This Indianapolis Nature Sanctuary Makes for the Perfect Indy Day Trip

Hidden away at the north end of the Eagle Creek Reservoir is a special place that most Hoosiers don't even know exists. This stunning nature sanctuary in Indiana is a favorite spot among those who do know about it, though—and I suspect you, will love it, too. It's definitely worthy of a day trip, so the next time you're looking for things to do in Indiana, remember this place. Welcome to the Starling Nature Sanctuary, located on the northern edge of Eagle Creek Reservoir within Eagle Creek Park.

To say it's beautiful is a bit of an understatement. All 11 acres of this magical place seem wild and exotic, and it truly feels like you're in the middle of nowhere... but you're not. After all, Indy is just minutes away from this spot; however, looking around, you'd probably never guess the city is so close.

Local scientists, students, and residents have high hopes for this amazing place, working with an intent to restore the wetlands to the state in which it once was found. This land was originally settled in the mid-1800s. Farmers drained the wetlands and vastly changed the landscape - changes that would last well over a century. But now, these incredible acres have another chance to come bouncing back, and we get to witness it. It'll be a slow process, but one worth the wait.

In the meantime, though, we still get to visit, which is a treat. There are many things to do and ways to spend an entire afternoon while you're here. You can hike on one—or all—of the several onsite trails, look for the sanctuary's unique plant and wildlife, and daydream about future adventures.

The trails here are generally easy and quite scenic. I recommend you wear good, sturdy shoes, though, as this preserve can get muddy following rainfall, especially in the spring and after a soaking rain.

The trails are open year-round, and you can even bring your pup as long as you keep them on a leash. This is truly a gem of a place to visit where you can appreciate the outdoors, even if you live in the heart of the city. I promise that you will find a reason to come back for every season for a visit.

Autumn brings incredible explosions of color. Although winter might bring barren trees and sleeping flora, the way everything looks when covered in a layer of snow is seriously charming.

In the spring and summer, wildflowers abound, and the water of the reservoir flows languidly, adding a peaceful backdrop to all of your hiking adventures in the sanctuary. At times, you may even see beavers hard at work, building dams and lodges, reshaping the environment to their own liking.

At least 70 percent of this incredible natural site will be restored to its historic wetland state someday. Personally, I am thrilled that we'll get to watch the sanctuary evolve gradually back to its historic state. Something about witnessing such growth and evolution gives one a sense of hope. Have you visited the Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary at Eagle Creek Park in Indiana? If not, you absolutely should: I'm confident you'll love it here.

For more information about the project, visit the Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary page on the Indiana University website. Visiting this incredible nature sanctuary in Indiana is a treat for nature lovers of any age, so bring along the family. If you're planning to hike when you visit, be sure to bring AllTrails Plus on your phone—it's quite handy for route maps and trail navigation.