Natural Wonders Road Trips IN Northern Indiana
Back to Top of List
- 1100 N Mineral Springs Rd.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. the park is comprised of more than 15,000 acres of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers and forests. It contains fifteen miles of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the…
- 3985 Mississinewa Rd.
One of Indiana’s most beautiful natural formations may be one of its most underappreciated. The magnificent Seven Pillars sit along the Mississinewa River about four miles south of Peru. Its “pillars” were formed over hundreds of years as water and wind eroded the limestone. Round buttresses and…
- 1100 N Mineral Springs Rd.
Indiana Dunes National Park’s biodiversity ranks 7th out of all 400+ National Park Service destinations. Two of the best way to experience the incredible environment of the Dunes are Cowles Bog and Pinhook Bog. The 4.7-mile Cowles Bog trail including ponds, marshes, swamps, black oak savannas, and…
- 1803 S. 700 W.
The Nature Conservancy introduced a herd of 23 wild bison from South Dakota to Kankakee Sands in 2016. The herd has grown steadily as the Bison give birth to calves, and more are brought from South Dakota. They happily roam free in the 1,060-acre pasture at Kankakee Sands, where the herd is now…
- 1205 Pleasant Point
After Gene Stratton-Porter was saddened by the draining of the Limberlost Swamp, she decided to build the "Cabin at Wildlife Woods" in 1914. With over 148 acres of prairies, gardens, woods, lakes, and wetlands, Gene fell in love with the property on Sylvan Lake. The Carriage House Visitor Center…
- 202 E. 6th Street
See the natural beauty of the land and explore the home that first inspired Gene Stratton-Porter, a Hoosier author, naturalist and photographer.
- 135 E Main Street
Hoosier Prairie is a large remnant of the prairie landscape that was once common in northwest Indiana. This tract preserves the topographic and biotic diversity of the sand plains north of the Valparaiso Moraine. Plant diversity is exceptionally high here due to a wide range of moisture conditions…
- 8310 E 300 N
This Registered National Natural Landmark is the largest remaining tamarack swamp in the state.
- 1600 North 25 East
As of September 17, 2013, it became the first underwater nature preserve in Indiana; the carrying ship sunk on 6/11/1911 while carrying lumber and sand to and from Indiana and the Chicago area. Roughly 300 yards from the shore, the site has been marked by seasonal historic marker buoys and an…
- 21690 Range Line Road, , IN
Densely wooded areas and the remnants of old river channels at this 1,952-acre park provide excellent habitat for a large deer herd, many species of ducks, and other wildlife. Preservation of these natural habitats is one of the primary goals of the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department.
Natural Wonders Road Trips IN Central Indiana
Back to Top of List
- 1599 W Scout Camp Rd.
Dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 1972, Portland Arch in Fountain County is beautiful with its dramatic sandstone gorge and the meandering creek that follows the well-worn path of the preserve. Also found are an assemblage of natural communities and features including cliffs, forests, open…
- 2605 N Cataract Rd
Also, not too far off from I-70 is the largest waterfall in the state, Cataract Falls! Take a short hike to view the beautiful scenery, and be sure to stop at the General Store that's right nearby and has something for everyone.
- 7751 S. 890 W.
Steep ravines, cliffs, and sandstone bluffs feature a diverse forest at Pine Hills Nature Preserve. Indiana’s first dedicated nature preserve is famous for the Devil’s Backbone. After passing through ‘the slide’, hikers will be entranced by the steep-sided wall that sits about 6 feet wide and towers…
- 25 N Monroe St.
A height of 90 feet makes Williamsport Falls the second tallest waterfall in Indiana. A wide trail leads down to the streambed. Upon arrival, the spectacular falls and sandstone ‘amphitheater’ will be begging your camera for a flash. Many adventurers love to meander behind the falls to get an…
- 65 Waterfall Rd
Thistlethwaite Falls was rated one of the top waterfalls in Indiana! A short hike, this section of the Whitewater River is a beautiful stop on the road.
- 5400 E Salamonie Forest Road
Ravines, overlooks, rocky gorges, and waterfalls line the Salamonie River State Forest. Enjoy 9 miles of hiking trails and 15 miles of horse trails. The state forest was created to reclaim the land that had become eroded by the river. The Civilian Conservation Corps reforested several hundred acres…
- 8121 E. Park Road
A walk north on the suspension bridge of Sugar Creek takes visitors to Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve. The first step into the preserve feels as if you’ve been transported into another Avatar-like world. Deep mossy sandstone ravines, waterfalls, monstrous cliffs, ladders, and streams will…
- 11404 Elliott Rd
Indiana doesn't have mountains, but we do have our hills, and a visit to this one will land you at Indiana's highest point. Read more.
