It's definitely no secret that we here in the Hoosier State are a bit spoiled when it comes to amazing places to enjoy the outdoors. With 24 official state parks, one National Park, and countless nature preserves to pick from, it can almost be overwhelming to think about where to begin. Allow me to make a suggestion, then: have you ever heard of the Mengerson Nature Reserve? Somehow, many Hoosiers haven't... but they should, because goodness, is this ever a place filled with magic. Open year-round, this is one of the coolest things to do outdoors in Indiana - come out and enjoy, preferably sooner rather than later.

Welcome, one and all, to Mengerson Nature Reserve, a hidden gem nestled right in the center of suburbia.

You'll find it hiding between a cozy neighborhood and a shopping center... you know, where nature preserves belong (close and accessible).

Hiking through here, though, you'd never guess that you were so close to civilization.

Mengerson Nature Reserve is 47 gorgeous acres of natural beauty, gifted to the ACRES Land Trust back in the 1980s.

The land's been meticulously cared for ever since (and, honestly, even well before), and it shows.

This amazing little park is the perfect way to spend, say, a lunch break (should you work nearby). Surround yourself in mature forest and listen to the sounds of birds singing - it's peaceful to the soul.

The preserve is open (and gorgeous!) year-round, but my favorite times to show up are in early summer and mid-fall.

In early summer, the wildflowers abound. In autumn, the colors are utterly inspiring, and you'll be entirely immersed in them. What better way to bring on the season than that? I think nothing much.

Interestingly, this reserve plays an important part in the local ecosystem.

It absorbs stormwater runoff from the surrounding city, which creates small natural pools in which critters like salamanders and dragonflies can thrive. Be sure to wear good shoes if you plan to hike this one, because the preserve can get quite muddy at times.

The preserve is an amazing little respite from the real world; I strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the outdoors even a little.

For more information about this amazing nature preserve in Indiana, check out the official ACRES Land Trust website. Need a place to stay while you're in Fort Wayne? Check out all the coolest deals from our friends at Marriott Bonvoy.

If you find you can't get enough of Indiana's amazing outdoors (same), why not take a look at some of the most amazing waterfalls in Indiana?