The City of Indianapolis owns and operates Eagle Creek Park, one of the largest city parks in the country. It encompasses 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of land. The park is an excellent place to spend a day, hiking or fishing. It is also a popular spot for families and friends to meet. Click here to know more.
The Park’s History
Eagle Creek Park Indianapolis IN was created in 1972 as a way to control the flooding of Eagle Creek. Its original development involved federal and local funds, as well as construction of a dam and reservoir.
The Park is home to over 3,900 acres of forest and 1,300 acres of water, making it a popular destination for people looking for a place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Aside from its recreational facilities, the Park also protects some of Indiana’s natural habitats through conservation easements. These include the Eagle Crest Nature Preserve (240 acres) and Spring Pond Nature Preserve (43 acres). The Scott Starling Sanctuary is also located within the park’s boundaries.
The Blue Trail
If you’re looking for a trail run near Indianapolis, the Blue Trail is a great choice. This 3-mile loop meanders through the woods, encircles a bird sanctuary, and wraps around Eagle Creek Park’s reservoir.
This path is perfect for families and nature-loving runners alike. However, you should keep in mind that it can get muddy after a hard rain. More places to also visit by clicking here.
The Reservoir
With more than 3,000 acres of water and a network of hiking paths, picnic shelters, playgrounds, bark parks and skiing paths, Eagle Creek Park is a natural oasis for Indianapolis residents. Located just minutes from downtown, it’s a popular destination for family fun and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Reservoir provides a beautiful space for locals and visitors to enjoy activities like fishing, boating and sailing. The Reservoir also serves as a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including deer, pelicans and bald eagles.
A ten horsepower limit and 26-foot length restriction on motorboats on the reservoir help to protect wildlife while keeping the Reservoir a great place to relax. Anglers can catch several species of fish, such as catfish, largemouth bass, carp and white crappie.
The Beach
Swimming at the beach is a summer tradition for many Indianapolis residents. The Eagle Creek Reservoir’s calm waters and trained Indy Parks lifeguards make it a safe place for kids to play in the water.
For anglers, the reservoir’s calm waters are ideal for casting your line. Popular fishing spots include the Marina, 42nd Street boat ramp, 56th Street causeway and Lilly Lake.
The Marina also sells live bait, artificial lures and fishing tackle. Fishermen will find crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill and channel catfish on the waters.
Those who want to venture out on the water can rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, sailboats and pontoon boats from Eagle Creek Outfitters. Experienced swimmers will love Plunge Harbor, which features a slide, log roll, climbing wall and water trampoline.
Eagle Creek Golf Club
Eagle Creek Golf Club is a beautiful, challenging layout that attracts the attention of players of all abilities. Designed by Brian Huntley, this course winds through woods, water and valleys with bunkers protecting almost every green.
The course is a par 71 and has four sets of tees to challenge every golfer. It is a favorite of both locals and visitors alike.
The course has a mature look with eighteen holes of great variety, elevated holes, left and right doglegs, and risk/reward opportunities that result in a fun round of golf. The par 4 9th hole is particularly interesting with a fairway that hugs a freshwater pond with a narrow green behind it. The 18th is an incredible par 5 that wraps around a sixteen acre lake and is a favorite of many. Click here for the next blog post.
Driving directions from Indy Roof Rangers to Eagle Creek Park
Driving directions from Eagle Creek Park to Washington Township Park