Turkey Run State Park is one of my favorite Indiana State Parks and I can hardly tell you anything about it other than the fact that it has a wonderful creek for some great water recreation. Sugar Creek is perfect for my favorite summertime activity. We also recently discovered river tube floats in Noblesville too! Check out our list of all of the places to go on a river tube trip in Indiana.
River Floating on Inner Tubes
When I first moved to Indiana I started looking for a place that my friends and I could go on a river float. A float is simply where you float down a river. Typically you float the river using inner tubes. Lulu is still too young but I would recommend that older kids go. I’ve floated on Sugar Creek at Turkey Run with middle school and high school students and I’ve seen younger kids do it too.
Our group likes to stop to hunt around for fun stuff in the shallow areas – sunglasses, fossils, rocks. It’s a great place to go creek stomping. I’ve seen people fishing too! I recommend the tubes with a covered bottom to store trash, water bottles and avoid ripping your clothes if you drag in shallow water.
Inner Tubing with Kids at Sugar Creek
You’ll be the best judge for what is right for your family; sometimes the float can seem very long to a young child but if you select a shorter route (about 3 miles, that will help). Being exposed to the elements while you float might be too much for some kids (wear a LOT of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. A shirt might be a good idea too). I would recommend that no matter how old your child is, that they learn how to swim before you attempt this activity. I insist!
Renting Inner Tubes for a River Float
Sugar Valley Canoes (1467 E SR 47 Marshall, IN | 1.800.422.6638) offers a 3 ½ mile trip for $10 per person. This trip took 5 of us about an hour to an hour and a half (exactly what is expected). Trip times differ depending on the water level and if you stop to swim along the way. Departure times are from 9am – 3pm. Call ahead for reservations. This trip takes you through Turkey Run State Park.
Clements Canoes (765-435-2070) offers a 3-5 hour trip. Tube rental ranges from $20-25 and $25 for a cooler tube (this just floats your cooler, you still need to bring a cooler) + $5 refundable damage deposit. Call ahead for reservations and departure times. These tube trips take you through Shades Park.
What to Expect on a Tube Float
Your family will load up in a bus and be driven to a point on the creek where you’ll get off of the bus, collect your tubes and coolers and be left to get into the water. Later you’ll end up back at the tube rental place or be picked up by another bus and transported back to the rental location. Be sure you always call ahead. Sometimes river conditions and lack of water cause changes and cancellations. With the lack of rain, you will most likely find yourself getting out of the tube a few times and dragging it across VERY shallow water to deeper water in order to continue your float.
Have fun and be safe!
6 thoughts on “Float Sugar Creek at Turkey Run on Inner Tubes – 60 Miles from Indy”
Can u bring your own tubes??
I believe you can, but you’ll have to arrange your own transportation and locate launch and exit points. Good luck!
We want to take a group to float down on tubes but, one of my friends is 17 years old. The rest of the group is 18 can she still go if she is only 17 and her parents aren’t going?
I believe so, she will just need to have her parents fill out the form ahead of time. But please call the facility to confirm.
Are you open on Sundays for tube rentals? If so should I call to make reservations?
Hi Amanda, please contact the vendor directly. We are just sharing an article about our experience. 🙂