3 hrs from home and well worth the road trip. Been camping and hiking here since I was little. I love Turkey Run! You can float on a raft or kayak down Sugar Creek for a few hours. They have horseback riding and other fun things to do. When you need to get out of the city and enjoy some nature and fresh air, check this place out. Do some research first, there are dangerous and slick spots while hiking. If you're into fitness and a ton of stairs, this hike is excellent for a serious calorie burn! read more

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Simply beautiful setting - the stairs were a real challenge but we loved every minute of it!

Great time camping! The trails here were very good. I especially liked the ladders and river rock section. There are a lots of stairs to climb too. The only problem with Turkey Run is the popularity. It is usually overrun with people. Even if you are camping, you can go to the Inn & eat or use Wi-Fi. read more

Turkey Run State Park - Parks Near Me - Marshall, Indiana

Haven't been here in over ten years. Used to live in Indiana and have since moved to Michigan and this place was just as beautiful and amazing as I remember. Took my youngest as the start of our spring break and took the legendary trail 3 and 9! With a fun trek up a "water fall" which is quite a photo worthy jaunt. Then ladders and stairs so so many stairs! This trail is not for the beginners! I will say with my husband and I being in our forties we were pleased our endurance was better than our 10 year olds. I love going in the spring because it's not as busy and the temps are cooler. There are many options and a full days worth of hiking available here with lots of pretty views! Valleys, streams, rocks to climb etc definitely a must do state park! One tip is come dressed appropriately. Many people we came across definitely weren't in right foot attire. Plan to be wet and muddy and want good traction. Many people had to turn around and not complete into the watery parts and those are my favorite to do! read more

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GO AGAIN? The Turkey Run Inn is a beautiful place to stay and to just sit by the fire. The buffet dinner is very good (excellent catfish, fried biscuits, chicken and dumplings). Even in the rain, I enjoyed walking from the Inn to the other side of the bridge - beautiful! read more

I've gotta update my review. Even though the trails are somewhat short and they get extremely crowded during the nicer weather, this is, hands down, my favorite state park in Indiana for hiking. The "rugged" trails are actually somewhat rugged in places. Hint: that means you should wear appropriate clothing for hiking. (Still shocks me every time to see people wearing high-end designer clothes that hold up the lines cause they don't want to go dirty, but that's another story.) A short trip from Indy, but totally worth it. Can't wait to get back and camp there soon! read more

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Turkey Run is the probably the most adventurous hike near Indy. You will go up and down ladders, climb along shallow streams, and hike up rocks. Definitely a step up from Eagle Creek or Fort Harrison but still a easy/ moderate hike. This park got packed starting noon, to avoid the heat and crowds - go as early as possible. read more

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Absolutely gorgeous park with mostly rugged trails that require a fair bit of up and down climbing. Sycamore, hemlock, beech, hickory, gum, and the usual abundance of maples and oaks. So why the 4 and not 5? Dogs on the trails. An absolute disaster. It doesn't matter if you think your dog is friendly or not. It is still a dog. The trails are narrow and a single aggressive or overeager dog can send a person into a fall. read more

This is the first time I have ever been to Turkey Run. We got there in the morning and hiked all morning then went to the Inn for lunch. We opted for the buffet and wished we would have just done the salad bar. The food was average buffet food not worth the high price. We would love to get back there this fall and hike again maybe even canoe. read more

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I have been here 2 times now! The hikes/trails are not too long, but you will find yourself in a few tricky areas depending on the trail. It is a beautiful park to enjoy the outdoors, especially now! I guess there is also horse riding that takes place within the park. read more

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We decided to do a winter hike at Turkey Run. We initially started the trip with the intention of doing the 5 mile challenge. My husband and I severely underestimated how rugged the trails were and how much ice there were. You can rent ice grips for your shoes at the nature center if interested. We ended up only doing maybe 1/3 of the 5 mile challenge. Even though we may not have come close to finishing the challenge, it was not a wasted trip at all. The park was absolutely beautiful with frozen icicles everywhere! The sun even came out as we were finishing up our hike. I would love to visit during all 4 seasons. My husband and I will definitely be back during the warmer months to attempt the 5 mile challenge again. read more

