- Fort Harrison State Park Alerts (0)
- None at this time.
- Description
Fort Harrison is a state park for many seasons for many reasons. Patrons may enjoy visiting the park year-round, especially in winter since Fort Harrison features one of the biggest sledding hills in the area. Spring is the season to walk with the woodland wildflowers in full bloom across the park. Summer is the perfect time for a canoe trip down Fall Creek, the major water feature that runs through the north side of Fort Harrison. Autumn brings warm, sunny days and breathtaking fall colors to this, the last forested corner left in Marion County.
At Fort Harrison, landscape and history blend together in this unique setting on the northeast side of Indianapolis. The 1,700-acre park features walking and jogging trails, picnic sites, fishing access to Fall Creek, and two national historic districts. The former Citizen's Military Training Camp is preserved around the park office in what was once known as Camp Glenn.
Visitors may also want to stop at the park's Museum of 20th Century Warfare to view exhibits about the lives and history of the soldiers who once marched the grounds of old Fort Harrison. An oasis of green in an urban landscape, Fort Harrison is one of the hidden gems to be found in the state, just minutes from home for many visitors needing contact with nature.
- Activities
- Dog Park FAQs
- Recreation Buildings equipped with kitchenettes and restrooms (Recreation Building Reservations)
- Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Services
- Shelters (Shelter Reservations)
- Picnicking
- Hiking Trails / Multi-use Trail (paved)
- Bicycle Trail
- Fishing
- Saddle Barn - guided trail rides (317-541-1866)
- Ice Fishing
- Sledding hill and cross-country skiing
- Shelters (one shelter equipped with fireplace)
The Fort Golf Resort & Conference Center
- Harrison House Suites & 3 Historic Officer's Homes
- The Garrison Conference Facilities
- 5 Meeting Rooms
- Golf Course / 18 holes & Driving Range
Information
- Trails
Note: For trail locations, view the property map under the MAPS tab.
Harrison Trace Trail: EASY—3.2 miles. This is an asphalt-surface trail for walkers, bicyclists, and joggers. The trail begins at the Delaware Lake picnic area. After passing Delaware Lake, the trail follows the rolling upland above Fall Creek. Expect some hills. Much of the trail is tree-covered, and wildflowers grow next to it during spring and summer. This is the easiest route to Duck Pond. Parts of this trail are wheelchair accessible.
Fall Creek Trail: MODERATE—1 mile to Duck Pond. Start this trail at the northeast corner of the Delaware Lake picnic area. The trail follows the lowlands along Fall Creek, then heads uphill as it nears Duck Pond. Overall distance can be shortened or varied by taking one of three cutoff trails that connect to Harrison Trace Trail. Excellent for birding, fishing access, and wildflower and tree identification.
Camp Creek Trail: MODERATE—2 miles. This trail begins off Harrison Trace near the eastern banks of Delaware Lake, eventually passing Duck Pond. This trail passes by an old army rubble pile and contains many beautiful vistas from the bluffs of the Camp Creek valley.
Lawrence Creek Trail: DIFFICULT—4.2 miles. Start this loop trail at either the Lawrence Creek Trailhead or the Walnut Trailhead parking area on the west side of the park. The trail winds through upland woods and ravines. This is an excellent choice for observing fall color. Northern sections tend to remain wet all summer, providing a wonderful wildflower show. This is a single-track, hiking, and bicycling trail. Bikers yield to hikers.
Tree ID Trail: EASY—1 mile. This mowed trail follows the outer edge of Millennium Grove picnic area in Camp Glenn. Look for wooden posts with metal signs to help you identify each type of tree along the route.
Schoen Creek Trail: DIFFICULT—3 miles. Begin at the parking area east of the Millennium Grove Picnic Area road at Camp Glenn. This is a single-track, hiking and bicycling trail. Follow the mowed trail through wetland and prairie grasses.
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