This Abandoned Racetrack In Indiana Is Being Reclaimed By Nature And It's Absolutely Gorgeous
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Courtney Johnston
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Indiana is known for racing, but the main racetrack at Speedway isn’t the only one worth viewing. In the small town of Bloomingdale, there is a former racetrack that has a pretty interesting and slightly catastrophic story. While this racetrack is now abandoned, nature has slowly reclaimed the property, making it one of the most stunning sights in the entire state.
Jungle Park Speedway is a historic former racetrack in Bloomingdale, Indiana. This racetrack opened in 1926 when automobiles and the sport of racing were still very much in development.
The track operated until 1960, when it shut down for grim reasons. It seems this racetrack was rather unsafe and seemed to beckon accidents. Jungle Park has a long line of horrific deaths, both spectators and drivers, and finally, the track closed its doors for good.
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While the park officially closed more than 50 years ago, nature has slowly been creeping in and taking over. The stunning and seemingly out of place stands built in the 1940s are surrounded by trees and natural life, offering a stunning view of the "jungle" that now resides within the park.
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You can still view the old racetrack in some parts of the wilderness, though you would never be able to tell what it once was (save for the stands). While the racetrack's structure is slowly decaying, the natural world within the grounds is truly breathtaking.
While the park has a deadly history, it was a means for several famous American drivers to get their start. In fact, eight of the seasoned drivers from the Jungle Park Speedway, including the highly celebrated Wilbur Shaw, who later won the Indy 500. While the accidental deaths are no doubt horrifying, this raceway was still a means of training and shaping some of our best drivers.
To celebrate this stunning park, reunions are thrown every few years, including one that occurred this past weekend. Indy cars are on display during this reunion, while the grounds can also be explored.
Jungle Park Speedway might be closed for business forever, but the beauty and heritage of this park continue to live on for many Hoosiers.
Did you know about this gorgeous, abandoned racetrack in Indiana? For more abandoned places, check out these 6 stunning places being reclaimed by nature.
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