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So great! Who would have thought this little gem was hidden in Indiana? So much fun for a day trip with the kids go get out and hike and see some cool sights. read more

Turkey Run State Park - Parks Near Me - Marshall, Indiana

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Very nice park. Great hiking trails that are marked. Very shaded so it is cool all summer. They have about everything you need at this park. The suspension bridge is breathtaking. A must to enjoy. read more

Turkey Run State Park - Beautiful. - Parks Near Me - Marshall, Indiana

Pulled into this campground at 10:30 pm and discovered that the circuit breaker was shot at our site. Expecting to be out of luck until the next day, we circled back with the lovely person working at the entrance. She got in the radio and the maintenance guy was out our site in minutes. Not sure we've ever had this level of service at any state park campground. Turkey Run has moved to the top of our list of favorite campgrounds. read more

Probably one of the best nature trails I've had. Deove about 3 hours from Chicago. There was no mobile signal so we really got to unplug. There are different trail types and we took the moderate ones. Good activity with family (including young kids) and friends (dogs on leash too). Would love to go back. read more

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First time here and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think we hiked 7 plus miles on the trails. The other visitors were super polite and we took turns passing on tight trails. Mostly everyone responsible and wearing a mask when passing in close proximity. read more

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Super rugged. But great hiking for kids. $7 for IN cars. Over an hour drive from Indy. Turkey Run is a magical place for me. I mean you even get to cross a suspencion bridge. Pretty Indian Jones inspired if ya ask me. I actually went a lot as a kid, and I still go as an adult. I took my boyfriend--who'd never been. He loved it, but was overwhelmed with how packed it was. We did trail 3. My favorite. It's a 1.7 mile loop. You can extend trail 3 by connecting other trails to loop if you want. There are so many gorgeous formations like Wedge Rock or Punch Bowl. Descending into the canyon bed is like lowering yourself into a freezer. The temperatures instantly drop--making it a great summer hike. Trail 3 is marked Very Rugged. When you get down into the canyon, stretches of trail are only wide enough for one person to pass. Narrow parts can be annoying/tricky when you go on the weekend, and the park is PACKED. So bring your patience on Saturdays and Sundays. Try to go during the week if you can. Or, during less popular seasons. Lots of dogs were on the trail, but be wary because there is a succession of three long ladders that dogs can't climb easily. ATTENTION: No trash cans. The park wants you to carry all your trash OUT of the park. That helps reduce racoons and wasps. read more

Turkey Run State Park - Trail 3 - Parks Near Me - Marshall, Indiana

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Absolutely worth the hour and a half drive west to this state park! We absolutely loved the hikes with different levels of difficulties for most people. We chose to do trails 6 & 7 due to their "moderate" level since we had our dog with us. It was beautiful and nearly unexpected since it is the Midwest, but I would recommend it to everyone wanting to get away from the city. The state park offers a campground, cabins and an Inn for all varieties of outdoorsy-ness and the option to spend multiple days in this beautiful nature. I cannot wait to return. read more

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This place is not for the weak, as illustrated by the fact that someone was being lifted out by emergency crews with a broken ankle during our most recent visit. It's also a kind of different place every time you go. Some of the pads will be closed and some will be open on any given visit, and most will involve crossing many streams, so playing your footwear accordingly. There's also a route that includes ladders, so if you're bringing a pet avoid the ladders route or plan on carrying them up those ladders ( we have a Chihuahua and a chihuahua mix, so we just carry them up). Our favorite visit here was in the early spring, when most of the waterfalls were frozen over but starting to melt just a little bit so you had the best of both worlds with a mostly Frozen base of waterfall and just a little bit trickling on top of that. Our most recent visit in the fall, we found that a lot of the waterfalls and streams were much drier or non-existent than they'd been in the spring. The fall color, of course, was lovely. The campground is pretty legit, although it's mostly giant RVs and on our most recent trip there was a huge contingent of dirt bikers there, which was very noisy. read more

