Every so often while I’m looking for cool places to feature in articles about the Hoosier State, I come across ones that somehow I’ve never even heard of, let alone written about, and I get super excited because I get to bring a brand-new spot to your inbox you might not have known about, either. Today, let’s explore the jaw-dropping Dustin Nature Preserve (also known as the Dustin, Johnson & Whitehurst Nature Preserves, but for brevity’s sake, we’ll just call it “Dustin”), which is particularly alluring during autumn. It might even be one of the downright best places for peeping fall foliage in Indiana, and it’s so under the radar that it’s perfect!

Dustin Nature Preserve is made up of 85 acres taken care of by ACRES Land Trust.
Indiana Humanities/Flickr
Much of this preserve was once owned by Tom and Jane Dustin, who themselves went to great lengths to ensure future generations could enjoy the beauty of Indiana's outdoors.
During the warmer months, it's a lush, emerald-green paradise with plenty of shade and some truly beautiful trails.
Tom & Jane Dustin, Robert and Rosella C. Johnson, Whitehurst Nature Preserves/Google Local
But autumn, though, is when it REALLY comes alive.
Sometime in October, the entire preserve comes ablaze with incredible color.
Tom & Jane Dustin, Robert and Rosella C. Johnson, Whitehurst Nature Preserves/Google Local
It consists of upland, ravine, floodplain forest, and steep bluffs along the north bank of Cedar Creek. You'll find the golds, oranges and reds to be absolutely jaw-dropping.

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It's a beautiful, quiet little place that's perfect for gathering your thoughts...
Jean Terrell/Google Local
...or perhaps just getting lost for a while. Everyone else will be checking out our state parks for amazing fall color, but you can find it in small places like this one, too.
Honestly, I think it's better that way.
Dustin, Johnson & Whitehurst Nature Preserves - ACRES Land Trust/Facebook
I'm one of those folks who prefers to enjoy the natural world in solitude, so I'm always on the lookout for the next place to explore without worry of having to make a lot of small talk with anyone.
And the Dustin Nature Preserve is ideal for exactly this.
Dustin, Johnson & Whitehurst Nature Preserves - ACRES Land Trust/Facebook
As the trees and leaves change and summer transitions to winter, what better way to enjoy it than at a nice, quiet little place perfect for catching up with yourself?

I think none. To learn more about the Dustin Nature Preserve, check out this handy PDF provided by Indiana.gov. Find the perfect fall sweater on Etsy before you go; you won’t regret it!

Where are your all-time favorite places for fall color in Indiana? Let me know! I love learning about all your favorite nooks, crannies, and corners of the Hoosier State.

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Featured Addresses
Tom & Jane Dustin, Robert and Rosella C. Johnson, Whitehurst Nature Preserves, 1992 Chapman Rd, Huntertown, IN 46748, USA