McCormick's Creek State Park — Attraction in Bloomington

Awesome place to spend an idyllic summer's day. We took Trail 3, which leads to the waterfall and then back to the Inn. When we visited, some of the other trails were closed, so you may want to call ahead if there is something other than the waterfall you want to see. We asked for a brochure and found the staff at the gate to be friendly, and we had no trouble following the park signage to where we wanted to go.

I found the forest understory surprisingly open, with mature trees and great visibility. The creek bed was broader and the waterfall taller than I thought it would be from the pictures we had viewed before visiting.

In the gorge we saw darters, fresh water clam shells, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies and antlions. We had great fun exploring and found a narrow path along the cliff of the wall opposite across the base of the stairs, where we found antlion dens in the fine limestone silt. Near the waterfall, I found a cluster of fossils spanning maybe 9 inches across that might have been a kind of coral.

For mobility impaired hikers, if you are able to manage short flights of stairs separated by wide landings, then the portion of the trail that winds through the forest should be passable. Each flight has a sturdy railing and the footing is gravel terraced by thick timbers. The portion of trail that leads down to the waterfall consists of a winding cement stairway that ends at a cement pad where the waterfall may be viewed from a short distance. The pad is surrounded by riverbed rocks and this may be a concern to persons with mobility or balance issues. Also, there is a bench to rest at near the top of the stairs that has views of the gorge and surrounding forest.

We had a great amount of fun and will...

We've been making our way through the various Indiana State Parks and this has been one of my favorites! We only hit trail 3, which is classified as rugged due to the fact that you will end up in the creek if you take the long route which takes you upstream. Lots of walking on and around rocks, both wet and dry. Great smaller falls all around, so take your time. The creek was clear and allowed us to see fish, dead crawfish (so I presume live ones too), find shells, and even baby river otters! The canyon cliff to one side creates an almost Zion feel, albeit on a smaller scale. Think The Narrows, but it's baby cousin. We also found a small waterfall coming out of the top of the cliffs.

Once you rejoin trail 3, a short walk takes you to see the falls. There is a set of stairs to take you back to the creek. By hugging either side of the cliffs, you can make it right to the falls. Be very careful here! The rocks are smooth and incredibly slick. I used both of my hiking poles to assist, and I nearly fell just standing. It's especially slick on the rocks at the falls. It can be done safely.

Canyon Inn is also a cool historic building that started as a spa/sanitarium in the early 1900's. We got dinner at the restaurant at the Canyon Inn. Food was solid and the server was great.

Lots to see and do. Definitely on the top 5 of my favorite Indiana State...

Review of McCormick’s Creek State Park & Family Cabins – Honest Family Stay

We recently stayed at McCormick’s Creek State Park in one of their family cabins, and overall, it was a great experience for a nature-focused getaway.

The park itself has a lot to offer for families — beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and even a swimming pool (note: there’s a small fee of $3 per person). The scenery is lovely, and there are plenty of activities to keep kids and adults entertained for a few days.

The family cabins are cozy and functional, offering the kind of rustic charm you’d expect from state park lodging. Don’t expect luxury, but they’re comfortable enough for a short stay. The AC worked well, which was a relief during the warmer days.

As for the sleeping arrangements, they are fairly basic — think bunk beds and firm mattresses, exactly what you’d anticipate in this kind of setup. We did come across a few ants and spiders, but that’s not unusual given the wooded surroundings and cabin style. It’s a part of the experience if you’re staying close to nature.

All in all, McCormick’s Creek is a solid option for families looking to spend time outdoors without straying too far from basic comforts. Just come with the right expectations — and maybe a can of bug spray — and you’ll enjoy a fun,...