ponds, the preserve comes alive in early spring with a chorus of calling frogs. This unique boreal flatwoods natural community is home to at least 39 state-listed plant species and many others considered rare in the region. Visitors can explore the preserve's trails and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The main parking lot is conveniently located on Meer Road, with additional parking available at the northern trailhead on Freyer Road. Come discover the wonders of Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve and experience the magic of the great outdoors.

Located in Gary, Indiana, United States, the Little Calumet River Prairie and Wetlands Nature Preserve is a park adjacent to the Indiana University Northwest campus. Spanning 11 acres, this preserve features prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats that aim to restore ecological diversity to the area. Originally home to the meandering Little Calumet River, the site has been straightened and filled in over time, but efforts are underway to bring back over 250 native plant species. Led by Dr. Spencer Cortwright, stewardship efforts include herbicide application, seeding, plug transplanting, and prescribed fires. The goal is to not only preserve the natural beauty of the area but also to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these unique ecosystems.

Stoutsburg Savanna Nature Preserve is a serene park and tourist attraction located at West 1100 North in Wheatfield, Indiana, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore a diverse range of natural habitats, including savannas, wetlands, and woodlands. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and picnicking in this peaceful and picturesque setting. Stoutsburg Savanna Nature Preserve is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

Bachner Nature Reserve is a peaceful park located in Indiana, United States. This beautiful institution offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and explore the diverse wildlife and plant life that call the park home. With scenic walking trails, lush greenery, and serene ponds, Bachner Nature Reserve is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the great outdoors. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, birdwatch, or simply enjoy a picnic with family and friends, this park provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Come visit Bachner Nature Reserve and experience the beauty of nature in Indiana.

Maple Wood Nature Preserve is a serene and picturesque park located at 4550 East 100 South, LaGrange, Indiana, United States. This beautiful tourist attraction offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature, with lush maple trees, winding hiking trails, and peaceful streams. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll, a place to have a picnic, or simply a spot to reconnect with the great outdoors, Maple Wood Nature Preserve is the perfect destination. Come and explore this hidden gem in Indiana and experience the beauty of nature at its finest.

Coffee Creek Preserve is a picturesque park located at 2401 Village Point in Chesterton, Indiana. This beautiful natural sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to explore over 150 acres of pristine land, including wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and picnicking in this peaceful and serene setting. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or a place to connect with the great outdoors, Coffee Creek Preserve is the perfect destination.

Spicer Lake Nature Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 50840 County Line Road in New Carlisle, Indiana. This stunning natural oasis offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and peaceful picnicking areas throughout the preserve. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Spicer Lake Nature Preserve is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with the natural world.

Glenns Valley Nature Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 8015 Bluff Road in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors a peaceful retreat into nature, with beautiful hiking trails, lush greenery, and a variety of wildlife to observe. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll through the woods or a fun day of exploring with the family, Glenns Valley Nature Park has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in the heart of Indianapolis.

Welcome to Elliott Woods State Nature Preserve, a serene oasis nestled at South Trueblood Place in Terre Haute, Indiana. This enchanting park and tourist attraction offers a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Spanning lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, Elliott Woods invites visitors to explore its scenic trails, vibrant wildlife, and tranquil picnic areas. Whether you're seeking a peaceful hike, a day of birdwatching, or a picturesque spot for a family picnic, Elliott Woods State Nature Preserve provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its commitment to preserving natural beauty and promoting environmental education, the preserve is a cherished community resource that inspires visitors to connect with nature.

Woodland Park is a picturesque tourist attraction located at 2100 Willowcreek Road in Portage, Indiana, United States. This beautiful park offers visitors a serene escape into nature with lush greenery, winding walking trails, and scenic picnic areas. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family outing, Woodland Park provides a peaceful setting for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. Whether you're looking to explore the natural beauty of Indiana or simply unwind in a tranquil environment, Woodland Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve, located on West Taylor Street in Chesterton, Indiana, is a peaceful park that offers a haven for wetland-loving creatures and plants. Surrounded by an Interstate highway, railroad tracks, and the Little Calumet River, the preserve has been protected from development and invasive species. The park features upland forest, steep ravines, and a half-mile frontage along the river. The floodplain forest includes oxbows from the river's original course, and in spring, the slopes of the ravines are covered in woodland wildflowers. Visitors can access the preserve via a parking lot off Taylor St., which leads to a launch site for paddlers and a loop trail along the river's edge. The Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve is a hidden gem on the north side of Chesterton, offering a tranquil escape into nature.

