Discover Indiana’s “Grand Canyon of the Midwest”

Just a couple of hours from Chicago lies one of the Midwest’s most awe-inspiring natural treasures — Turkey Run State Park.

Known for its deep sandstone ravines, ancient forests, and winding trails along Sugar Creek, this park offers a spectacular escape into nature’s rugged beauty.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, photography opportunities, or a peaceful day surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading streams, Turkey Run delivers a breathtaking experience that feels worlds away from city life.

About Turkey Run State Park

Located near Marshall, Indiana, Turkey Run State Park was established in 1916 and remains one of Indiana’s most beloved outdoor destinations. The park’s striking canyons were formed over millions of years as glaciers and water carved through the soft sandstone, creating the dramatic ravines and gorges we see today.

Visitors can explore more than 14 miles of hiking trails that weave through these gorges, cross suspension bridges, and pass under ancient rock formations. Every season transforms the park’s scenery — spring brings waterfalls and wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery and creek crossings, fall paints the forest in fiery reds and golds, and winter reveals the raw beauty of ice and stone.

What to Do at Turkey Run

1. Explore the Trails

The park’s trail system is famous for its variety — from gentle walks to challenging scrambles.

Trail 3 is the park’s most popular and scenic route. It winds through sandstone gorges, passes waterfalls, and includes ladders and narrow rock passages.

Trail 9 offers panoramic views from the park’s highest bluffs.

Trail 6 is ideal for a quieter hike through old-growth forest and moss-covered ravines.

Make sure to wear sturdy shoes — the trails can be wet, steep, and slippery, but the reward is worth every step.

2. Cross the Suspension Bridge

Spanning Sugar Creek, the Turkey Run Suspension Bridge offers stunning views of the canyon below and connects the main park to several trailheads. It’s one of the park’s most photographed landmarks.

3. Paddle or Tube Sugar Creek

During the warmer months, visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, or tubes from local outfitters and float along Sugar Creek. You’ll glide between towering cliffs and under scenic bridges — one of the best ways to see the park’s hidden corners.

4. Visit the Nature Center

Stop by the Turkey Run Nature Center to learn about the park’s geology, wildlife, and history. Interactive exhibits make it a great stop for families before hitting the trails.

5. Stay Overnight

Extend your adventure with a night under the stars. The park offers campgrounds, cabins, and the historic Turkey Run Inn, which features cozy rooms, a restaurant, and an indoor pool.

Getting There from Chicago

Distance: Approximately 140 miles
Driving Time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours

Directions:

1. Take I-90 East out of Chicago.
2. Merge onto I-65 South toward Indianapolis.
3. Take Exit 205 for US-231 South toward Crawfordsville.
4. Follow signs for IN-47 South, which leads directly to Turkey Run State Park.

Address:
Turkey Run State Park
8121 Park Road
Marshall, IN 47859

What to Know Before You Go

• Park Hours: Open daily, year-round (hours vary by season).
• Entrance Fee: $7 per in-state vehicle / $9 for out-of-state vehicles.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for hiking, kayaking, and photography.
• What to Bring: Hiking boots, camera, snacks, water, and a change of clothes if you plan to wade through creeks.
• Accessibility: Many overlooks and picnic areas are accessible, though most trails are rugged and uneven.

Why You’ll Love It

Turkey Run is more than a park — it’s a living time capsule of geological history and natural wonder. Towering cliffs, shaded trails, and the sound of rushing water make it feel like a different world hidden in the heart of the Midwest.

Whether you’re a hiker, kayaker, photographer, or simply a lover of the outdoors, Turkey Run State Park is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.