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Can't believe I haven't written anything about this place. This is where my kids really learned to love hiking. We go here at least once a season and there is always something new to see. Be warned it is one of the busier state parks so if you're looking for some solitude in nature this might not be the place. The trails are all very unique and all worth a try. I'd like to tell you about the ones we've hiked most: Trail one. Runs along sugar creek just on the other side of the bridge. There are lots of cool rock formations to be seen here. It's one of the easier trails but still interesting. It leads to the narrow covered bridge and the Lusk home. Any time we hike this trail we always bring a small toy or trinket to leave on the grave of the little girl buried near the Lusk home. I think her name is Nancy. Trail 3. This is the big one. This is what everyone goes for. There's something for everyone. If you don't like the ladders the trail can be accessed by starting on trail 10 and picking 3 up further on. It goes through creek beds, ravines, and canyons. This is definitely a warm weather trial, especially if you have kids. You will get wet. And the more it's rained recently the more water there will be. So much fun though. Make sure you take the short detour to the Devils punch bowl. It's really neat. Trail 6/7. I lumped these together because you have to start on trial six to get to seven. This trail has the Lieber cabin on it as well as amazing views of the creek and surrounding areas. The trail takes you deep into the canyons and is a lot of fun. There is a natural water slide on trail seven but it only works if there had been heavy rain recently. Be careful though it's treacherous. There are other trails and I'm sure they're great too but these are the one we always end up going on. The Inn inside the park is very nice, although we've never stayed there. It's my understanding they seem to be pretty busy so you may want to book in advance. Overall this is a great place for a family day trip. Or a weekend if you have time. I'd also like to mention there is another park right down the road called shades state park. If you like turkey run make sure shades is your next stop. You won't regret it. read more

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It was my first time tent camping & had a great time at the campground! The hike was beautiful and the nature was very vibrant as well!

Wow, words can't even describe how lush and beautiful this park is. This is hands down one of the best state parks I've ever been to in my life. When I was here, it literally made me feel like I was walking on a Jurassic Park set. During the summer time, it was so green filled with so many trees. The large stones were enormous and made me feel so small at the mist of such an expansive area. I absolutely love coming to this park during the summer time because there are so many streams flowing between tight stony corners. You definitely will get your feet wet if you hike along some trails. Being a California girl, you definitely don't see such beautiful and unadulterated natural scenery (with exception to Big Sur and Yosemite). You definitely feel like you're on some kind of adventure while taking a nature walk out here. I high recommend this park if you're ever in the area. read more

Drove 3 hours to get here and turned right around after driving around the park. No one was wearing a mask or physical distancing. It look like Disney World pre-COVID. It was a Saturday. Found a better safer park, head to Shade State Park only 20 mins. away. People wore masks there and more secluded. Never returning to Turkey Run, Shade all the way! read more

I grew up 30 min. from this park so it's kinda an extension of my back yard. Here's a few tips from someone in the know. Avoid spending time here in May. Although it's gorgeous that time of year, it's also over run with highschoolers either on a Senior Skip day, or Canoe-ing for an after prom activity. The best time to experience the park is on a weekday when school is in, or on a religious holiday. I go on Easter and enjoy a relatively empty park. The trails live up to the hype! Some of the best natural scenery in all of the Midwest. Although trail #3 is the busiest, it's worth doing at lest once for the experience and brag rights! Most of my photos were taken in the canyon on trail #3. read more

