Indiana's diverse habitats are home to over 400 documented bird species, making it the perfect place for a birding adventure. The birding experiences won't disappoint, from the one-of-a-kind migration of Sandhill Cranes to Bald Eagles perched atop tree-tops. Luckily, the Indiana Audubon Society recently created the Indiana Birding Trail, featuring 64 great bird watching locations. Divided up into five regions of the state, the trail guide covers everything you need to know on each area, including eco-regions, climate influences, bird species, and more. Below, we have outlined every site on the Indiana Birding Trail, with a few of our favorite spots highlighted. For the complete Indiana Birding Trail Guide, click here.
Indiana State Nature Passport
Many of the destinations listed below are part of the Indiana State Nature Passport! Check-in and explore participating locations throughout the state to earn great prizes! The more you visit, the more you win. This program is 100% free, but property entrance fees apply when you visit. Learn More.
Click on the appropriate region to learn more about its Indiana birding locations: Northwest Indiana | Central Indiana | Northeast Indiana Southwest Indiana | Southeast Indiana
Northwest
Our top 3 spots on the trail in Northwest Indiana:
Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area
While most Fish & Wildlife areas offer excellent birding opportunities, Jasper-Pulaski is one of the best spots in the entire state. It has become known for the annual migration of Sandhill Cranes each spring and fall. Jasper-Pulaski is home to the largest gathering of Sandhill Cranes east of the Mississipi River. Fall daily peak counts usually exceed over 15,000 birds. The property is also suitable for migrating and breeding other types of birds.
Location: Medaryville
Birds: Sandhill Crane, Northern Harrier, Rough-legged Hawk
Waterfowl at Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area.
Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area
Over 250 species of birds have been documented at Willow Slough! A diverse set of habitats allows this property to be a year-round birding destination. J.C. Murphey Lake, located on the property, attracts migrating waterfowl and is a hotspot to see migrating American White Pelicans, Bald Eagles. Osprey and Sandhill Cranes. Waterfowl also like to nest on the northern wetland side of the lake.
Location: Morocco
Birds: American White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Waterfowl, Virginia Rail
Golden-crowned Kinglet on the boardwalk trail at Indiana Dunes National Park. Photo by @mysorekid on Instagram.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana's first national park is also arguably its best birding destination. Over 350 bird species have been spotted in the greater Indiana Dunes area, with most of them detected at Indiana Dunes National Park. The top birding locations at the park include Beverly Shores, Heron Rookery, Cowles Bog, and West Beach. The swamp habitat of Cowles Bog produces a large number of migrant birds in both the spring and fall.
Location: Porter
Birds: Whip-poor-will, Warbler, Western Kingbird, Long-eared Owl
More Northwest Indiana Birding Trail Locations
Indiana Dunes State Park
Birds: Warbler, Summer Tanager, Winter Finch, Harris' Sparrow
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Hammond Lakefront Park & Marina
Birds: Passerine, Waterfowl, Sparrows
Grant Street Marsh
Birds: Cattail, Eurasian Wigeon, Eared Grebe, American Avocet
Miller Beach
Birds: Shorebird, Gulls, Jaeger, Tern
Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area
Birds: Sandhill Crane, Waterfowl, Shorebird, Eastern Screech-Owl
Bendix Woods County Park
Birds: Large-Flowered Trillium, Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Woodpecker
Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area
Birds: Henslow's Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Eastern Meadowlark, American Kestrel
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve
Birds: Belted Kingfisher, Pied-billed Grebe, Wood-Pewee
St. Patricks County Park
Birds: Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Baltimore Oriole, Woodpecker
Potato Creek State Park
Birds: Waterfowl, Warbler, Shorebird
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area
Birds: Bald Eagle, Blackbird, Golden eagle, Brewer's Blackbird
Kankakee Sands
Birds: Bell's Vireo, Blue Grosbeak, Bobolink, Western Meadowlark
Tippecanoe River State Park
Birds: Western Whip-poor-will, Heron, Passerine, Waterfowl
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Central
Our top 3 spots on the trail in Central Indiana:
An American White Pelican is passing through Eagle Creek Park.
Eagle Creek Park
Resident and migrant birds can be encountered at Eagle Creek Park. Close to 4,000 acres of ponds, mudflats, grasslands, and woods make up diverse wildlife perfect for all kinds of birds. The Ornithology Center overlooks a bird sanctuary featuring ducks, geese, gulls, cormorants, and herons rest. A 2-mile loop around the bird sanctuary, The Coffer Dam, provides outstanding reservoir views.
Location: Indianapolis
Birds: Geese, Duck, Cormorant, Pine Siskin, Red-breasted Nuthatch
Blue Jay at Fort Harrison State Park.
