Turkey Run is one of Indiana’s true treasures for families. Whether your crew wants to splash, climb, explore, or just meander, there’s a trail here for every age and energy level. Let them get muddy, take too many pictures on the bridge, and fall asleep in the car on the way home. That’s how you know you did it right when vacationing at Turkey Run State Park in Indiana.

If your crew is headed to Turkey Run, get ready for canyon scrambles, forest magic, and swinging bridges. This place is a Midwest treasure and one of our family’s favorite adventure spots. Here’s a roundup of the best things to do at Turkey Run, and a couple bonus nearby family activities you won’t want to miss- can we say ice cream! If you’re planning to camp at the state park, here is a full trip guide with tons of pictures, tips and local recommendations to help make your trip planning smooth.

Unmissable Activities at Turkey Run State Park

After spending a full week camping at Turkey Run State Park with our four kids, I can confidently say—it’s a must-visit gem in the Midwest! Whether we were hiking through mossy ravines, floating down Sugar Creek, or simply skipping rocks and playing at the park, every day was packed with adventure. If you're looking for the perfect family getaway full of nature, exploration, and outdoor fun, this guide will help you hit the highlights and make the most of your time at Turkey Run.

1. Visit the Nature Center

Visitor Center at Turkey Run State Park — Interactive Exhibits at the Visitor Center

The Turkey Run Nature Center is a fantastic first stop. Park rangers are incredibly helpful in recommending trail routes based on your group’s age and ability. There’s a short movie about the history of the park and the Lusk family, plus interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages. Throughout the week, they offer ranger-led programs like animal feedings, night hikes, and nature talks.

2. Skip Some Rocks & Hunt Fossils

Near the suspension bridge is a rocky, shallow beach that’s perfect for skipping stones and letting the kids wade in the water. We spent nearly an hour here one morning just tossing rocks and spotting fish. If you’ve got a rockhound in the family, keep an eye out—some of the best crinoid fossils in the region have been found between Turkey Run and Crawfordsville.

3. Hike the Trails (and Climb Some Ladders!)

Turkey Run State Park boasts over 14 miles of breathtaking trails that truly showcase Indiana’s wild beauty. Each trail offers something unique—from wooden ladders and cascading waterfalls to lush forest canopies, moss-covered rocks, sandstone cliffs, and winding staircases. In the summer, the forests light up in every shade of green imaginable—from lime and chartreuse to deep emerald and hunter green. It felt like walking through a hidden jungle!

Some of our family’s favorite hikes were combinations of Trail 3, Trail 1, Trail 2, Trail 4, Trail 9, and Trail 5. Along the way, you’ll come across highlights like the Suspension Bridge, Narrows Covered Bridge, Box Canyon, Gypsy Gulch, Rocky Hollow, the Punch Bowl, the iconic 140 Steps, Boulder Canyon, Falls Canyon—and yes, the adventurous ladders on Trail 3!

4. Cross the Suspension Bridge

This iconic bridge is one of the park’s most recognizable landmarks—and a little thrill in itself! It sways slightly as you walk and gives you a great view over Sugar Creek. Most trailheads begin right after you cross, so it’s a popular spot with families. Don’t be surprised if your kids want to run across it more than once!

5. Play at the Park & Playground

There’s plenty of open space to run, throw a frisbee, or kick around a soccer ball. The main playground has a large structure, and there are volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts nearby—perfect for getting those last wiggles out before dinner at the campsite.

6. Swim in the Olympic-Size Pool

Olympic Size Swimming Pool at turkey run state park — Olympic Size Swimming Pool

When it’s hot outside, the Olympic-sized pool is a perfect place to cool off. It features a diving board, handicap-accessible ramp, and even a splash pad-style playground area for younger swimmers. Lifeguards are on duty, and a snack bar is available during summer hours. When we visited in June, the pool was a bit cold since they don’t heat it, when we visited in June

Pool Admission: $3.00 per person
Open: Memorial Day through Labor Day

7. Ride Trails on Horseback

Not all trails require boots on the ground—how about some in the stirrups? The Saddle Barn offers 50-minute guided horseback rides through the park’s scenic forest trails for $20 per rider. Riders must be at least 8 years old, and you’ll need to bring cash or check (no cards here, it’s old-school fun!).