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Turkey Run is a three hour drive and a park that a few friends highly recommended. So it's been on my wishlist for a few years. Today we finally checked it off our list. My son and I left the house early and arrived before noon. Rucked with a backpack full of supplies, we set off from the nature center parking lot. I printed a trail map at home so I knew exactly where I wanted to hike before we got here. As we walked back to the base of the hill where the suspension bridge can be seen spanning the Sugar River, a large wooden X sign blocked the trail stating that the paths across the river where closed due to the water level on the river. Yeah...NO. I didn't drive 3+ hrs to not put foot to path so we went around the sign...just as many others did. Besides, the suspension bridge sits a good 20-30ft above the river. Was that really in danger? No. The suspension bridge is cool, but folks...many are focused on this damn thing and it's just something that you cross and you're done with it 30 seconds later. There aren't any glorious sites from the bridge..unless watching water flow or the view of a couple small limestone rocks blow your hair back. Once on the other side we hiked west on paths #3, #10 and #5. Our travels crossed the Ice Box, Ladders, "140 steps", "Bear Hollow", "Falls Canyon" and a couple other canyons. The most impressive of the bunch was the canyon where the Ladders are found. I felt like those were the big sell for this park...they're like the bridge...they're ladders. The limestone found in these canyons is colorful and beautiful to look at, but not overly large. I thought Falls Canyon was more personable because of the tight fitting canyon. It squeezes inward with a slow trickling creek that gives more of a one-on-one feel to hikers. We also hiked east of the suspension bridge over to the Coal Mine. Neat area, I liked the history and the bat habitat that it currently houses. It was about here that my kiddo was showing some signs of wear from the heat and humidity. It was 90+ and the humidity was sinking in. By the time we got back to the car we were at about 6 miles of hiking. We enjoyed our time at Turkey Run. It has some unique features and I would have liked to see the rest of the park. Considering the 3+ hr drive I don't know that I'll be back. This place has nothing on Matthiessen and Starved Rock in IL, which are much closer to home. Happy hiking. read more

Turkey Run State Park - Parks Near Me - Marshall, Indiana

This is a great park with well marked trails. There is a nature center with educational displays you may visit. The trails can be slippery in the fall with all the leaves on the ground. There are areas where you pass waterways and if there are rocks spaced correctly or logs you won't get your feet wet. I would recommend water proof hiking shoes if you have them. I did the trails with sneakers and got my foot wet. There are elevation changes with rock steps, ladders, and wooden steps. It is $7/car. read more

TURKEY RUN CABINS! $300 for not a whole lot. We had few bugs crawling in our beds and on the floor. A small roach with multiple ants. The rooms are super tiny with connected doors to the next guests room. No connectable wifi because you're too far out. Also no individual fire pit. There is a small community shared fire pit. The only reason I give it a 2 stars is because I'm making memories with my friends and making the most out of it. The photos are deceiving and make it look a lot larger than reality. Not cabin like at all. Literally a hotel room for $300! read more

One of my favorite parks in Indiana. The trails are extensive and there's tons of options! The ladders are fun and so is walking along the canyon. Be careful with small children and dogs, as some parts of the trail can be pretty rugged. I would suggest wearing hiking boots or water shoes. I've also kayaked down the river and there's bald eagles nesting along the way! Very cool thing to see in Indiana. Stay the night at the campground or at one nearby for half the price. That way, you can cover the trails and get a kayak or canoe trip in! read more

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Fun place to spend the day, bring your kids or even camp! I mean who doesn't love Turkey run??

Great hiking trail for all skill levels. We took the 5 mile challenge. We got lost on our map and ended the trip after 5 hours. Lol maps could be a little more detailed. The staff was great and helpful. We found the park beautiful and clean. Paths are well groomed and well marked. Lots of well maintained stairs and walk paths. A must see for all hikers. Lots of hotels and cabins for rent and camping available. Hopefully you have better luck with the map! read more

I love this state park!! There are so many different types for trails for all levels! I did the 5 mile challenge and had a blast from all of the different terrain! I want to go back and do trail 3 in it's entirety as it enters the canyon and seems like one of the more adventurous with really neat looking ladders too. This could easily be a fun day trip with so much to explore. read more

Better when there is less people there..it's really frustrating to be stuck behind a group of people and having to wait just to cross a little path. It's hard to take everything in and enjoy the scenery when there's people running around everywhere. They give you a map so you can't get lost. Parking is fine. They also have horseback riding which was pretty awesome if you've never done it before. Bring a backpack with snacks and water and a knife incase the chupacabra comes out. read more

From the suspension bridge, to kayaking on the creek, to just walking the trails, the environment Is gorgeous all seasons. Fall might be my favorite though, the colorful leaves are to die for. This is my favorite location in Parke County, a close second to Shades State Park! read more