- 250 McCormick's Creek State Park Road
Indiana’s first state park, McCormick’s Creek State Park, has amazed visitors with its natural features since opening in 1916. From unbelievable canyons and a picturesque waterfall to a cave that will freak out the claustrophobic and natural bridges that will take your breath away, there’s a reason…
- 9498 N County Road 425 E
Big Walnut Creek is a branch of the Eel River formed as a result of glacial melt and postglacial water erosion. The site contains one of the few stands in Indiana where beech, sugar maple, and tulip poplar grow on alluvial Genesee soil and includes relict species of a postglacial forest that…
- 5299 N County Road 450 W
Shrader-Weaver, a National Natural Landmark, contains a 28-acre old-growth upland forest that beech-maple dominated. There is also a rich variety of spring wildflowers.
Natural Wonders Road Trips IN Southern Indiana
Back to Top of List
- 143 W. Market Street Suite 700
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness area is located within the Hoosier National Forest and covers nearly 13,000 acres. It is a protected wilderness area, to preserve the natural surroundings, and provide a place for guests to find solitude. There are 37.3 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding…
- 3333 SR 60 E.
Spring Mill State Park provides an incredible link between the natural and cultural worlds. Pioneer Village, founded in 1814, is full of 20 historic buildings to explore. However, it’s the caves that are truly breathtaking. Trail 3 winds past Donaldson Cave overlook, then Bronson Cave, and lastly on…
- 722 Albright Ln.
Just outside of Shoals, the sandstone’ Jug Rock’ is the largest tea-table rock formation east of the Mississippi River. Don’t worry about it tipping over, as it has stood tall and proud for approximately 300 million years! Jug Rock is preserved in the Jug Rock Nature Preserve, with a small parking…
- 201 W. Riverside Drive
Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville connects the environment of the ancient past with the natural and cultural history of yesterday and today. Its spectacular interpretive center overlooks 390-million-year-old fossil beds — among the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world. The…
- 811 Constitution Ave.
Hemlock Cliffs is a box canyon showcasing unique beauty in southern Indiana. A cool climate, sandstone rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls are responsible for the unique trees and plants that grow here. The area features sandstone rock outcrops, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters, and ravines…
- 1267 Green Acres Dr SW.
Indiana Caverns is the longest cave in Indiana and offers a full range of activities on the property, including walking cave tours, cave exploring, Bat Chaser zip coaster, the Plunge, Escape Rooms, Gemstone Mining, and more!
- 100 Squire Boone Rd SW
When you visit Squire Boone Caverns Zipline you will get to experience an amazing outdoor experience that will take you through the woods and over creeks and fields with beautiful views of the valley at Squire Boone Caverns. Featuring ahalf-mile long zipline, Squire Boone Caverns Zipline is the…
- 400 East State Rd 64
Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1984 after its discovery by two schoolchildren, Marengo Cave offers several different cave tour options. Two different walking tours, the Dripstone Trail and The Crystal Palace tour are open year-round that take you through a wide variety of cave…
- CR 1050 E
This old-growth woods is a portion of the forest which originally covered southwestern Indiana. The larger upland section supports oak-hickory forest, with white oak and black oak as dominant trees. There are also large specimens of white ash, red oak, and sassafras, along with pignut, small-fruited…
- 1459 Bluespring Caverns Road
Explore the breathtaking world of caves and caverns in Indiana! Take a boat ride along an underground river to see the cave in a whole new way.
- W County Rd 300 S
Kramer Woods is the only example of a Shumard's red oak-pin oak-hickory dominated stand of lowland mixed forest of any size in Indiana.
- S Triangle Road
This 88 acre tract south of Paoli is the last old growth forest of its size in Indiana. The site has been left virtually undisturbed since before it was purchased by Joseph Cox in 1816. After being protected by the Cox family for 124 years, when a descendent died in 1940, the land was put up for…
- 3489 W County Road 500 N
Wesley Chapel Gulf is a 187-acre stretch of unique topography in southern Indiana, designated as a National Natural Landmark. The Gulf is special because of the unique surface features of the Lost River that runs through the area.
- 551 N. Boeke Rd.
Wesselman Woods, located in the heart of Evansville, is the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States. This National Natural Landmark is one of the most visited nature preserves in the State of Indiana – and for good reason! As a surviving remnant of Southern Indiana’s original…
- 7234 Old Forest Road SW
Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1972, the Wyandotte Caves boast the fifth largest caves in Indiana and are home to a variety of animals—bats, fish, crickets, salamanders, and more! The area has been uniquely restored to show both its historical significance and natural, scenic views…
- 6519 US-50
Overlook Park offers must-see views of the winding White River, farms, and valleys. A shelter house and picnic areas provide for a great stop along the way.