Have a younger kiddo? Pony rides are just $5, and parents can lead the horse. Prefer to relax? Hop on a weekend hayride instead. Call 765-597-2280 for reservations.

8. Grill or Pack a Picnic Lunch

Turkey Run has tons of scenic picnic areas scattered throughout the park. We especially loved the tables near the trailhead by the suspension bridge. If you're with a big group, there are pavilions you can reserve for more space and shade. Packing a picnic is a great way to break up your day between hikes and water fun.

9. Go Fishing

Sugar Creek is a great spot for casual family fishing. You’ll find sunfish, bass, bluegill, catfish, carp, and even gar. Just make sure to have a valid Indiana fishing license, and note that fishing is only allowed January–March and June–October.

10. Float Down Sugar Creek

Just 1/4 mile from the park entrance, Sugar Valley Canoe Trips offers tubes, canoes, and kayaks with several trip options ranging from 3 to 15 miles. We chose the 3-mile tubing route, and with lots of stops for snacks, rock collecting, swimming, and jumping off rock outcroppings, we stretched it into a 4-hour adventure.

Our kids loved spotting fish like gar, rock bass, and carp as we drifted past covered bridges, sandstone cliffs, and even our dog got to ride along in the canoe! Tubes come with open or closed bottoms, and you can request rope to float together. Just note—swimming and cliff jumping are technically prohibited, even if you might see others doing it.

Tip: Check the Sugar Valley Canoe Trips website for current water levels—they affect age limits and whether certain routes are open.

Cost: Varies by length and type of rental.

Tube Under Covered Bridges at Turkey Run State Park

11. Explore the Covered Bridges

Parke County is the covered bridge capital of the U.S., with 31 beautiful bridges dotting the area. You’ll cross several while hiking within the park (like the Narrows Covered Bridge), but if you’re up for a little scenic drive, grab a bridge map and make it a mini-road trip. If you're visiting in October, don’t miss the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival!

12. Savor a Sweet Treat

In Marshall, visit Up The Creek Boat-ique a vibrant, tiki bar style restaurant with a spacious outdoor seating area. Choose from pizza, quesadillas, sandwiches, ice-cream, and specialty drinks. Hang out with friends and family while playing ping pong or letting your littles play on eclectic boats-turned play area.

13. Camp Under the Stars

With over 200 campsites, including pull through sites, tent, RV options and even group sites there is something to fit everyone’s needs. The sites were spacious and shaded with a fire pit and picnic table. Refer to the DNR website for reservations. Want a full detailed guide of the campground, check out our thorough guide to camping at Turkey Run State Park.

Campsites include tent, RV or group sites

14. Movies or Go Carts

If the weather fails to cooperate the make the most of your time by catching a movie at the AMC Classic Crawfordsville 8 movie theater and enjoy the latest film and popcorn. (30 minute drive). Stop in at Cox Ford Recreation Park located just north of Turkey Run is a go-carts park.

15. Visit Shades State Park

Just 18 minutes from the entrance of Turkey Run, Shades State Park offers a quieter, more secluded alternative with similar scenic beauty. You can backpack in and camp along the river or set up your site and enjoy a kayak or canoe trip downstream, looping back to camp the next day. Shades features the same striking ravines, ladders, and scenic overlooks that make Turkey Run popular—just without the crowds. Within the park, you’ll also find Pine Hills Nature Preserve, known for its rugged terrain and natural beauty. Don’t miss other rewarding hikes like Devil’s Backbone and a variety of peaceful forest trails.

Final Thoughts

After a full week of camping and exploring at Turkey Run, we left with tons of memoires, tired legs, and pictures galore. I’m sure are kids will be talking about this trip for years to come. It’s one of those places where kids can just be kids—climbing rocks, getting muddy, and crashing into hammocks at the end of a long day. Whether you're a seasoned campers or first-timers looking for an unforgettable nature trip, Turkey Run State Park delivers in every way.

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