Written by Audrey Walters
Eagle Creek Park on Indy’s west side features more than 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of forest. Eagle Creek has a wide variety of facilities and programs, including two nature centers, a swimming beach, a marina, hiking trails, playgrounds, and much more!
The park opened in 1972 and now boasts over 1 million visitors a year. Eagle Creek Park is the 6th largest municipal park in the Nation and even encompasses two State Nature Preserves.
Are There Eagles at Eagle Creek Park?
Eagles? Yes! Bald eagles are often seen flying overhead, catching fish or waterfowl in Eagle Creek Reservoir, or perched in trees along the shoreline. Generally, there are one to four bald eagles in the area, although they head further south if the reservoir freezes solid in the winter. Good spots to watch for eagles include the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center, Marina, and anywhere you can get a wide view of the sky and shoreline along the reservoir.
Play at Eagle Creek Park
There is no shortage of fun at Eagle Creek Park. You’ll need more than a day to experience it all!
Eagle Creek Park Nature Centers
The Ornithology Center
The entrance at 71st Street, the North Entrance, is closest to the Ornithology Center and Lily Lake. The Ornithology Center is a unique nature center that focuses on the study of birds. The outdoor Carlsen Aviary is home to several Raptor Ambassadors: permanently injured, non-releasable birds of prey including hawks, vultures, falcons, and owls. Currently, you can see Matilda the Turkey Vulture flying in her new 40-foot flight cage, Obi the Barn Owl and Minerva the Great Horned Owl side-by-side, and Reddington the Red-tailed Hawk enjoying his new views.
Inside the building, you will find observation decks as well as displays and several hands-on kiosks to learn more about individual birds, their calls, and migration patterns. If you forgot your binoculars, they have some that you can borrow.
The Earth Discovery Center
The southern park entrance is directly off 56th Street. The beach, including the swimming area and the Earth Discovery Center, are located in the southern portion of the park. The Earth Discovery Center, an eco-friendly building, is a world-class nature center. With an emphasis on youth, the EDC seeks to enhance environmental education for all ages.
Inside the Center, you’ll find exhibits and information about native Indiana plants and animals, including aquariums with live native reptiles, fish, and amphibians, as well as taxidermy mounts, and replicas. Out back, there is a geothermal pond where pond critters live all year long.
The Center offers programs for all ages, year-round, including Preschool Storytime, nature hikes, summer camps, art shows, field trips, and the Indiana Master Naturalist Series. For a current list of Eagle Creek programs, please visit the Indy Parks page.
Picnic and Playground
There are several playgrounds located in different areas of the park – some have shelters nearby to accompany birthday parties, and there is even one by the beach. After you work up an appetite on the slides and swing set, you can enjoy some food at one of the 24 picnic sites, which are first-come, first-served.
Swimming, Boating, and Fishing
If you like to be on the water, check out the beach at Eagle Creek. Indy Parks staffs the lifeguards during the summer months, so be sure to check specific hours by contacting the parks department. Or consider a boat for a day of fun – canoes, kayaks, pontoon and row boats, paddle boats, and even paddle boards are available to rent down at the Marina. Personal boats up to 10 horsepower are permitted on the reservoir, but be aware that there is a 26-foot length restriction for boats and a small fee is required. Small canoes and kayaks can launch from the old boat ramp at the back of the Earth Discovery Center parking lot.
Eagle Creek Sailing Club is a private club that has an excellent youth sailing camp in the summer. North of the beach is the Indianapolis Rowing Center. They offer a variety of classes and programs for new and experienced adult (and collegiate) rowers, youth ages 13-18, as well as underprivileged youth and individuals with physical disabilities. The boathouse is open March-November, and classes typically run April-October.
Fishing is allowed in Eagle Creek Reservoir and Lilly Lake. Please visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for more information on obtaining a fishing license (needed for ages 17-64) and current fishing regulations. If you’re looking for prime fishing in central Indiana, head out to Eagle Creek and you’ll find crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, and channel catfish, among others!