Welcome to the Hobart Woodland Trail, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Hobart, Indiana. As a captivating park and tourist attraction, this trail offers a serene escape into nature's beauty. Located at Hobart, Indiana 46342, the Hobart Woodland Trail is part of the Hobart Prairie Grove, which spans approximately 300 acres and showcases a diverse array of habitats, including wetlands, prairie remnants, white oak flatlands, and the rare bur oak savanna. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of forested ravines and the picturesque Lake George, which is part of the Deep River. The Oak Savannah rail trail, running through this area, provides an excellent path for biking, strolling with a stroller, or hiking for relaxation and health improvement. This trail is a part of the Indiana Dunes National Park, known for its unique soil composition that supports an impressive diversity of plant and wildlife.

Lord Wetland Nature Preserve is a serene and picturesque park located on Buck Point Road in Fremont, Indiana, United States. This beautiful nature preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the diverse ecosystems of wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. With its well-maintained trails, peaceful atmosphere, and abundant wildlife, Lord Wetland Nature Preserve is the perfect place for nature lovers, hikers, and bird watchers to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with the natural world. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or a challenging hike, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of Lord Wetland Nature Preserve today.

Welcome to Briar East Woodland Dunes, a serene natural oasis nestled in the heart of Hammond, Indiana. Located at 3509 171st Street, our park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its lush landscapes, tranquil walking trails, and diverse wildlife, Briar East Woodland Dunes is the perfect destination for nature lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore our well-maintained paths that wind through picturesque woodlands and serene dunes, providing a perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll, invigorating run, or a peaceful moment of reflection. Our park is home to a variety of native plant species and serves as a sanctuary for local wildlife, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and observe the beauty of Indiana's natural environment.

Wabash Border Nature Preserve Nestled in the picturesque town of New Harmony, Indiana, the Wabash Border Nature Preserve offers an enchanting escape into the natural world. As a premier park in the region, it provides a sanctuary for both nature enthusiasts and casual visitors seeking tranquility and adventure. Spanning lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, the preserve is home to an array of native flora and fauna, making it a perfect spot for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Taylor Center of Natural History is located at 12308 Strawtown Avenue in Noblesville, Indiana, United States. It is a museum and tourist attraction situated within the expansive and picturesque Strawtown Koteewi Park, the largest park in Hamilton County, Indiana. The park covers nearly 800 acres, featuring over 9 miles of multi-use trails and stretches along three miles of the White River. The park's grounds showcase a diverse range of ecosystems including rich woodlands, historic wetlands, and vast prairies, providing a habitat for numerous wildlife species. The Taylor Center of Natural History pays homage to the Native Americans who once called the land home, with exhibits highlighting the archaeological discoveries made in the area. Visitors can explore the replicated Native American village site at Koteewi Trace, where artifacts such as arrowheads, pottery, and remains of animals like bear and elk have been unearthed. The center offers educational displays and programs that delve into the rich history of the park and its inhabitants.

Welcome to Hilltop Farm Nature Preserve, a serene 119-acre park nestled at 28796-28976 Stout Road, West Harrison, Indiana. Open daily from dawn to dusk, this enchanting preserve invites visitors to explore its natural beauty along two distinct trails. The Upper Loop meanders through a picturesque woodland, showcasing native trees like spicebush, shagbark hickory, white oak, and black walnut. This 1.3-mile round trip offers a tranquil escape into nature's embrace. Meanwhile, the Lower Loop encircles a vibrant meadow, where summer wildflowers provide nourishment and shelter for songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. This trail offers a slightly longer adventure, with a 1.6-mile round trip.