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This park belongs in Colorado or Utah or someplace far more geographically diverse then the cornfields of Indiana. But I am glad it is here for us to explore! Though it is a bit of a drive from Indy, it is worth the extra miles for the diverse trails. When the map says rugged trails then mean it. This is the first time that I have felt my waterproof hiking boots actually come in handy when working my way through the creek bed of trail 3 and through the boulder canyon of trail 9. While there were many many many steps to climb throughout the hike, it was well worth the view. The park itself had clean restrooms and a great picnic table area. Definetely worth a return trip to check out the tubing or camping options. read more

Turkey Run State Park - By boulder canyon - Parks Near Me - Marshall, Indiana

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Want to hike, canoe, go for a run, ride a bike, or any other similar activities then Turkey State Run is a good go to. It's not to far away from Indianapolis so it can make for a short get away with family, friends, or simply somewhere to go by yourself. Staying at the Inn is good, minus the construction, other than that you can have a good time. I challenge you to see the punch bowl and make it through at least one of the hiking courses. read more

Turkey Run State Park - The Cuban Sandwich with fries - Parks Near Me - Marshall, Indiana

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I love me some Turkey Run! PROS: -Awesome trails and hiking -Awesome wooded campground. (For the most wooded and private lots, choose a site in the "Shady Lane" section. #170 and 169 are great) -Horseback riding in the state park. As you enter the park, it is on the right side. -Canoeing and rafting down Sugar Creek is so much fun! CONS: -Super crowded on the weekends -Not much else to see in the area (it's kind of in the middle of no where) Tips: -Skip the camels back on the trail. It's nothing to see. -Best sites to camp at: #169, #200, #197, #195 -Check out the little tropical grill just West of the park down State Road 47 and grab a burger. Cute place and they usually have a live band. -Bring a map when you go hiking, it's easy to get lost -Go to sunset point as the sun is starting to set for a beautiful view. -If camping isn't your thing, they have a little hotel on the state park grounds. I haven't stayed there but it looks nice. read more

Even if I were slightly disappointed to not spot gobbling turkeys sprinting for life in front of us, I absolutely loved this park. Hurray for Indiana! Go to bed Starved Rock! (I mean, let's face it; while I appreciate every park for its own sake, hiking in Starved Rock is more along the lines of a leisure walk in the park than strenuous exercise....not what I am looking for. Tip: head to Matheson State Park just next door. So. Much. Fun.) Our group had a great time exploring some of its highlights last weekend, and the trip is well-worth it (especially combined with some water-based activities the next day like tubing or canoeing). In a nutshell: - $5 admission fee per vehicle ($7 if you are out of state) - multiple picnic areas, including some with shelters that you can reserve online - a dozen trails rated by difficulty (the longest one is 3 miles) going through forest, ravines and gorges - a kickass suspended bridge - Sugar Creek running in the middle, with canoeing and fishing availabilities - an Olympic swimming pool open in the summer - horseback riding - a beautiful inn with all the amenities you wish for - clean bathrooms read more

Turkey Run is THE most beautiful park in Indiana. It's got great hiking trails. We went on a canoe trip on Sugar Creek that passes through the park. It was wonderful. But beware--I made an online reservation with Clements Canoes (they give you a $5 discount if you reserve ahead of time). But, as I soon found out, they do this so that when you get there and you see that they charge twice as much as the other canoe outfitters, you can't change your mind. I would avoid them. read more

The HIKING is good. Go for the hiking. Its easy, fun and beautiful. A real oasis for hiking. I would not be looking to their lodge for anything other than a utilitarian place to stay that is kind o dated. The food in the cafeteria is really mediocre too. Everyone who works there is very nice. read more

My idea of going on a weekend getaway usually does not involve going to the state of Indiana, but I was pleasantly surprised by Turkey Run. My friends and I decided to go tubing down here and made of weekend out of it. We camped nearby and did some hiking and then the next day, we went tubing down the Sugar Creek River. The hiking is awesome especially the Punchbowl and I enjoyed the suspension bridge. The trails offer gorgeous views of Sugar Creek and waterfalls. I do recommend wearing waterproof shoes since some of the trails do go through some creek beds. Looking forward to coming back here next year - Only a 3 hour drive away from Chicago! read more