Popular bank fishing spots include the Marina, the 42nd Street boat ramp, and the 56th Street causeway, as well as Lilly Lake and the waterfowl sanctuary. Because of boat size and motor restrictions, fishermen can expect calm water since speed boats or skiers aren’t allowed on the water. The Marina provides live bait, artificial lures, and fishing tackle.
Bark Park
Eagle Creek’s Bark Park is a place where owners and their canines can socialize and enjoy the company of others off-leash! The Gordon Gilmer dog park is located just east of the park, at 5855 N High School Rd. To participate, your dog must be equipped with a “Pooch Pass.” Pooch Passes consist of a tag for your dog and a gate access card for you. To purchase a Pooch Pass, you’ll need to bring your dog’s vaccination records to the park office.
Programming and Events
Eagle Creek has the most programming of any of the Indianapolis area parks, with activities happening all year round. Some of the programs are seasonal, such as summer camp and the summer concert series, but many happen in all weather, like nature hikes, animal encounters, and preschool story times. Both of the park’s nature centers offer environmental education field trips and private programming for schools, scouts, families, teachers, and other groups. Eagle Creek is a great way to spend time outdoors, regardless of your age or interest level.
Get Active at Eagle Creek Park
Hiking and Biking
There are about 10 miles of paths within Eagle Creek. There are a total of 17 trails within the park, mostly ranked easy, and four trails rated as moderate. There are no strenuous or hard trails. The trails range from very short at just 0.6 miles up to 7 miles.
If biking is your thing, you can bike into the park or bring your bike in via carrier. Or, you can try something new and rent an electric bike from Wheel Fun Rentals at the Marina. With a max speed of 20 mph and a range of 15-30 miles, you’ll be able to cruise more of the park for less sweat equity. Rental bikes are first come, first serve and the minimum age to ride is 16.
Winter sports
Eagle Creek is one of five places to cross-country ski in central Indiana. Indiana winters typically bring snow, which means if we get around four or so inches, you can leisurely ski through the park. Although there are no trails specifically designated for skiing, self-directed skiers may use a 2.5 and 3-mile trail that loops around the central east side of the park, which begins just before you turn left into the Earth Discovery Center off Walnut Point Road. Personal equipment is required as there are no rentals in the park.
Go Ape Treetop Adventure and Forest Escape
Thrill seekers can book excursions with Go Ape, located inside Eagle Creek Park, near the Earth Discovery Center. Adults and kids ages 10 and up can zip through the trees on the Treetop Adventure course, taking in views of the forest from up to 41 feet in the air. Your journey takes 2-3 hours to complete, as you’ll be navigating 40 different obstacles, including extra-long zip lines, Tarzan swings, and more.
The Forest Escape pits participants against a series of puzzles and challenges in order to cooperatively achieve a mission. If you’ve tried out indoor escape rooms, you’ll recognize this similar hour-long experience, but enjoy the unique natural setting! All ages can play, but the Forest Escape is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Eagle Creek Park Admission Fees
Park hours and admission are accurate at the time of publishing but subject to change. Please verify details directly with Eagle Creek Park.
Eagle Creek is the only park within the Indy Parks division that has a fee. If you choose to hike or bike in, the fee is only $1. Other rates apply for guests driving into the park:
Marion County Residents: $6
Non-Residents: $7
Buses: $15
For frequent visitors, there’s also an option to purchase a yearly pass, with special pricing for seniors and veterans.
Eagle Creek Park Hours
Eagle Creek Park is open year-round, approximately from dawn to dusk. Exact hours vary depending on the month:
December & January: 7 am – 6 pm
November and February: 7 am – 6:30 pm
October and March: 7 am – 7:30 pm
September and April: 7 am – 8:30 pm
May: 7 am – 9 pm
June – August: 7 am – 9:30 pm
If you love Eagle Creek, you should also visit Fort Harrison State Park!
Plan a relaxing day tubing down the White River.
Address
7840 W 56th St
Indianapolis
IN
46254
Visit Eagle Creek Park | Endless Adventures in Nature