I'm really starting to appreciate nature and hiking. This park is a nice spot for a peaceful walk. I visited with my son to enjoy some quality time and nature, and it's conveniently close to our home. It wasn't very busy the day we came. The park has shelters and multiple walking trails, which gives you options depending on how far you want to go. I noticed people taking family pictures at this park. One of the highlights was the water along the trail which adds a really pretty, calming touch to the scenery. The weather was decent temperature but a bit gloomy the day we went, and there were a lot of leaves on the trail. We didn't check the map and just kind of winged it, so parts of the trail were hard to follow because the leaves covered the path, but it wasn't an issue. Overall, we enjoyed the walk, the quiet surroundings, and the chance to bond while taking in what nature has to offer. read more

Southeastway Regional Park - Trail - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Southeastway Park is a hidden 188 acre treasure in the southeast corner of Marion County. The Park has trails through sycamore filled woods, picnic areas, a large playground and a naturalist center. Best of all, the park is free. The park maintains several natural habitats including a pond, wetland, prairie and Buck Creek. The setting is perfect for bird watching, hiking, running, walking the dog or enjoying a sunset. The six shelters can be reserved (rented) for parties, meetings, picnics for $135 for residents of Marion County or $160 for non-residents. The naturalist center/classroom can also be reserved during certain months. There are lots of picnic tables available on first come basis. There is a bathroom facility available in the warmer months. The naturalists run special educational programs throughout the year including summer day camps for the kids, a bug festival, maple syrup tapping in late winter and hayrides in the fall. The Park will be hosting eclipse viewing on April 8. I was visiting the Master Naturalist Class, a but also took my dog on a nice walk. The park is open dawn til dusk and worth a visit. Plan on spending a couple hours. Be sure to bring your bug repellent. read more

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Beautiful park! Tons of walking trails. Great picnic areas with grills and shelters. They also have an activity center and some hammocks and other outdoor activities. Well kept up and beautiful. Saw many families out doing fall pictures. Highly recommend. read more

Southeastway Regional Park - Sign - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I would call this a wide open nature park. It is huge, spanning 188 acres, 80 acres of which is forest. It was open in 1961 and has tons of parking spread between a few different lots depending on what section of the park you are going to. It is open all year. The road leading to the park is horrendous. It does not have pot holes, it has craters. It will mess your car up. The park has a nice peaceful pond with a small platform that looks out over it. The park is known for it very nice paved running/walking trail and nature trails. The trail is about a two and half miles. It is a very nice trail that is very popular and used year-round. The park is not short on green space. You can easily find a place to picnic, play catch, have a football/soccer game, workout, or fly a kite. There is wide open space on top of wide open space here. The park has about 6 picnic shelters with picnic tables under it and grills just outside of them. They are available to be rented for special events, parties, and cookouts. They are all nice and are different sizes. The park also has picnic tables scattered in the park's green space. to sit as well. They are first come, first serve. In addition to the small bathroom facility at the park, you will find porta-potties strategically placed there as well. The park has two play grounds. There is a smaller, accesible one that is located near a bulk of the shelters. It has a small jungle gym with slides, pull-up bars, and monkey bar rings. It is decent equipment, but not as nice as the other, larger play area. The larger playground area has benches and picnic tables to sit on while the littles are playing. The area has a bank of traditional swings, with an ADA swing on the bank. There is also a huge jungle gym with a bunch of slides and nets, monkey bar rings a tower, and a rock climbing wall. You will also see an Apollo rotating net climber in the area too. This area is much nicer than the smaller one across the parking lot, but is not accesible. The area is lined with wood chips and has a few shade awnings covering it. This is a very nice park that allows you the opportunity to get a good workout, nature watch, have a picnic, or watch the littles play on the play ground. I have been here a few times now and enjoyed each visit. I will admit, that this park does not have the flash of the newer parks popping up, but keep in mind that it is a traditional nature park and one of the better ones in the area. read more

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Listen: Southeastway Park is one of my favorite places in the Indianapolis area. Full stop. The wooded trails are a treasure. They're so full of life and peace. Whether it's to get away and into nature for some rest and renewal or ramping things up for a workout hike or jog, Southeastway Park is my go-to space. You can breathe deep here, slow down, and take it all in. I come here to: * have "walk and talk" dates with friends. * spend time in nature. * workout in the woods. * stroll and take photos what catches my eye. I love that I typically see a lot of squirrels. (I like squirrels, okay? ) I love that there's water to walk by or pause near. I love that the trees are mature and plentiful. I love that I can usually find some solitude on the wooded trails, even when the park is busy. I love that it feels safe, even when I'm by myself. I love the quiet, but for the birdsong and scurrying of little animal paws. Basically, if you've never been here, take a trip and see it for yourself. Come away and rest in nature, unhurried. It's good for the soul! read more

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A great way to step into nature that's not too far from the city. There are hiking trails and a paved walking trail around the park. There are several parking lots throughout so lots of parking. We just walked a small portion of one of the trails today and it was fairly hilly. The walking trail would be perfect but the hiking trails are not accessible for disabled folks. There were a lot of families and folks walking dogs but it was still quiet and relaxing once we got in the woods. We look forward to going back for a picnic on one of the many picnic tables or shelters. read more

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This park is beautiful! We stumbled across it and I am so glad we did! It is clean and so nice for kids!