Welcome to the Stoutsburg Savanna Nature Preserve Parking Area, your gateway to an enchanting natural oasis in Wheatfield, Indiana. Located at 2639 West 1100 North, our park offers visitors a serene escape into the heart of nature, where the beauty of the savanna unfolds in a tapestry of native flora and fauna. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and families seeking outdoor adventure, our preserve provides well-maintained trails that meander through diverse landscapes, from open grasslands to lush woodlands. Whether you're here for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or to simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings, the Stoutsburg Savanna is a perfect destination to reconnect with nature. Ample parking is available to ensure a stress-free visit. We invite you to explore, discover, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of our cherished preserve.

Welcome to Flora Richardson Preserve, a serene natural sanctuary nestled in La Porte, Indiana. Located at 5281 North Pawnee Trail, our park offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking tranquility amidst stunning landscapes. Spanning acres of lush greenery, Flora Richardson Preserve is dedicated to preserving the region's native flora and fauna, providing a safe haven for wildlife and a refreshing escape for visitors. Explore our well-maintained trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, from dense woodlands to open meadows, each offering unique opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and quiet reflection. Whether you're planning a leisurely stroll, a picnic with loved ones, or a day of outdoor adventure, Flora Richardson Preserve is the perfect destination.

Welcome to Springfield Fen Nature Preserve, a serene oasis nestled on North Wilhelm Road in La Porte, Indiana. This enchanting park offers a unique glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of the region, providing a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the tranquil trails that wind through lush wetlands, vibrant wildflower meadows, and dense woodlands, each teeming with native flora and fauna. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Springfield Fen Nature Preserve promises an unforgettable experience.

Welcome to Pine Station Nature Preserve, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of Gary, Indiana. Located at Gary, IN 46406, our nature preserve is a premier destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As a cherished local park and tourist attraction, Pine Station Nature Preserve offers an array of natural beauty and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Explore our picturesque trails that wind through lush woodlands, vibrant wetlands, and open meadows, providing the perfect backdrop for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Our diverse ecosystems are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for wildlife observation and nature study.

Burnett Woods Nature Preserve is a peaceful oasis located in Avon, Indiana, amidst a developed area. This park offers a serene hike through mature woodlands, showcasing a variety of trees such as black walnut, oak, hickory, and more. The preserve is especially beautiful in the fall with vibrant colors and in the spring with blooming wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy two marked loop trails that are perfect for hiking with young children. The property also features slow-moving streams that add to the tranquil atmosphere. Thanks to a generous gift from Ruth Burnett, this nature preserve was opened to the public and has since become a beloved destination in Hendricks County.

Welcome to Niches Crow's Grove Nature Preserve, a serene oasis nestled in Williamsport, Indiana. Located at 3300 North 050 West, our preserve offers a tranquil escape into nature, perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Explore our well-maintained trails that wind through lush woodlands and open meadows, providing an ideal setting for hiking, bird watching, and photography. The preserve is home to a diverse array of native flora and fauna, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

Welcome to McCloskey Reynolds Creek Ravine Nature Preserve, proudly managed by the Izaak Walton League of America - Porter County Chapter! Located in the heart of Indiana, our preserve offers a serene escape into nature, where the beauty of the Indiana Dunes and the splendor of Lake Michigan meet. Since our founding in 1958, we have been dedicated advocates for the conservation and enjoyment of these precious natural resources, stretching "from the Dunes in the North, to the Kankakee River in the South." Join us in our mission to conserve, maintain, protect, and restore the soil, forests, water, and other natural resources. We invite you to volunteer with the Porter County Chapter (PCC) and contribute to the preservation of wildlife and nature in Northwest Indiana. From hosting events like our fun and successful bird fundraiser to providing educational resources on invasive plant species, we strive to engage our community in meaningful environmental stewardship.

Larimer Park is a picturesque outdoor oasis located at 9375 Woodland Drive in Saint John, Indiana. This serene park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with lush greenery, winding walking paths, and scenic picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, take in the sights and sounds of nature, or relax and unwind in the peaceful surroundings. Whether you're looking to enjoy a sunny day outdoors or simply take a break from the city, Larimer Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.