Ft Harrison State Park

I've read some of the other reviews and I'm going to keep this review real...

If you live in and around Indianapolis like I do, this is a great park because:

1) It's the only one in or within 45 minutes of Indianapolis. The next closest one is Mounds in Anderson, and that's not as nice.
2) It's a very nice park with some great hiking, running, and biking trails, especially in an urban/suburban setting.

If you live a couple of hours from Indianapolis, you don't need to make a trip just to this park. This is not a destination park. Unless you live in a complete turd bowl, you probably have a park just as nice closer to you. In fact, even on the west side of Indianapolis you can go to Eagle Creek.

But if you live on the east side of Indianapolis, this is a great park. It's close, it has great trails, it's rarely crowded, it has lakes and a river, it's got wildlife. And did I say it's close?

As of late, my rural/small town girl self has been toying with living an extremely simplistic lifestyle like that of Walden. I was one of those kids who played colonial and pilgrim times complete with the costumes, handwashing dishes and accents. Thoreau had it all figured out - isolation, simplicity and living as a friend of Mama Nature. After driving by a cabin for rent near Trader's Point Creamery, I haven't been able to knock this thought of oasis and serenity from my mind.

Until I return one day to my "down-on-the-farm" ways or purchase a cabin in the woods, I'll be relying on places like Ft Harrison State Park and to catch my breath, listen to the silence and forage like my life depends on it. Yes, I said forage. Black walnuts to be exact. Ft Harrison is home to a ridiculously beautiful black walnut grove. We were a bit late to hit the true rush of dropping nuts (har har), but were still able to gather a substantial number.

In addition to black walnut gathering, we traipsed around the trails which beautifully wound their way through the woods with great views. Bikers and hikers alike were making their way on the trail. Fortunately for us, it was a bit on the muddy side so we were one of very few visitors. Just Jo, the walnuts and me.

I really enjoy having an annual pass to Ft.Ben. It's a great place to walk around with friends and escape on the beautiful trails. There are several different trails, some allow you to stay on a paved path while others take you deep into the woods. I love taking my dog on the trails when there aren't many people and letting her run around - you aren't technically supposed to do that but she always comes back when I call for her and I'm sure other people do it too :)

The park is well maintained and has several playgrounds, picnic tables, shelters, bathrooms and you can fish at the pond. I would encourage anyone to go check out this park. Unfortunately there is no camping at Fort Ben which is sad because it would be really fun to do with friends.  

**Make sure you leave by 9 p.m ! I have been locked in the park before and had to drive around the gate. The park rangers typically drive around to check for people but  to make sure this doesn't happen to you make sure you are out before it closes.