Indiana is an unexpectedly wonderful state for hiking and exploring; believe it or not, somehow the Hoosier State has managed to end up with more than 1,000 amazing trails to explore, and some of them are truly unique. For example, one of my all-time favorites is one I like to call the best abandoned hike in Indiana – though it’s the ruins the hike leads to that are abandoned, not the trail itself. The trail itself is far from quiet or neglected; it’s a wonderful adventure that everyone in the Midwest ought to do at least once. You know… just to say you did.

Six miles north of downtown Indianapolis is a 94-acre slice of paradise known as Holliday Park.
Kate Ohlwine/AllTrails
It has the proud distinction of being one of Indiana's oldest parks, and it's open all year.
It's perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors... especially if it's one of those days where you just don't feel like going all that far (given, of course, that you're in or near Indy).
Todd Beckley/AllTrails
With more than three and a half amazing miles of trails winding all over the park, you're sure to enjoy the adventure ahead. Wear good shoes, because this one's a doozy.
The whole trail is beautiful, but it's the ruins that really get everyone's attention.
Dina B/AllTrails
As a person who's super interested in abandoned places and things myself, I can definitely say this hike is a smorgasbord of adventure just waiting to happen.

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Perhaps most awe-inspiring are the ruins themselves, which were once part of a skyscraper in New York City and are made of Indiana's very own world-famous limestone.
Wendy Johnson/AllTrails
It was known as the St. Paul building, and during the 50s, it was demolished to make room for a newer model.
The beautifully-sculpted parts of the building were far too beautiful to destroy, though, and after some back and forth, it was decided that they would find a new home in Indianapolis.
Wendy Johnson/AllTrails
At the time, this park was an arboretum. In 2016, an amazing, updated version of the ruins debuted, and now these beautiful limestone behemoths enjoy a new life in the place they originally started - Indiana.
Come out and hike the Holliday Park Trail... but make sure to stop and enjoy every bit along the way.
Angela Schnippel/AllTrails

For more information about the Holliday Park trail (as well as a handy map), be sure to check out its official listing on AllTrails. If you’re like me and you want to take your hiking up a notch, I strongly recommend checking out AllTrails Plus. You’ll wonder how you ever hiked without it.

Do you know of any wonderful, abandoned ruins hikes in Indiana? Let me know about ’em in the comments!

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Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA