Turkey Run State Park

This place was great! I planned out a day trip for my friends and I to drive to Turkey Run to hike and hangout. We only got to be there for a short time because one of my friends had to go but it was awesome while we were there. We went on a hike and got to cross the bridge. The sights were awesome and I saw plenty of things I wanted to do when I got to go back. Next time I will definitely leave earlier to have more time there. I will also bring a bathing suit and a lot of water. I was only here a short time but I had so much fun and I will be back soon!

Beautiful Park and great hiking for families. Lots of places to get in the water and cool off.

This park is absolutely beautiful. There is a lot to do but I’m sure it’s most known for its trails, they are excellent and can end up taking you more than a day to conquer them all. There is also a nature center, a hotel and buffet, horseback riding, canoeing/​kayaking and tubing, miniature golf, an outdoor tiki bar, vintage shoppes, a really Nice public pool, go karts and more in the area! The area is set up so that you can camp and spend days entertained. The park itself is very well kept and clean. It’s also busy and fun to meet new people and their furry friends. You won’t find better scenery anywhere in Indiana, but people come further distances to come here.

This is an amazing park! We went during the off-​season and it wasn’t very busy. I suspect during the summer months it gets a lot of hiking traffic. Keep that in mind when planning, but don’t let it detour you from visiting. Another thing to keep in mind is that it is a possibility that your feet could get wet. Again – don’t let it detour you, just plan for it. Aside from those planning aspects, this park has magnificent hiking. In addition, the photo opportunities are endless. The campground is separate from the hiking areas – but just minutes down the road. Again, we were there during off-​season, so we had an entire section to ourselves which was really great. The park was well maintained and the tent sites are nicely wooded.

Great park with a wide range of terrain, from challenging canyon hikes to laid back wooded strolls.

This review addresses mainly the camp grounds as there are plenty of reviews that have already praised the lovely hiking, which I recommend.
The camping, on the other hand, was not ideal. First, this is one of the most expensive camp sites I’ve ever been to. It cost $ 39 for one night of tent camping. I usually see rates from $ 9 – 16, so I was unpleasantly shocked by this price tag. Part of their justification for this price is that all sites are electric and capable to host RVs. There should be two price points — one for the RVs that suck up tons of electricity and space while making extra waste, and another for the tent campers who just want to sit around their camp fire and lay down their sleeping bags. There are a few rest rooms with clean flush toilets and hot water sinks/​showers, and there are plenty of water spigots throughout the campgrounds, so all of those are easily available. There are also a few play grounds for kids and the camp sites are easily accessible and laid out well.
The second issue I had with our experience is that the camp ground is extremely poorly managed. When I arrived, the DNR employee told me to just go ahead through without paying or registering. Find a campsite and return to tell her which one we picked. Ok, sounds fair enough. We found our site, put up our tent, and got our goods organized. On our way our to go hiking, we paid and registered our site. 6 hours later we returned and not only was another family setting up at our campsite, they were actually inside our tent! I’ve never experienced anything like this! Shame on this family for violating our belongings, but double shame on the DNR manager who double booked the site and told the second group they could have our spot after we had already paid for it and set up! We were so disgusted by this we packed up and moved all the way to the other side of the camp grounds because we didn’t want to be anywhere near this untrustworthy group. When I returned to the registration desk, I had to wait 30 minutes because there is only one employee, and he was on break. When he finally returned, he gave me a new ticket, but didn’t apologize, explain the mistake, or offer to talk to the group who had commandeered our spot.
So, if you are hoping to camp here, I have two tips for you: 1 — make sure you are ready for a hefty price tag and 2 — maybe don’t leave your camping gear unattended since there’s no way of knowing what to expect when you return.

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 is 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.

Turkey Run State Park is the best state park in Indiana! The hiking trails are very unique along with the geologic formations — cliffs, hollows, and giant boulders. I would not recommend taking children under 8 or 9 here, due to the steep drop offs in some places and climbing ladders and scrambling up and over rocks on some trails. Also, if you are bringing your dog along, I would not recommend ladders, punch bowl or boulder field trails. If you cross the suspension bridge then you can access 75% of the trails, including all of the especially cool trails. There is a nice flat trail on the close side of the park that you can take to a covered bridge for a great photo op — also a good trail for dogs. Be aware that this park can be very muddy when it rains — I would recommend hiking in boots and not tennis shoes.

I absolutely LOVE this park! The weather is key so be sure to check the forecast! I went with friends for a hiking adventure with our dogs! Great trails, great views, and parking isn’t terrible! What more could you ask for?!
I would recommend bringing a lot of water & snacks, wearing tennis shoes, a change of socks (or water shoes). Also, be sure to get a map and prepare a route. We got «lost» but it was so much fun finding our way back!
Definitely a great place for a family trip or day trip with friends. Also, there is a restaurant that has pretty good food!!!

Turkey Run is one of the best parks ever. I have visited this park many times since high school. I lived in the center of IL and traveled a long ways to get there, and it is always worth it. Easy trails for the old woman that I am now and challenging trails for the stronger hikers and climbers. My best visit was the chilly, drizzly day that I took my college aged sons on a canoe ride. We each had our own canoe. On one cliff lined stretch, we were just floating in silence and I heard my son, the computer geek, softly say, «awesome». Both sons fell in love with the outdoors and nature on that trip. I was so happy for that. To this day, they feel that way! Visit this park for one of your best days ever just walking the trails.

My wife and I hiked trail 3, and the views were beautiful. It was described as «very rugged,» which it was. A good majority of this particular trail followed a creek bed, so bring some water-​proof boots with a good grip.
The only thing I wasn’t fond of was the crowd, most of which were friendly, but it makes the hike that much more difficult. Not to mention everybody likes to stand there and watch when others are attempting the more difficult parts of the trail — basically they’re waiting/​wanting you to fall in the water.
I should also mention, the ladders aren’t for the faint of heart, or if you have a fear of heights. Even if you don’t, in fact, they’re still pretty intimidating. Again, everyone watches (and there’s a nice impatient crowd waiting). You put your hands in the mud from the previous person’s boots, and they’re generally kinda slippery. Fortunately they aren’t very steep though.
Hope to go back soon and check out some of the other trails. If you’re into nature, this is a good place to check out!

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!

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.

Like a Lewis and Clark adventure, we packed up our SUV with a tent, air mattress, a few blankets, chopped up some vegetables, and seasoned some pork chops and headed to a mini day, one night trip. The drive was from Indianapolis since we were staying there for a few days, we decided to camp our last night in Indiana on our way back to Chicago. Since we were there on a Wednesday, it was pretty easy getting a camp site and after we set up our tents, we headed for a hiking adventure.
We some home started on path 1 and ended up in path 3 which also connects to path 10. Since the paths do not go past 2 miles, we didn’t really think to look at how rugged or difficult each path may be but 3 was definitely on the more rugged side. Ladders and creeks to go through, downwards down limestone hills, and a directionally challenged me trying to find my way out was definitely an adventure. We truly enjoyed Turkey Run and will definitely do it again soon. Oh. The raccoons at tonight sounded like masked criminals trying to get their fill like a lot of the scary movies I’ve watched so be sure to put your food in hot car and trash in the bins before going to bed. I think I heard one of the raccoons choke on a piece of plastic wrap we had on the table. Also, make sure to have a lantern. It’s super super dark.

So glad we made a point to visit here. So much scenery in such a small area.
You will want water proof shoes. I’ve seen many people with rafting sandals on. With so many rocks to climb over and stumps to trip over, I don’t know if I’d do that.
There are 11 trails. All but number 11 have water you will have to step across or in. The water isn’t deep, usually less than a couple of inches. Also there’s usually some mud, so its nice to have waterproof shoes so you can just stand in the creek to wash them off. The «new» covered toe sports sandals are perfect for this trip.
We’ve hiked trails 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 9. We liked 3 and 9 the best. They are also the most rugged. climbing up and down rocks in ravines and going up or down wooden ladders. However these are the two most spectacular trails. The walls of the canyons were gorgeous. At a couple of points you’re climbing over boulders in the stream bed and thinking, this is a trail? But then you see a numbered sign post (sometimes buried in a bush or tall undergrowth) and yep, its a trail. Trail 9 has some virgin wood. (there’s another trail which also has virgin wood but the number escapes me.)
I saw some people had worn their bathing suits and were taking a dip in the punch bowl (intersection of trail 3 & 4) to cool off. Boy I wish I had known! I was sticky and it sure looked good
Regarding trail 5 aka 140 steps, you might consider hitting that from the west going east. That way you’re going DOWN the 140 steps. Then you’re in a stream bed going down hill which is a bit easier.
The John Lusk house is locked up unless there’s a short program put on by the parks department on some days at 3 pm. (trail 4)
All in all this has to be the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever seen in a state park.

I’m at 3 and a half stars here. not quite four. Turkey Run is a three hour drive for us and a park that a few people have told me was totally amazing. So it’s been on my wishlist for a few years. Checked it off that list today. 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 the path on the trails I specifically wanted to hike, 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’s squeezed 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 out time at Turkey Run. It has some unique features and I would have liked to see more of the park. Considering the 3hr drive I don’t know that I’ll be back. This place has nothing on Matthiessen and Starved Rock, which are much closer to home.
Happy hiking.

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.

Absolutely amazing state park. About 20 miles of well marked trails that proceed through some very impressive landscape – not just impressive for Indiana, impressive for anywhere. There is a pretty cool hotel or you can go camping at one of the campsites. I’m not sure about the restaurant in the hotel.
In any event, none of the trails are particularly hard in a technical sense – a few of them require you to use ladders (which are big wooden deals like they used to have at playgrounds) and a few require you to walk in the creek bed (so bring extra shoes and socks). The rock formations look primeval – and surrounded as they are by some of the oldest forest in the state, you feel as if you’ve stepped into a time machine. Also, good wildlife – there are some bald eagles nesting nearby that can be seen.

Turkey Run holds a special, nostalgic place in my heart. I went year after year for family day hikes/​picnics, field trips, and trail cleanups. I hadn’t been back for at least 10 years, and on my last visit couldn’t believe that it more than lived up to my memory of it.
This is one of the most impeccably maintained parks I’ve ever been to, with trails that walk a perfect line between natural and user-​friendly. There are more ‘built’ trails that work perfectly for kids, and rougher terrain that will satisfy most bushwhackers.
I’m so glad that the state has continued to support Turkey Run so that people can keep on enjoying it. Do your part to keep the trail clean and healthy: carry out your trash and do your best not to damage the beautiful plant life!

When I want to play Thoreau for a day, I pack up the car and head an hour and a half west of Indy to Turkey Run State Park. There’s honestly never a bad time to see this beautiful park. A few of my favorite memories include staying at the charming Inn (which has an indoor pool) for less than $ 70/​night — restaurant with buffet located inside. It’s a simple State Park Inn, but quite frankly that’s how I like my accommodations — low on cost and frills and high on cleanliness. I’ve also enjoyed the park for tubing and drinking with friends down the river as well as strapping on my hiking boots and packing a picnic for a hike through the gorgeous canyons. I agree with Jeremy S, some of the canyons beautifully resemble the slot canyons of southern Utah.
If you’re like me and enjoy hiking to landing spots along streams or waterfalls, there are several opportunities to find quiet spots to sit and soak it all in. On our last visit, we packed a blanket and laid out on the rocks along the stream — great sun and people watching to be found.
My heart says a beaming five stars, but recent experience with their new «trash rules» has me docking off the fifth star. There was literally trash everywhere as a result of their new «no trash can» policy. I get what they are trying to achieve but in the end fear people will continue to set their trash down wherever seems convenient. Why not compromise for some solar trash compactors?
*note: the suspension bridge is currently out do to flooding in April 2013.