The air has shifted from humid to crisp and it won’t be long until reds, oranges, and yellows paint the parks and outdoor spaces in and around the city. While I am always a bit sad to see summer fade into the rearview, there is something comforting about fall weather. Bring on the sweatshirts, bonfires, and beauty of the seasonal transition.
The time will come to hunker down for winter, but until then I plan on being outdoors as much as humanly possible. This is a great time of year for festivals and events, but I personally like the peace that accompanies a walk in the woods. If you share my passion here are a few recommendations for soaking in fall color in Indy.
Fort Harrison State Park
Located 15 minutes east of downtown, Fort Harrison is the closest state park to Indy. “The Fort” offers the usual state park amenities, from shelters and playgrounds to horseback riding and fishing. The golf course is also my favorite in the city, but that’s another article. For enjoying fall color you can opt for the ease of the paved Harrison Trace Trail that makes an undulating loop through the park. More adventurous types will enjoy the Fall Creek Trail with its elevated boardwalks and views of the waterway.
Broad Ripple Park
A hop, skip, and a jump outside of Broad Ripple Village puts you in sanctuary of Broad Ripple Park. This is a city park at it's finest, with a slew of amenities for enjoying nature and family fun. Even when the pool is closed, you can take advantage of playgrounds, picnic shelters, tennis courts, and more. The park butts up against the White River and offers a boat ramp for those interested in taking in the leaves from the water.
Holliday Park
Holliday Park is best known for it's historic ruins, kid-friendly playground, and amazing nature center. Concerning the ruins, they were actually created as part of New York's first skyscraper in 1898 and came to the park in the 1950's after Indianapolis won a national contest. Once you're done enjoying all of that, drop down on one of the park's trails and find yourself enveloped in fall color as you descend to the banks of the White River. This is a popular area for kids to climb on fallen trees, skip rocks, and enjoy nature's bounty.
Eagle Creek Park
Eagle Creek, located on the city's northwest side, is one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. The reservoir offers opportunities to enjoy fall color from a kayak, canoe, or sailboat (available for rent). With Go Ape you’ll be surrounded by fall foliage while navigating a ropes course and zip lining through the canopy. An expansive trail system also offers hikers miles of exploration that cut through a renowned bird sanctuary and offer lake views.
Southwestway Park
In the southwest corner of Indianapolis you'll discover one of Indy's hidden gems. Southwestway Park is a sprawling park that encompasses nearly 500 acres off of Mann Road along the banks of the White River. The park is a popular spot for mountain bikers with over 8 miles of trails. Hikers and dog walkers will be rewarded with scene riverside views that reflect the color of the surrounding flora.
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres
Looking for more than a walk in the woods? Make your hunt for color an artful experience at Newfields' outdoor oasis that combines lakeside scenery with site-specific artworks. The work that you’ll encounter at 100 Acres is intended to work with the woodlands and wetlands that they occupy. Take a swing on Chop Stick, climb and hop your way around Funky Bones.
Conner Prairie
The beauty of Conner Prairie is that it combines the educational aspects of a museum with a park setting. You can choose to maximize either aspect depending on your mood. Tour Prairie Town or the Civil War Journey and learn about the past. Or, stroll the nature walk, take a ride in the Balloon Voyage, and simply enjoy the view. For a fall family outing with a bit of everything, it’s hard to beat the beauty of Conner Prairie.
Crown Hill Cemetery
If you have kids, as I do, the fall season is a slow buildup to Halloween. In that spirit, why not take in the color of the season from a cemetery? The nation's third largest cemetery, Crown Hill, is actually quite breathtaking (get it?) this time of year. With scheduled guided walking tours available, you’ll take in the beauty of the season while learning about local notables including President Benjamin Harrison, Colonial Eli Lilly, and infamous bank robber John Dillinger.
More Ideas for Fall Color in (and around) Indy
- Check out the ruins at Holliday Park and hike along the White River
- Ride, run, walk, skate or dance your way along the Monon Trail
- Enjoy flowers in the conservatory and hang in the formal gardens at Garfield Park
- Road trip to Brown County State Park (pictured) or Turkey Run/Shades State Parks
We’re on the clock so get out and enjoy fall before old man winter settles in.
