Flowing Well Park | A Creek Stomper’s Paradise

Located in a residential area near 116th Street and Grey Road in Carmel is an unassuming little park that packs a punch when it comes to unique experiences. Flowing Well Park is beloved by locals as a destination for hiking, creek stomping, and…sourcing free, ready-to-drink spring water.

Flowing Well Park is named after a natural well that flows with about 15 gallons of water per minute. It was discovered in the 1800s and when you visit, you’ll run across family after family that comes to take advantage of the free water. Parents and children fill gallon and five-gallon bottles, and hikers fill their water bottles as they depart for a short hike in the park.

What To Do at Flowing Well Park

Flowing Well Park was the first in the Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation system of public parks. While families may overlook this natural resource in favor of bigger parks with modern playgrounds and athletic facilities, Flowing Well is well worth a visit. This park is easily one of the best places for creek stomping in Central Indiana and with all the natural beauty on the hiking trails, you won’t notice the lack of a playground!

Artesian Well

The parking lot at Flowing Well Park is fairly small and can fill up on hot summer days, as excited creek stompers begin to arrive. Parking is typically not an issue, but be aware of this and consider arriving early.

The artesian well will likely be your first stop when you visit the park. Even if you don’t have plans to fill a bottle for hiking or to take home, the beautiful gazebo structure over the well and the blooming gardens surrounding it will likely draw you in.

Fresh, cold, drinkable water gushes steadily from four open spouts on the well. The pipes are raised up enough from the grate in the base of the well to allow visitors to set large containers under the stream as they fill. Guests are encouraged not to play in the water or directly touch the spouts for sanitary reasons. Signage describes the history of the well and explains how it works.

After visiting the well, take advantage of the bathrooms. This amenity is a welcome, more recent addition to the park, which for years since its establishment in 1994 did not have restroom facilities. The new building is clean and offers two family restrooms. You’ll also find a traditional drinking fountain here.

Have a Picnic

Behind the restrooms, near the entrance to the hiking trails, is a large picnic shelter. Stop here to fuel up before you explore or take advantage of the shade after a hot day at the creek. There are several tables, trash cans, and a grill available for use.

Creek Stomping

For many locals, the main draw of Flowing Well Park is the creek. Cool Creek winds its way through the woods and the combination of easy access to the river banks and the large, rocky “beaches” make it ideal for a creek stomp. As soon as you head into the woods, go left towards the iron bridge crossing the creek. From here, you’ll quickly arrive at the best access points to the water.

The best thing about Flowing Well is that you can wade in for a minute or two, or spend the day. During the summer, you are almost guaranteed to find families and friends gathered on the rocks while kids happily explore, swim, and splash. Pack a picnic, bring a folding chair or blanket, and enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of a natural area that includes a vibrant, lively buzz reminiscent of a playground or splash pad. Kids tend to make friends with other waders while parents chat onshore.

While you won’t be building any sand castles, a few buckets and sturdy shovels are the perfect toys to bring along. Nets are also great for catching minnows and other small wildlife. While the banks of Cool Creek are mostly shady, you’ll want to slather on the sunscreen if your children will be splashing in the sun for very long.

Hiking

Looking for a quieter, more secluded experience in nature? Flowing Well Park also has a mile-long hiking trail to enjoy. Note that this trail is not paved, but it is also extremely flat and not strenuous. Throughout the park are interpretive signs giving insight into your natural surroundings. There is also a dedicated fishing site and a second iron bridge about midway through the park.

Spring is arguably the best season for exploring the nature trails at Flowing Well Park. Sometime in April or May each year, the woods explode with gorgeous wildflower blooms. The bluebells especially give a stand-out performance here and it’s well worth braving any trails left muddy after spring rains just for a glimpse of them.

More to Explore in Carmel

Carmel offers plenty of family-friendly events, activities, and attractions you don’t want to miss! Head to Midtown Carmel for delicious food and coffee, free movies and music on the Plaza, a playground, and a splash pad. The Museum of Miniature Houses continues to enchant children and adults alike, year after year. The Carmel Clay Public Library has one of the best play spaces around, perfect for indoor play on hot, cold, or rainy days. The glamourous Cake Bake Shop is straight out of a fairytale and perfect for celebrating special occasions.

Learn about the origins of chocolate at a Sochatti kids’ class.

Find all the best places to go creek stomping in Central Indiana!

Cool off at a free splash pad near you.

Address
5100 E 116th St
carmel
Indiana

Visit Flowing Well Park | A Creek Stomper’s Paradise

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