Tagging a long on a friends family hike, I have never been to this park before but I always love checking out some place new and being outdoors. This park is a park of the Indy parks group, when we went there were a lot of people there but thankfully I didn't feel like we were on top of anyone. Together as a group we hiked around for awhile and took in the sights, I was impressed with how well maintained the trails were, I appreciated them being cleared out and easily walkable, We stuck along the River for awhile and then walked over to a pond with a small bridge and sat down for awhile. Overall great time and I was happy to be able to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, I think it's because it's the Midwest but I'm a big fan of being outside when I get the chance. I'd visit again! read more

Doesn't look like much other than open area and some trees, but there are some true hidden gems in this park. A large creek flow with multiple areas to stop and allow social distancing. Have a hammock? Don't fret, as there are trees everywhere to hook up. Want a picnic? The open areas allow you to lay a blanket, read a book or even set up with friends with appropriate distance. This is great for families, the nature lover, dogs or just someone out to get their 10k steps/day! read more

Southeastway Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Beautiful park. Nice setting in the winter with a sledding hill and wonderful in the spring, summer and fall. You can stroll through the woods and enjoy views of the creek. The staff is excellent in the nature center. Activities are available at times. read more

Wow this park has everything! Ok, so there's literally farm fields next door -- it's about as far away from downtown as you can get and still be in Indy. But once you're there you'll be happy you made the drive. The park is huge! There's a traditional mowed part that has playgrounds, picnic shelters, and paved walking trails. Then there's the section next to the creek with wooded areas and a maze of unpaved trails. There's even a smaller creek with great water access. If you like Holliday Park and Marott Park you'll love Southeastway! read more

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We love going for walks in this park, especially early on a weekday morning. The park is well maintained, clean, and has great paved walking pathways. There are also some trails out through the woods, although they are not very long, nor do they offer any hills or more challenging terrain (just due to the nature of the location of the park). Additional, there are two nice playgrounds for the kids with equipment for toddlers through grade school. The nature center is very nice, but is currently closed due to Covid. The park does offer a variety of seasonal activities and learning g opportunities for schools and groups. It's interesting in the early spring when the maple syrup is flowing. You can see the trees that have been tapped while walking in the woods, and the maple syrup is processed and sold on-site! My only negative is that restroom facilities are limited, most particularly on the far front end of the park, just off of Carroll road. (Currently the two small, permanent facilities are closed due to Covid and there are only 3 portable toilets for use.). All in all, a wonderful, peaceful park! Great place to spend a relaxing afternoon! read more

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This park has nice paved paths, a big oven field, tables and shelters, and two play grounds. Even though the restrooms weren't open, there was a port-a-potty, which as a mom I greatly appreciate. The bigger playground has some fun ropes for the kids to climb. read more

Southeastway Regional Park - Wide open space - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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One of my favorite Indianapolis parks. It's on the far corner of Marion County. Plenty of parking areas, plenty of picnic spots, paved trails, forest trails, water, huge hill for sledding or rolling down, two playgrounds, plus nature galore with birds, fish, and more. I have also recently gotten into hammocking and they have a lot of good hammock spots as well. You can reserve shelter houses with the park manager as there are several options. There are newer restroom facilities near the playground. I have been coming here for years and plan on continuing to come here for years to come. read more

One of the greatest aspects of living in Indianapolis is having access to all of its beautiful parks and trails. On the southeast corner of the city, lies Southeastway Park. Its 188-acres of open park space, forests, and waterways are a thing of beauty. Southeastway park is large enough for one to spend an entire day there without getting bored. There's copious room for pickup games of soccer, football, or baseball. With miles of easy-to-moderate hiking trails, one can simultaneously exercise and experience the tranquility of nature. Of course, if exercise is what brings one to the park, he shouldn't forget his bicycle. Be it the tranquility, a few mindful moments on the banks of Buck Creek is sure to ease a worried mind. And, if one is partial to creek stomping, she can stomp to her heart's content, as long as she brings suitable boots. I highly recommend Southeastway Park! read more

