This Indianapolis Nature Sanctuary Makes For The Perfect Indy Day Trip
By Tori Jane|Published May 08, 2024
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Hidden away at the north end of the Eagle Creek Reservoir is a special place that most Hoosiers don’t even know exists. This stunning nature sanctuary in Indiana is a favorite spot among those who do know about it, though – and I suspect you, too, will love it. Local scientists, students, and residents have high hopes for this amazing place, intending to restore it to the wetlands it used to be. It’s definitely worthy of a day trip, so the next time you’re looking for things to do in Indiana (outside), remember this place!
Welcome to the Starling Nature Sanctuary, located on the northern edge of Eagle Creek Reservoir within Eagle Creek Park.
To say it's beautiful is a bit of an understatement; the whole 11 acres feel wild and exotic, and it truly feels like you're in the middle of nowhere... but you're not.
After all, you're not far from Indy - but just by looking around, you'd probably never guess that.
This land was originally settled in the mid-1800s. Farmers drained the wetlands and vastly changed the landscape - changes that would last well over a century.
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But now, these incredible acres have another chance to come bouncing back, and we get to witness it. It'll be a slow process, but one worth having.
In the meantime, though, we still get to visit, which is a treat. There are numerous ways to kill a whole afternoon while you're here; you can hike on one (or each) of the several trails onsite, spot some unique plant and wildlife, and daydream about future adventures.
The trails here are easy and quite scenic; I do recommend you wear good, sturdy shoes, though, as this preserve can get muddy following rainfall, especially in the spring.
The trails are open year-round, and you can even bring your pup as long as you keep 'em on a leash. This is an amazing way to truly appreciate the outdoors; better still, find a reason to come back for every season!
Autumn brings incredible explosions of color; winter might bring barren trees and sleeping flora, but everything covered in a layer of snow is ridiculously charming.
In the spring and summer, wildflowers abound, and the water of the reservoir flows beautifully, adding a peaceful backdrop to any and all hiking adventures. Sometimes, you'll be able to spot beaver dams. 'tis the season!
Like I said a moment ago - welcome to Starling Nature Sanctuary - what might just be the most well-hidden place within Eagle Creek Park. I'm confident you'll love it here.
70% of this incredible will be restored to natural wetlands, someday, and honestly, I'm thrilled that we'll get to see the gradual changes until the place is as good as new.
For more information about this project, visit the Starling Nature Sanctuary on the IU website. Visiting this incredible nature sanctuary in Indiana is a treat for all ages – I’m sure you’ll love it. Planning to hike when you get here? Check out AllTrails Plus; it’s quite handy.
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