Written by Audrey Walters
Nestled in Hancock County, southeast of Greenfield, lies Thornwood Nature Preserve and Nature Center. If you are looking for a relaxing place to hike and connect with nature, Thornwood is a perfect spot. This peaceful park provides opportunities for hiking, camping, bird watching, picnicking, and learning about central Indiana wildlife.
Thornwood Nature Preserve encompasses 40 acres, a generous donation from Herb and Judy Brown. The preserve opened to the public in 2016. There are seven trails ranging in difficulty from moderate to rugged, a campground and nature center (weekends only), three creeks, and a suspension bridge.
Hiking and Nature Trails at Thornwood Nature Preserve
The trails at Thornwood are natural trails. Three are ADA compliant at 7-8 feet in width, and the others are 1-3 feet wide. For more details, this website allows you to see the individual trail names, lengths, and amenities such as benches or a boardwalk. All of the trails are short (under half a mile each), but it is easy to combine a few routes to get a longer hike.
If you want to do some hiking before or after your visit to the nature center, everything is connected. Park at either the gravel lot to the north or the paved lot at the nature center and easily make your way to the trails. Near the trailhead is a map of the trails, with a short description of each. All trails begin just after the main creek and bridge. On our visit, we had a small group of young children aged two to seven, and they were thrilled to lead us on our adventure along the green trail.
Along the way we found several felled trees, perfect for climbing and exploring. We found multiple opportunities for exploring the creek, including shallow areas with a low grade, which we deemed “perfect for creekstomping.” There are wooden “bridges” (they aren’t up off the ground) along the first half of the trail. However, when the map says that this trail is muddy, it means it. We hiked in the spring, but not after a rain, and we had to navigate two areas of mud that were several inches deep. We wore old pants and good mud boots so we enjoyed the challenge, but toddlers will need assistance to cross the mud, and it would not be possible to use a stroller or wheelchair in that area (there are other trails more accessible to those with wheels).
Along the way, you will see blue posts providing quick educational opportunities. Our crew enjoyed learning about a tree and then trying to find the same species further along our walk.
Dive into Deeper Learning at the Nature Center
In 2024, the nature center opened, creating a hub for educational purposes and future programming. The nature center is seasonal and, beginning April 5, is open on Saturdays and Sundays through October 2025. We were able to visit the nature center and chat with Joe Whitfield, an Interpretive Naturalist who helps facilitate all the great things at the preserve. The address for the preserve is 1597 South Morristown Pike, Greenfield, 46140. The nature center sits a half mile south of that, at 1707 S. Morristown Pike.
The 60-by-14-foot trailer with an ADA accessible ramp in the front is covered in a wood-grain metal exterior that makes you think of a log cabin. When you go into the nature center, you can check out the taxidermy of Scotty the river otter, Beatrice the beaver, a wise old owl named Hootie, and more. You can see a variety of bird nests and the birds that built them. Additional literature, posters, and models are spread throughout the area, teaching visitors about the various trees and wildlife of Indiana. You can identify types of tracks or learn details about lightning bugs – Did you know there are SEVEN different kinds in Indiana?
If you choose to explore the children’s area, you can spend time digging in themed sensory bins or coloring. The little log seats and a colorful pond-themed rug make kids feel right at home. There’s an oak tree built into the corner, with an in-window bird feeder. Looking out that window, you can see bird feeders that Joe keeps full.
The Nature Center isn’t large, but it is well done and a great add-on activity for those spending some time outdoors at the preserve. The Nature Center will achieve the Greenfield Parks Department’s goal to grow its nature programming. Check the Facebook page or give them a call to find out what they have in store for programming. Some examples of upcoming events are night sky astronomy events, wildflower walks, and beekeeper talks. They also hope to do scavenger hunts, campouts, and opportunities to create nature-inspired projects.
Know Before You Go
One other note is that this facility does not have bathrooms. There is a porta potty on the preserve side, but there is no flushable toilet either on the trails or at the nature preserve.
Overall, we had a great visit to Thornwood Nature Preserve and declared it to be “a kids’ paradise”. We will be back during warmer weather to explore the creek beds and have a picnic at the campsite. The nature center will be open as well so we can make a full day of it.
Thornwood Nature Preserve is a great place to log some hours for your 1000 Hours Outside challenge!
Check out our top 30 places to play outside near Indy!
Address
1597 S Morristown Pike
Greenfield
IN
Visit Thornwood Preserve and Nature Center | A Kid’s Paradise