Did you know there’s a little slice of paradise hidden away not terribly far from Indianapolis? It’s true – it’s a gorgeous little respite from the real world, and it’s full of amazing surprises. There are a couple of awesome trails at this wonderful place, but there’s one we’d like to check out in particular: a peaceful hiking trail in Indiana known as the South Overlook Waterfowl Sanctuary Trail, and it’s a short, sweet, and stunning trek around a gorgeous lake that many Hoosiers don’t even realize exists! This Check out this amazing hike in Indiana for yourself, and send us lots of photos!

The South Overlook Waterfowl Sanctuary Trail isn't terribly long, coming in at just 2.4 miles, but it's a wild adventure all the same.
Ximena Rocha/AllTrails
...and when we say "wild", we mean it pretty literally: the area doubles as a breathtaking sanctuary for waterfowl and other critters, making it a double-threat trail at the very least. As a waterfowl sanctuary, this area certainly doesn't get the same amount of foot-traffic as other spots, making this a lovely and idyllic hidden gem trail in Indiana.
The lake isn't enormous, but it's certainly not a little pond, either.
Dakota True/AllTrails
It's a sparkling, crystal-clear reminder of everything there is to love about Indiana's natural beauty.
And it's not just a safe haven for us: it's also a safe haven for numerous species of waterfowl, many of whom nest and make their homes here.
Deb Picha/AllTrails
If you're extra lucky, you might just spot the most majestic North American raptor of all: the bald eagle.

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The park and its trail are open year-round, though the operating hours vary depending on the time of year.
Lily Gastineau/AllTrails
You'll also find that this trail is special in more ways than just one or two (one being the sanctuary itself, two being the lake): part of it quite literally extends into and and around the lake - it's this boardwalk that defines the boundaries of the sanctuary.
We suggest a visit during the warmer months, as well as in the fall, when color is awe-inspiring and photo ops are plenty.
Brent Schwanekamp/AllTrails
The park and its trails are dog-friendly, as long as they stay on a leash, and the trail is easy enough for kids to do, too.
It should take about 45 minutes to an hour to complete the entire loop, but we suspect it might be a little more than that.
Patrick Fitzhugh/AllTrails
After all, you're definitely going to want to stop and check out the various points of interest along the way, like the giant log (which you'll definitely know when you see it), little creeks and tributaries flowing into the main lake, and more! This Indiana hiking trail has a lot to love for those who enjoy peaceful outings into nature.

With gorgeous outings such as this, it’s clear that hiking in Indiana doesn’t get as much credit as it should! If you’d like to learn more about Eagle Creek Park and all the wonders of the Waterfowl Sanctuary and its trails, be sure to visit the official Eagle Creek Park website.

What are some of your favorite relaxing hikes in Indiana? Let us know!

Not in the Eagle Creek Park area? While this hiking trail in Indiana is easy, beautiful, and perfect for spring, we have a whole list of easy hikes to choose from in every corner of the state. And, to really get a feel for all that natural beauty and seclusion while still being just a stone’s throw from Indianapolis, this darling barn rental is perfect for a weekend getaway.

8 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Indiana

 

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Jennifer | March 06, 2024

Does Indiana have any botanical gardens?

Spring in Indiana is a time of vibrant renewal, when the state’s rolling hills, dense forests, and meandering rivers burst to life with colorful flowers galore. But while beauty is everywhere you turn here, if you're not sure where to get the most out of your explorations this spring, one of the best ways to experience the new season is with a stroll through a local botanical garden. These beautiful oases offer some of the easiest trails in the state, perfect for anyone looking for a quick hike amidst gorgeous natural beauty! Here just a few of our favorite botanical gardens in Indiana:

  • Azalea Path Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Hazleton: This 60-acre garden boasts over 4,000 azaleas, two lakes, a waterfall, a koi pond, and sculptures. Specialties include rare plants, native trees, and spring blooms.
  • Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Fort Wayne: You can explore three indoor gardens and four outdoor gardens at this beautiful conservatory, which features tropical, desert, and seasonal plants. You'll even find butterfly exhibits and concerts!
  • Friendship Botanic Gardens, Michigan City: With six international gardens, a Native American garden, a symphony garden, and a labyrinth, this 105-acre garden showcases the diversity and beauty of Indiana's plant life, as well as cool historical and cultural displays.
  • Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens, Indianapolis: This park offers a conservatory, a sunken garden, and a children’s garden, featuring exotic, tropical, and aquatic plants.
  • Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, Valparaiso: Featuring over 600 species of trees and shrubs, this 300-acre arboretum has woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and gardens. Even a sensory garden and labyrinth!
  • International Gardens, Michigan City: Plants from around the world are displayed here in six international gardens, a rose garden, a herb garden, and a glittering pond.
  • Jerry E. Clegg Botanic Garden, Lafayette: This 12-acre garden has a woodland trail, a wildflower meadow, a creek, and a pond, featuring native and cultivated plants. This is an excellent spot for birdwatching and photography.
  • Oldfields (Lilly House and Gardens), Indianapolis: This 26-acre garden has formal and informal gardens, a greenhouse, and a mansion, featuring historic and artistic plants and structures. A few of our favorite spots include the ravine garden, peony garden, and sculpture garden.
  • Potawatomi Conservatories, South Bend: At this conservatory, you can enjoy three indoor gardens and an outdoor garden, featuring tropical, desert, and seasonal plants. On select days, yoga in the garden is as peaceful as it gets!
  • Purdue University Horticulture Gardens, West Lafayette: This garden has a display garden, a trial garden, a rose garden, and a student garden, featuring ornamental and edible plants. Specialties include research, education, and outreach.
  • Shiojiri Niwa, South Bend: Inspired by Japanese-style gardens, this zen garden has a pond, a waterfall, a bridge, and a pavilion, featuring plants and stones from Japan.
  • Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Elkhart: This 36-acre garden has 24 themed gardens, a pond, a stream, and a fountain, featuring diverse and colorful plants.

 

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