Indiana State Parks
Indiana has an interesting diversity of State Parks. Everything from a functioning pioneer village to sand dunes to Abraham Lincoln is represented. Add to this fossil beds, waterfalls, and Indian Mounds and you have some wonderful experiences outdoor experiences available through the Indiana State Park System.
In the northwest portion of the state you will find Indiana Dunes State Park. This Park preserves the unique sand dune system of the Great Lakes with three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. In the opposite northeast section near Angola is found Pokagon State Park. This Park features a winter toboggan run of one fourth mile. It also has a saddle barn, beach and sand volley ball court.
In the central west Turkey Run State Park is bisected by Sugar Creek. This creek is a popular canoing stream as well as having some excellent fishing. This is one of Indiana’s prettiest State Parks, as the canyon around Sugar Creek is rocky and rugged. Smack dab in the center of the state, within the city limits of Indianapolis is found Fort Harrison State Park. This State Park features a first class golf course, inn and great hiking trails. Numerous walking and jogging trails, two national historic districts and cross country skiing top off this unique urban State Park.
Down south is the largest collection of State Parks. Lincoln State Park contains the boyhood home of our sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln. Spring Mill is a beautiful State Park which has its main attraction a functioning gristmill and Pioneer village. Clifty Falls State Park has some wonderful hiking trails.
And this is only scratching the surface. There are many more Indiana State Parks worthy of exploring.
Indiana State Recreation Areas
Allens Creek State Recreational Area
Cutright State Recreation Area
Fairfax State Recreational Area
Crooked Creek State Recreational Area
Moore’s Creek State Recreation Area
Hardin Ridge State Recreational Area
Pine Grove State Recreation Area
Paynetown State Recreational Area
Monroe Lake State Park
4850 South State Road 446
Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 837-9546
Monroe Lake State Park consists of ten State Recreation Areas. These are:
Paynetown SRA
Fairfax SRA
Allen’s Creek SRA
Hardin Ridge State Recreational Area
Cutright State Recreation Area
Moore’s Creek State Recreation Area
Salt Creek State Recreation Area
Salt Creek SRA
• Boat Launch
• Restrooms
Pine Grove SRA
Pinegrove
• Boat Launch
• Restrooms
Crooked Creek SRA
• Boat Launch
• Restrooms
Additional areas include
Waterfork Waterfowl Resting Area
Northfork Waterfowl Resting Area
Stillwater Marsh
Southfork Marshes
23,952 acres – 10,750-acres lake
ACTIVITIES
Boating / 9 Launch Ramps
Fishing / Ice Fishing
Fishing Piers
Fourwinds Resort & Marina
Gas Dock
Hiking
DESCRIPTION OF HIKING TRAILS
Note: For trail locations, view the property map under the MAPS tab.
BlueBird Trail (1.25 miles) Moderate—Forest and field trail in Paynetown State Recreation Area.
Tree Trek Trail (0.5 mile) Easy—Forest Ecosystem interpretive trail in Paynetown State Recreation Area.
Turkey Trot Trail (1.75 miles) MODERATE—Hike- In/Boat-In Camping Area in Allen’s Creek State Recreation Area.
Whitetail Trail (1 mile) MODERATE—Access trail for walk-in visitors at Paynetown State Recreation Area.
PLEASE STAY ON MARKED TRAILS.
Hunting (Waterfowl Hunts)
Interpretive Naturalist Services (Seasonal)
Nature Center
Picnicking / Shelterhouse (Shelter Reservations)
Playgrounds
Rental – Fishing Boats, Pontoons
Lake Monroe Boat Rental
Pleasure Craft Marina
Fourwinds Boat Rental
Swimming / 2 Beaches (Policy)
Waterskiing
Camping – See campground maps under MAPS tab
Electric / 226 sites
Non-electric / 94 sites
Camp Store (Seasonal)
Dumping Station