Southeastway is one of Indy's best parks! My family and friends frequently visit here for hikes (on paved and unpaved trails), sledding, picnics, geo-caching, and much more. This has been my go-to park for years and I will continue to visit here for years to come. read more

This sprawling nature park (188 acres!) has a lot of modern conveniences to make for a fun day at the park. There is a 2.5 mile paved trail that goes throughout the developed parts of the park. The winding access road through the park goes by each of the numerous shelters and provides parking so that you don't have to lug your picnic very far. There are a couple playgrounds located near the shelters as well. But for those who like to bike and hike, the trail is the reason to come. And if that isn't enough, there are unpaved trails through the woods for getting back to nature. The park seems well maintained and attendance seems light compared to some of the other large nature parks around Indy. Consider this park if you want to explore something new on a staycation. Review #675 read more

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Beautiful park with a great playground, running and hiking paths. Great place for an outdoor birthday party or a family picnic.

Despite having been a lifelong Indy resident, I will confess that until recently I'd never even heard of Southeastway Regional Park, a 188-acre Regional Nature Park that sits smack dab on the line between Hancock and Marion Counties in the Southeast corner of Indianapolis. However, when I signed up for a 5k event being held at the park I finally got a chance to really check the place out. Quite honestly, I was blown away. Southeastway Park isn't necessarily the most heavily equipped park. However, I was simply amazed at how much there was to do and how remarkably wheelchair friendly it is even on the trail for the 5k event. Trust me, that's incredibly rare. Southeastway offers 80 acres of forest, a pond and wetland, open fields/meadows, a prairie preserve and one of Indy's jewels, Buck Creek. Additionally, there are numerous environmental education programs throughout the year along with special events including hayrides during hayride season (End of Sept. - Early Nov.). Southeastway offers 3+ miles of paved, wheelchair friendly trails with mostly gentle inclines and no unexpected bumps or obstacles. Southeastway also has actual hiking trails that are definitely not as wheelchair friendly, though as a general rule I'm pretty happy as long as I have options for participation. The park has six shelters that can be rented, three picnic sites, grills, a comfort station, an activity/education center, playgrounds, a sledding hill, and ample space for any number of outdoor games. While there's no pool to be found, the emphasis here is on nature and Southeastway does this all to beautiful perfection. If you're into geocaching, a hobby I recently picked up, you'll be pleased to know that Southeastway has multiple caches within its boundaries and quite a few within a short distance of the park. Southeastway somewhat reminded me of Fort Ben, though this isn't a state park and it doesn't cost to get in. While it doesn't have some of Fort Ben's extras, like riding horses and a couple of the museums that can be found in Fort Ben, its natural beauty will have you thinking that you've stumbled into Brown County without leaving Indianapolis. Parks can be very hit-and-miss in a wheelchair, but Southeastway was a definite gem. While no park is ever going to be perfect, there's plenty of available parking and the trails will largely get you throughout the park without any trouble. If you have limited upper-body strength, you might bring a companion just to be safe as the inclines may be gentle but they are inclines. They are significantly less challenging than those in the Fort Ben State Park. Southeastway Park is easily accessible from I-74 (Acton Exit), though I went the more scenic route of Brookville Road to Carroll Road. I saw everything from kids on skateboards to moms with strollers to even other wheelchairs - this is clearly a park that embraces the idea that our parks should be available to everyone. Easily one of Indy's highlight nature parks, Southeastway Regional Park is also what I'd call a "destination" park. It's worth passing by your neighborhood parks and spending time within its beautiful setting. You'll be glad you did. read more

Cute park that is very well taken care of. It has a good range of trails and concrete paths as well.

Lots of beautifully-landscaped open space with picnic tables for gatherings. Paved paths for walking or jogging. A playground for the kids. A visitor center that I have not made it into yet. When I found out they had trails, I went here for the hiking. The trails are easy and flat, and usually end up taking one near the pretty creek at some point. I saw deer tracks and a deer skeleton, so there's wildlife around. My only complaint, and maybe I'm spoiled, was the proximity to the freeway. The noise didn't overtake the hike, but it was always present, making it a little hard to get "lost in nature." (In fact I did get lost in the literal sense, but I'm sure you get my point). The park is also quite near an orchard and a winery. I have yet to visit the winery but a stop at the orchard makes a visit to Southeastway a lovely day trip. read more

Southeastway Regional Park - Hiking along the creek - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Great little park with a few play areas, some trails, pavilions, etc. A nice park thats not going to be overrun with people like many other parks closer to Indy. read more

Beautiful park. Nice trails and it has 2 playgrounds. Great for kids, picnics, and all around fun.

