Adventure, amazing views, and a good workout are all things gained from time spent outdoors. The state parks in Indiana are a wonderful place to start! Discover outstanding views, amazing hidden lakes, fascinating wildlife, and much more when you travel the forested parts of the Hoosier state.

1. Whitewater Memorial State Park
South State Road 101, S State Rd 101, Harmony, IN 47353, USA
Google/Brad Oner
Created in 1949, this is the third largest state park in Indiana. It is situated east of Indianapolis near our border with Ohio. Within its 1,700 acres, there is a 200-acre lake, hiking trails, and horse trails, and guests may hunt, fish, or swim. Explore the best of the great outdoors! Read more on the park's official DNR page.
2. Versailles State Park
1387 US-50, Versailles, IN 47042, USA
Facebook/Versailles State Park
This is a fun recreational area located along Laughery Creek, which is southeast of Indianapolis, closer to Cincinnati, Ohio. It is a great place to camp, hike, fish, and boat. The second largest state park in Indiana, it features a 230-acre lake and a swimming pool. Discover the most amazing activities and views Learn more on Indiana.gov.
3. Prophetstown State Park
5545 Swisher Rd, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
Google/Crystal Augustine
This is Indiana's newest state park, though it opened in 2004. Named for a leader of the Shawnee, this place is full of biking and walking trails, camping spots, picnic shelters, and some of the most amazing views you'll ever see. Catch it all at this amazing state park.
4. Ouabache State Park
4930 IN-201, Bluffton, IN 46714, USA
Facebook/Ouabache State Park
Pronounced the same as Wabash, this little-known place is 30 miles south of Fort Wayne on the north side of the state. The Wabash River runs through it, and locals love to stop by in the summer for beach access. See it for yourself at this underappreciated gem of a park.

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5. O'Bannon Woods State Park
7234 Old Forest Rd SW, Corydon, IN 47112, USA
TripAdvisor/ccindyk48
Spanning 2,000 acres, this marvelous place features underground caves and mountains. It is part of the Harrison-Crawford State Forest, and the Blue River runs through the park. You can even rent cabins!
6. White River State Park
801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA
TripAdvisor/Tina A
Spanning 250 acres of Indianapolis, this is one of those state parks you don't even realize is there. It is home to museums, a zoo, gardens, and many more amazing attractions you just have to see. There's so much to do!
7. Brown County State Park
1810 IN-46, Nashville, IN 47448, USA
Facebook/Brown County State Park
With 16,000 acres, this is actually Indiana's largest state park, still many do not know about it. Some say it resembles the Smoky Mountains, and guests will find ample opportunity for hiking, biking, camping, and more. Brown County State Park is wonderful for hiking.
8. Hardy Lake State Park
4171 E Harrod Rd, Scottsburg, IN 47170, USA
Facebook/Hardy Lake
Stretching more than 2,000 acres, this gorgeous patch of green is a great place for fishing, camping, boating, hiking, and viewing wildlife. Surrounded by limestone bluffs and caves is a 741-acre lake. Read more in this article!

If you need more than just a quick visit to nature, check out 15 awesome cabins in Indiana you’ll want to move into permanently.

What other little-known state parks do you love visiting? Share your favorites with us in the comments below.

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit in Indiana

Tori Jane | January 13, 2022

What are the best parks in Indiana for kids?  

There are loads of wonderful parks in Indiana for kids! In fact, almost any city or town (except for maybe the ultra-tiny ones) is going to have at least one or two parks where you can bring the little ones during the weekends (or on lazy summer days). Indianapolis, being the largest city in the Hoosier State, is home to more than a handful of great parks for kids. Stout Field Park, for example, has a mini waterpark for the mini-humans, and Holliday Park is home to some of the best playgrounds in the entire state (as well as an area with some mysterious ruins to explore). The Indianapolis Colts Canal Playspace is another great one in Indy. Outside of Indy, there are plenty as well, though they are a bit further between. In Westfield is Quaker Park, which has a delightful splash pad. Founders Park in Carmel is a great experience, too, especially for children who enjoy exploring their surroundings.  

What are the best hiking trails in Indiana?  

Indiana is home to TONS of amazing hiking opportunities; the best part is that each varies in length, difficulty, and scenery, so no matter what your skill level may be or just how far you want to go, you’re sure to find the perfect trail. Among the best, however, are trails like Trail 9 at Clifty Falls State Park. It’s just one mile, but it’s packed with amazingness – including a stellar waterfall finish. The Pearl Ravine Trail, at Shades State Park, is absolutely to die for, especially for those who are fans of lush, green paradises. That one’s just 1.3 miles long! We also like the Bluebird Hills Trail, at Pokagon State Park. The trails in Brown County State Park are absolutely incredible (well, Brown County IS considered Indiana’s most beautiful for a reason, after all). Check out this list of eight of the most amazing hiking trails in the Hoosier State.  

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