If you, like us, are always on the search for the best spring hike in Indiana, we’d like to suggest a little-known and vastly under-appreciated spot hidden away in New Carlisle that might just become your new favorite place as the weather begins to warm up (finally). Bendix Woods County Park, named for the company that donated the land for the creation of said park, is 195 acres of outdoor fun just begging to be explored during springtime in Indiana.

It's pretty amazing that Bendix Woods County Park is as little-known as it is, considering it might just have some of the most interesting history behind it.
Bendix Woods County Park/Facebook
In 1926, the Studebaker Corporation developed the land and surrounding track for testing new cars, beating out their competition, who had a similar project in the works, by at least a year. The test track featured a variety of terrains and road conditions to idealize the testing process.
Studebaker decided on some unique landscaping; they planted a gigantic grove of trees that spelled "STUDEBAKER" when viewed from above.
Junkyard kahrs/Wikimedia
In 1963, the Bendix Corporation acquired the grounds and used them for business purposes. Eventually, they donated the land to the county for the construction of a park.
Today, Bendix Woods County Park offers a lot of awesome things to do and see.
Christin Woods/AllTrails
Perhaps the best time to visit (though every month is a good month, really) is during the spring in Indiana, as the weather gets warmer and life begins to flourish again.

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There's nothing quite like riding your bike or hiking any one of the five trails on the grounds as bright-green flora explodes out of the ground all around you. In fact, some (me!) would say that you might find the best spring hike in Indiana here.
Stacie Jeffirs/AllTrails
Spring is a special time of year; the vibe here is brilliant and the atmosphere feels colorful, which is appropriate, given the vivid spring color all over the place.
Bendix Woods County Park is very popular with mountain bikers during the springtime in Indiana, though the trails are easy.
Bendix Woods County Park/Facebook
Keep in mind when planning your visit that there's a gate fee. Annual passes are available, which is excellent because we're pretty certain you're going to want to revisit this place again and again.
There's also a pond, delightful picnic sites, and even a children's "discovery room."
Slava Belyy/AllTrails
Bring the entire family for one of the best spring hikes in Indiana and then some - they'll probably love it as much as we do.
As a "bonus" feature, just in case everything else isn't awesome enough, there's a 27-acre state-dedicated nature preserve on the grounds.
Slava Belyy/AllTrails
It's also home to the second-highest point in the entire county, which isn't much, but hey - it's still a fun fact!

If you’d like more information, including permit information, please visit the website for Bendix Woods County Park.

Have you ever visited Bendix Woods County Park? What was your favorite thing about it? Do you have any suggestions for other awesome spring hikes in Indiana? Tell us in the comments!

Make sure you have all you need when hiking. Consult our ultimate packing list for hiking to see if you are missing anything important.

Looking for other ways to enjoy spring in Indiana? Check out some of the best places to visit in Indiana in the spring.

The 12 Very Best Places To Go In Indiana This Spring

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More to Explore

Scenic Indiana

Rachel Raimondi | March 18, 2024

What are the most scenic towns in Indiana?

Get to know the Hoosier State even better by visiting some of the most scenic towns in Indiana:

Nashville: Not to be confused with the other Nashville, this one is located in Brown County. It has some gorgeous tree-lined streets as well as historical sites like the T.C. Steele State Historic Site. And if you want to take in the outdoors, head to Lake Monroe for boating and swimming.

Lafayette: You’ll find this city, as well as Purdue University, in Tippecanoe County. The campus itself is gorgeous for exploration, but another great spot is the 2,761-acre Tippecanoe River County Park where you can hike, fish, and camp.

What are the best state parks in Indiana?

Springtime in Indiana is also a great time to explore the best state parks in Indiana:

McCormick’s Creek State Park: Established in 1916 this 1,924-acre state park in Spencer is actually the oldest in the state. Here, you can take in nine different trails as well as picnic and camp. But the most popular sites here are the waterfalls.

Spring Mill State Park: You’ll find this 1,358-acre park over in Mitchell. There are four different interpretive areas here to explore. Aside from these, you can also hike, bike, picnic, or take a boat out.

What are the best farms to visit in Indiana?

Another great option for things to do during spring in Indiana? Check out some of the best farms in Indiana:

Cook’s Bison Ranch: You’ll find this spot (and its over 500 bison!) over in Wolcottville. Enjoy covered wagon tours to see the animals as well as chuckwagon-style lunches and dinners as well as a nicely stocked gift shop.

Goat Milk Stuff: Head to Scottsburg for this farm, which is home to not only goats but also rabbits and chickens. Visit with the animals, check out the soap production facility and milking parlor, or head to the farm store and peruse the wares.

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