If there’s anything in the Hoosier State that’s worth visiting, it’s our amazing state parks. We’re lucky enough to have 24 of them scattered across the state, though some do tend to get more visitors than others. Every year, Indiana releases a study showing which parks were the most (and least) visited, and you might be surprised by the results. The top-visited parks in Indiana in 2019, which is the most recent year for which data is available, include Indiana Dunes National Park, which saw 1,367,194 visitors, Brookville Lake State Park, which saw 1,228,967 visitors, and Brown County State Park, which saw 1,222,235 visitors. But what about the lesser-appreciated parks? The underdogs? We love a good underdog story, so we went ahead and crafted a delightful road trip that encompasses six of the Indiana state parks with the least number of visitors for those who prefer to enjoy nature without the crowds.

Sure, those top-visited state parks in Indiana are wonderful, but if you find yourself craving something off the beaten path, you’ll want to embark upon this adventure at the first chance you get. Check it out, and follow along using the official Google road trip map of state parks in Indiana.

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We'll begin our journey at Trine State Recreation Area.
ASinn1/TripAdvisor
Trine State Recreation Area, 145 W Feather Valley Rd, Fremont, IN 46737, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
Nestled right beside Pokagon State Park is Indiana's least-visited state treasure. Boasting a meager 5,673 visitors in 2019, this unsung treasure is a place for lovers of peace, quiet, and solitude to unwind with their toes in the water. Be sure to visit the official website for more details about this lesser-known state park in Indiana.
Next, we head to Tippecanoe River State Park where you never know what (or who) you'll run into.
Tippecanoe River State Park/Facebook
Tippecanoe River State Park, 4200 N US Hwy 35, Winamac, IN 46996, USA
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Swarming with wildlife and scenic as all get-out, Tippecanoe River State Park provides a glimpse into the secret lives of Indiana's wildlife, as well as plenty of camping and fishing opportunities to go around. In 2019, it saw just 127,495 visitors, which is a tragedy. It deserves much more. Check out this previous article to learn about a kayaking adventure at this lesser-known state park in Indiana.
The third stop on our road trip adventure is the incredibly stunning Shades State Park, which often feels like something out of another world. One where everything is misty, lush, and green.
Norm Hoekstra/Flickr

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Shades State Park, 7751 S 890 W, Waveland, IN 47989, USA
Norm Hoekstra/Flickr
It's more like something out of Middle Earth or a fantasy novel than an Indiana state park. How this one tends to fly under the radar is beyond us. Having had just 86,862 visitors in 2019, peace and quiet is the name of the game at Shades. It also helps that it's so astonishingly beautiful around here, too. You'll love it even more if you happen to be a fan of waterfalls in Indiana.
Once we've had our fill of Shades State Park, which might honestly be impossible, we'll meander over to Charlestown State Park where multiple interesting features await.
Charlestown State Park/Facebook
Charlestown State Park, 3000 State Park Drive, Charlestown, IN 47111, USA
Charlestown State Park/Facebook
Charlestown State Park has an array of interesting things to do while you're here such as hiking, camping, and even exploring an abandoned amusement park. Yep! On the grounds of this underappreciated hidden gem is the remains of a long-forgotten amusement park from days of yore, and that's just part of what makes this Indiana state park so delightful. Having had just 198,808 visitors in 2019, it's a shame that this state park in Indiana isn't better known.
Our fifth and second-to-last stop is nothing short of amazing, and it's some kind of travesty that it's so underappreciated. This stop is O'Bannon Woods State Park.
Eric F/TripAdvisor
O'Bannon Woods State Park, 7234 Old Forest Rd, Corydon, IN 47112, USA
slerkins/TripAdvisor
Perfect for a quiet afternoon spent on the water, O'Bannon Woods State Park is a treat for those who seek solitude in nature. Having had just 121,880 visitors in 2019, this is one of those places you definitely want to go if you'd prefer to beat the crowds. We're not even sure why this park is so terribly underappreciated. It's even got some of the only cave tours in Indiana you can take.
Finally, we end our journey at Harmonie State Park, a hidden treasure that just so happens to be among Indiana's finest destinations.
Harmonie State Park/Facebook
Harmonie State Park, 3451 Harmonie State Park Rd, New Harmony, IN 47631, USA
Harmonie State Park/Facebook
There's so much to see and do at this little state park that it's definitely worth staying at least an entire day for. Harmonie State Park saw just 131,785 visitors in 2019, making it perfect for this road trip. Much like the other places on this list, we're not quite sure why it doesn't get the love it deserves, but maybe we can change that. While you're here, you might want to check out the surrounding "utopian" town of New Harmony, Indiana.

So, there you have it. A delightful road trip leading to six of the Indiana state parks with the least number of visitors. Have you ever visited any of these least-visited state parks in Indiana? If so, please feel free to share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.

For a list of eight lesser-known state parks in Indiana that are also worth a visit, be sure to take a look at the following article: 8 Lesser-Known State Parks In Indiana That Will Absolutely Amaze You.

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Jennifer Young | April 03, 2023

What are three of the best state parks in Indiana for a family day trip?

There are a total of 24 Indiana state parks. Even though they're all worth a visit, there are a few that are beyond perfect for a family day trip. Listed below are three Indiana state parks that are perfect for spending a day with the entire family. You'll want to plan a visit to each one of them.

1. Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana

Covering nearly 16,000 acres, Brown County State Park is Indiana's largest state park. It’s also one of the most beautiful places in the state. Brown County State Park offers a variety of fun activities for the entire family, including hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, and more.

2. Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, Indiana

Clifty Falls State Park is located along the Ohio River and offers some of the finest views. In addition to these views, families also enjoy visiting this state park because if offers great hiking opportunities and is home to three stunning waterfalls. There's even an old railroad tunnel to explore if you're feeling extra adventurous.

3. Fort Harrison State Park in Lawrence, Indiana

Fort Harrison State Park, also known as Fort Ben, covers approximately 1,700 acres and is home to everything from scenic trails to lovely waterfalls. Several activities can be enjoyed here by all ages, including hiking, walking, jogging, bicycling, horseback riding, picnicking, and more.

Which of the Indiana state parks will remind you of Middle Earth?

There are many beautiful state parks in Indiana. Some of them are even so beautiful that they'll remind you of Middle Earth. One of these state parks is Turkey Run State Park. Turkey Run State Park is located north of the small town of Marshall. What makes this state park look so much like Middle Earth is its uniquely time-carved sandstone canyons. It also boasts huge rock formations unlike any you've ever seen before. A visit to Turkey Run State Park is an absolute must for anyone wanting to experience something magical.

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