This is a beautiful park! Great paved trails for walking, jogging and biking. Many trails through the woods leading to a large winding creek. There are covered shelters for family gatherings, and picnic tables throughout. I noticed a small pond where kids were fishing and at least one playground. read more

We love southeastway. I've had my daughter's birthday party here as the shelters are very spacious and there are a lot of them. They have some nice little trails back in the woods along the creek as well. It's a great place to take the kids to play. There is a bigger playground that is probably best suited for ages 3+ and a smaller playground for younger kids. The landscaping is kept up well and it's even a great place to take photos. I took my sons 2 yr pictures here and they turned out fabulous. The hayrides in the fall are excellent as well and they even offer lots of programs through the year for kids like bug fest. read more

This is a large well kept park on the southeast side of Indy. Southeastway has it all - 3 miles of paved trail, over 6 natural woods walking trails, 2 sledding hills, meadows, two large playgrounds, open grass fields for frisbee or football, shelters, vending, bathrooms, fishing pond and pine forest area. It's a great place to take the dog but there is no designated 'dog park'. I also love to rollerblade here ( I know 1994 called and wants its extreme sport back ) but I love to blade and the paved trail is clear of debris and well maintained. This is a great place to work out, take family photos, meet for a picnic, let the kids play, or just relax on a blanket - I've done all of the above at this park! Location is just south of Brookville road off of Carroll rd on the right. read more

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I've been lucky enough to grow up here. The park has changed so much over the years. It used to be the spot where people would fly their model airplanes, before drones existed. My brother and I used to chase our family dogs all over the fields. Now there are two playgrounds, a concrete trail circling the exterior, and more wooded trails. It's becoming pretty busy too. I miss the days of its quietness, but I'm glad to see so many people enjoying it too. read more

Southeastway Regional Park - Early morning fog over the pond by the shelter. - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Big park. Lots of space. Paved and natural trails.

Grew up running here. Nice quiet wooded trails with a large creek in the back of the park. Hidden gem.. a tree along the back trail has grown at a 90 degree angle making a natural bench. read more

I visited this park for the Angry Turkey trail run in November. The grounds seem to be well maintained and has a nice little shelter with a fireplace. Seems to be a nice venue to have a family gathering or possibly a baby or bridal shower. read more

Fun spacious place for families, friends, and dogs to enjoy being outdoors. Lovely park with two playgrounds, loads of trails to walk and roam. Might bring some bug spray with the creek nearby and small pond the insects can be a bit much. read more

Love this park. It has so much to offer, and seems to go on forever. There are great walking trails and definitely a great place for families and kids or a nice place to go for a walk/run! There is so much to see here and so many hidden gems, you can explore for a few hours and have so much fun. There's a creek, a big hill, and a pond. If you liked to skateboard or bike or rollerblade, this place is the great! read more

What an undiscovered bit of paradise this place is!! I have been introduced to this little slice of heaven through my dear friend and Yelp Elite member, Stephanie. She often told me of a lovely park she took her dog running at and one day I finally caved in to her offer to join (let's be honest, this was in part due to her absolutely adorably, goofy lab I simply cannot say no to). Seriously folks, if you are looking for a park with a Brown-county feel mixed with a little Turkey Run near the city, this is it! They have miles of well maintained paths cutting through some truly gorgeous woods that weave around a wide river. I fell so much in love with this place, I went back again to go trail running with Stephanie and her goofy side-kick. On this occasion she introduced me to the hillier section of the park and took me on a scenic route that wound our way toward a pristine pond. Nothing is more serene that padding your way up to a frozen pond in the middle of a huge park that is sheathed in a blanket of ice and snow. Absolutely stunning! I think what I loved most about this place was we had the park pretty much to ourselves! Stephanie allows her dog to run off leash, as he is extremely well behaved and loves to go galloping through the woods at a break-neck pace. We encountered one or two fellow joggers, but otherwise could enjoy the quite serenity of the woods. Did I mention this park is only 20 min from downtown??? Hollah! read more

Man meets nature just outside the city. Twining oaks, winding trails and a plethora of cubby holes to play at are a good sign this park is a peaceful retreat. Yep, it can seem as if the human race has descended into this haven. However, the park is accepting in it's vast area for an 'urban' location. Park in one of the designated areas and walk. Hit the trail, smell the earth, shut off the phone and listen to the nothing. Possibly the best time to hit the trails here is in early spring just after the snow has melted and the spring rains come. Trees have fallen and limbs have crashed since winter began. Find the back trail that starts at the 'head' of the creek running through the park. As the snow has given up and the rains have run off, the creek has swollen to gurgle it's way through the trees and rocks. There are numerous shelters in the main park with grills available to cook a masterpiece. Bonus! When the snow comes use the hills to sled or snowboard. Squirrel! read more