Drove to Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, IN, in July 2022. It's close to 128 miles, if you go via I-74 and takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes from Cincinnati. The ride or travel time varies depending on the routes you choose, taking 2 hours and 20 minutes and close to 137 miles, if you use I-275 West and I-74 Expressways. If you decide to take I-74 and I-65 North, it would take about 2 hours and 21 minutes, with the total distance being close to 138.5 miles. The park in itself is located in Parke County, Indiana.
Upon arrival, you would have to purchase a Daily Park Pass, which would cost you $7.00. There is free parking available. It's always a better idea to get there early rather than getting there by evening. You wouldn't get enough time to explore either the different trails, attractions, swimming or enjoy children's activities, besides all the other attractions.
There are a lot of scenic hiking trails. They are named in numeric fashion. Trail #3 is somewhat a bit more strenuous with a rugged terrain (1.7 miles) and could pose challenges depending on how fit you are? The ultimate reward which you would earn would still be priceless, given the beauty of nature, fresh air, and, of course, the adrenaline pumping through when you yearn for such adventures! There are quite a few rock formations, besides caves, streams, and even waterfalls. There are amazing sandstone ravines, dense forests, and the great scenic views along your way to the suspension bridge at Sugar Creek after you undergo a plunge of about 70 steps. You wouldn't be disappointed! There are campgrounds available. Places to stay include the popular Cabin Rentals, the Turkey Run Inn, the Indiana State Park Inns, and some hotel facilities available near the state park. Cabins have to be booked well in advance and could even be a year in advance, especially during holidays and any other special occasions. Another recreation that happens every year in October would be the Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County, IN.
The park also offers canoeing and kayaking opportunities. You could also fish. There are stopping areas on your trails to take breaks. It would be a good idea to carry your own water to keep yourselves well hydrated when it's really hot. Carrying snacks would also be a good idea, especially when you have children with you in your visiting groups. I am going to compensate for my loss of not being able to experience the hiking trails, earlier, probably sometime on my next trip. The address for Turkey Run State Park is 8121 E. Park Rd.,...
Read moreDecent campground. Not as excited about our campsite #20 though as it was flooded when we arrived and still had water/mud after multiple sunny/dry days. As long as you stayed on the asphalt it was fine, but the grassy area had standing water in it so not usable at all. They had a pool, horseback riding, canoeing, tubing activities for extra fees (make sure to reserve horses in advance if you want to do that activity). It was the only state campground we have stayed at that charged for getting into the campground in addition to the campground fees!? The biggest highlight for us was the hiking trails. Lots of amazing hiking trails which were fairly shaded and cool even on a hot summer days. The trails were marked well and maps can be picked up in front of the Nature Center before going on your hike. Some geocaches (mostly premium ones) along trails as well. Neat places to hike and see in the park. They have a free nature center with star show and various animals from the area. They do NOT allow bikes on any of the trails (understandable especially with some of rocky ledges on certain trails) however the ONLY way to bike to the trails from the campground is on a busy highway with several spots where the shoulder was eroded so can be a little bit dangerous. It's not a long bike ride but be careful. Also, no bike racks near the hiking trails. Wish they had a bike path thru the woods from the campground as it would be much safer for families. Shower / bathhouses were ok, only 2 showers of the 4 with privacy shower curtains in the shower house near us but appeared clean. Overall a great place to visit for our family, would definitely pick a different campsite but the trails and other fun activities made up for the...
Read moreBeautiful place! Stayed here for 2 nights from Ontario! Pros fridge AC hair dryer (water pressure in shower was good too) towels cable TV all included in rooms
To Know *Indoor pool is free to use and so, so, lovely - went in at 10am on a saturday and we had it all to ourselves. Olympic pool is across the parking lot (can walk but some may want to drive over) and costs $3 a person, we didn't use it as it is in full sun and it was hot but looked beautiful! *Gift shop is very cool! *Restaurant is meh and very pricey with the exchange rate BUT there is nothing near by - no delivery - Bring snacks! hiking trails near the Inn and Nature center - trail 3 is as beautiful as promised! - pics are of trail 3 only *bug spray for ticks is a must, didnt notice mosquitos but the slight smell of bug spray is everywhere so maybe thats why everyone working here is super friendly and helpful, housekeeping went out of their way to talk to us and make us feel welcome and gave us great tips for future visits :) $9 to park (not included in Inn fee, which I understand for day use, not as an already paying guest) small beds, I am 5'7 and my feet almost hung completely off the bed, anyone over 6ft should ask about bed options beds and pillows are sorta comfy, I like a firm mattress so it didnt bother me but I can see how it might others, my neck did not enjoy the pillows but there are a lot of them on each bed
Overall this is one of the most relaxing places I have ever been too. I am usually more of an ocean lover but Turkey Run State Park has this soothing quality and atmosphere. Definitley recommend bringing kids, there is so much to do here! Would visit again 4/5 stars, really...
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