Eagle Creek Beach

June and July are fast approaching, and that means swimming at Eagle Creek Beach! Highly trained Indy Parks lifeguards keep watch over the swimming beach during Indianapolis summers on Eagle Creek Reservoir, and if you haven’t visited, you’re missing out on some good fun.

The Beach includes a small sandy beach and a large, tree-filled shady area. The swimming area includes an enclosed portion of the water’s edge up to 5 feet deep. There’s even a separate, closed off children’s swimming area that goes up to 3 feet in depth.

For those hot summer days, the concession stand is a favorite stop. The concessions structure offers kayak and bike rentals, and has free US Coast Guard approved life vests for families to borrow. It would be a great place for a summer birthday party, too, since the large shelter is available to rent for $150.

Even if the water is too cool for swimming, don’t skip this part of the park. Play some beach volleyball, bring some sand toys and build a castle, or just sit and enjoy the sounds of the water (something Indianapolis families don’t get to do often.) 

During our visit, we explored the amazing playground and the three preschoolers I brought along could have stayed there all day. The updated playground equipment was interesting, clean, and well-maintained. It was well worth the $5 admission fee (for Marion County residents, $6 for out-of-county) but I recommend taking the plunge and purchasing a year long parks pass — with Eagle Creek and Fort Benjamin Harrison parks so close to the Indy metro area, you can explore the outdoors without spending too much or traveling too far.

Eagle Creek offers a wide variety of facilities to visit, so you’ll definitely get the most out of your gate admission. Visit the marina, go hiking, eat a picnic lunch under a picnic shelter, or visit one of the two nature centers (the Earth Discovery Center and the Ornithology Center.) The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. No matter your interests, you’ll enjoy this rich Indy area resource — don’t forget your sunscreen!