Fort Harrison State Park
Urban areas are excellent for birding too! Fort Harrison State Park, located in Indianapolis, offers great birding throughout its expansive woodlands and riparian corridor. Migrant bird species can be found in season at the Fall Creek trailhead, and migrant species are usually spotted further up the trail. Breeding species like the Orchard Oriole and American Kestral can be spotted while mountain biking the Schoen Creek Trail.
Location: Indianapolis
Birds: Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
A Sandhill Crane eating Raspberries at Prophetstown State Park.
Prophetstown State Park
Prophetstown is one of Indiana's more unique state parks, and this is no different for birding. Its location between the Wabash and Tippecanoe rivers provide a gorgeous prairie habitat with ponds and creeks. When arriving at the park entrance, watch the fence line for sparrows, including Henslow's and Lark Sparrow. The village trails provide views of Common Yellowthroats, Indigo Bunting, Brown Thrasher, and more. A local tip: Close your eyes in the morning and listen for Ring-necked Pheasants.
Location: West Lafayette
Birds: Henslow, Lark Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, Ring-necked Pheasant
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
More Central Indiana Birding Trail Locations
Pine Creek Gamebird Habitat Area
Birds: Hudsonian, Marbel Godwit, Warbler, American Bittern
Celery Bog Nature Area
Birds: Herons, Hawks, Woodpecker. Bluebird
Pine Hills Nature Preserve
Birds: Northern Parula, Scarlet Tanager, Blackburnian Warbler, Wood Thrush
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Turkey Run State Park
Birds: Rock Pigeon, Swallow, Waterthrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Cool Creek Park & Nature Center
Birds: Warbler, Cooper's Hawk, Yellow-throated Vireo
Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
Birds: Songbird, American Woodcock, Virginia Rail, Rusty Blackbird
Mounds State Park
Birds: Geese, Belted Kingfisher, Song Sparrows, Woodpecker
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Summit Lake State Park
Birds: Scoter, Long-tailed duck, Gull, Pelican, Bald Eagle
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary
Birds: Wood Thrush, Cerulean Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Saw-whet owl
Brookville Lake
Birds: Waterfowl, Passerine, Raptor, Warbler
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Northeast
Our top 3 spots on the trail in Northeast Indiana:
An owl staring down @jefffairchildphotoart at Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area.
Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area
Established over 60 years ago, Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area is now a birder's paradise with almost 12,000 acres of land and 529 acres of lakes. Migratory waterfowl make their home near Nasby Dam, Deep Lake, and Mongo Reservoir. Over 36 woodland warbler species have been identified on-site with many hotspots giving year-round productivity. Pigeon River is known for the great opportunity to see several species of owl, as pictured above!
Location: North Mongo
Birds: Warbler, Waterfowl, Great Horned Owl, Common Gallinule
Chain O'Lakes State Park
Thirteen lakes in total make up Chain O'Lakes State Park in Albion. Birds like to hang around each lake, but the trails around Dock Lake, Sand Lake, and Trail 4 are the best viewing locations. Prothonotary Warblers, American Redstarts, Eastern Kingbirds, and more can usually be found. For a unique experience, consider canoeing around the park via the interconnecting channels.
Location: Albion
Birds: Prothonotary Warbler, American Redstart, Red-headed Woodpecker
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
The Leucistic Northern Cardinal at Salamonie Lake.
Salamonie Lake
The 2,665-acre Salamonie Lake is bordered by amazing forests, prairies, farmlands, marshes, and ponds that birds love. Tailwaters below the Dam and State Forest are perfect wintering grounds for Bald and Golden Eagles. Waterfowl especially enjoy the open waters during winter. The Interpretive Center at Lost Bridge West SRA features a raptor center and bird viewing room.
Location: Andrews
Birds: Bald Eagle, Leucistic Northern Cardinal, American White Pelican, Thrush
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
More Northeast Indiana Birding Trail Locations
Boot Lake Nature Preserve
Birds: Henslow's Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Sandhill Crane, Wilson's Snipe
Pokagon State Park
Birds: Cerulean Warbler, Red-headed Woodpecker, Sora, Common Gallinule
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Wing Haven Nature Preserve
Birds: Sandhill Crane, Least Bittern, Marsh Wren
Pisgah Marsh Fish & Wildlife Area
Birds: Ring-necked duck, Wild Turkey, Common Gallinule, Green Heron
Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area
Birds: Waterfowl
Fox Island County Park
Birds: Pileated Woodpecker, Fox Sparrow, Eastern Towhee
Eagle Marsh Wetland Preserve
Birds: Migrant duck, Shorebird, Rail, Bittern
Limberlost Swamp Conservation Area
Birds: Short-eared Owl, Northern harrier, Waterfowl, Migrating Shorebird
Mississinewa Lake
Birds: American White Pelican, Waterfowl, Warbler, Oriole, Bald Eagle
Southwest
Our top 3 spots on the trail in Southwest Indiana:
A nuthatch runs down the trunk of a tree at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. Photo by @andreakapplerphotography on Instagram.
Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve
Some of Indiana's most towering trees can be found in Wesselman Woods, with a few getting up to over 100 feet! Five miles of trails give quality access to the wildlife here, with the biggest draw for birders being the old-growth forest. Thrushes, warblers, tanagers, vireos, and flycatchers are easily spotted in the spring and fall. Wood Ducks nest at the pond while owls are breeding residents. Rarities can sometimes even be detected at Wesselman Woods!
Location: Evansville
Birds: Thrush, Warbler, Barred Owl, Wood Duck
A Sandhill Crane "dances" in a field next to Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area.
Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area
Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area is the second location in Indiana that boasts significant numbers of migrating Sandhill Cranes to and from the north. Marsh Madness Sandhill Crane Festival, which takes place with the peak Sandhill Crane migration in the fall, is truly something to behold. The shallow water wetlands, marsh, and grassland are vital for over 260 bird species. Goose Pond has become a stopover site for Whooping Cranes as well.
Location: Linton
Birds: Sandhill Crane, Rail, Shorebird, Raptor
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
A swamp sparrow at Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by @scottw84.
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge
An exceptional location for wildlife viewing due to its diversity, Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge is great for year-round birding. Bottomland forests offer valuable habitat to nesting birds like the Hooded Mergansers and Red-headed Woodpeckers. Grasslands also play home to nesting Henslow's Sparrows, Northern Bobwhites, and more. A significant number of waterfowl are spotted from winter into April.
Location: Oakland City
Birds: Prothonotary warbler, Red-headed Woodpecker, Henslow's Sparrow, Hooded Merganser
More Southwest Indiana Birding Trail Locations
McCormick's Creek State Park
Birds: Wood warbler, Flycatcher, Tanager, Magnolia, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Monroe Lake
Birds: Warbler, Thrush, Vireo, Waterfowl
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Spring Mill State Park
Birds: Hawks, Barred Owls, Migratory Songbirds
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Cane Ridge WMA-Tern Bar Slough WDA
Birds: Waterfowl, Wader, Shorebird, Gull, Tern
Somerville Mines
Birds: Waterfowl, Sharped-shinned Hawks, Merlin, Short-eared Owl
Scales Lake County Park
Birds: Mississippi Kite, Pileated Woodpecker, Oriole, Osprey
Lincoln State Park
Birds: Rail, Heron, Warbler, Thrush
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Southeast
Our top 3 spots on the trail in Southeast Indiana:
A Great Blue Heron at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge.
Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
Muscatatuck National Wildlife is nearly 8,000 acres of fabulous wetlands and nature at its best. The refuge is designated as a continentally important bird area and is managed to give habitat to migratory birds as an essential stopover site. Shrublands and its forest are full of species, such as the Kentucky Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Orchard Oriole. Dickcissels and Grasshopper Sparrows love to nest in the Endicott grassland. A viewing room for feeder birds is located in Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge's Visitor Center.
Location: Seymour
Birds: Kentucky Warbler, Summer Tanager, Orchard Oriole, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
A Pileated Woodpecker eyes food at Brown County State Park.
Brown County State Park
Is it really a surprise that the "Little Smokies" are on this list? The vast, rugged hills and beautiful ridgetops give way for unforgettable views. Vultures and raptors ride thermals on Brown County's iconic ridges. Upland mesic forests are usually home to an array of warbler species, while the lush wooded areas are habitats for Red-headed and Pileated Woodpeckers. Don't miss out on Bald Eagles gliding along Salt Creek looking for food!
Location: Nashville
Birds: Kentucky Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Migrant Songbird, Sparrow
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
O'Bannon Woods State Park
The youngest state park in the state is fantastic for finding waterfowl, warblers, and thrushes. Plus, the abundance of ponds and wetlands give a home to a variety of woodpecker species. O'Bannon Woods State Park's year-round nature center has two large bird-viewing windows where visitors can experience the park out of the elements! There's also an ADA accessible trail that loops a mile around the visitor center where birds can usually be found nesting.
Location: Corydon
Birds: Wood Thrush, Hooded Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
More Southeast Indiana Birding Trail Locations
Stone Head Nature Preserve
Birds: Sparrow, Migrant Songbird
Clifty Falls State Park
Birds: Louisiana Waterthrush, Great Crested Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Pine Siskin
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Charlestown State Park
Birds: Eastern Bluebird, Brown Thrasher, Prairie Warbler, White-eye Vireo
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Falls of the Ohio State Park
Birds: Black-crowned Night-Heron, Cattle Egret, Baltimore Oriole, Cedar Waxwing
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
Yellowwood State Forest
Birds: Warbler, Summer Tanager, Thrush, Golden Eagle
This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport. Learn more about how to start earning prizes for FREE!
