Fort Harrison State Park | Indianapolis

Fort Harrison State Park, situated in Lawrence, Indiana, just northeast of Indianapolis, is a sprawling 1,700-acre natural and recreational haven developed on the grounds of the former Fort Benjamin Harrison military base. Established in 1996, the park seamlessly blends rich historical significance with diverse outdoor activities and modern facilities, serving as a major green space and cultural resource for the Indianapolis metropolitan area.

Historical Background

Originally a military installation, Fort Benjamin Harrison operated from 1903 until its closure in 1995. The land was transformed into Fort Harrison State Park to preserve its open space and provide recreational opportunities while honoring its military heritage. The park maintains several historical sites and artifacts from its past, creating a living tribute to the soldiers and events connected to the fort.

Natural Features and Landscape

The park’s landscape includes a mixture of rolling meadows, wetlands, woodlands, and streams that foster biodiversity and offer scenic beauty throughout all seasons. Native Indiana flora thrives here, including oak and hickory forests, prairie grasses, and wetland plants. This diversity supports a variety of wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, waterfowl, and songbirds, making it a popular spot for nature observation and photography.

Trails and Outdoor Recreation

Fort Harrison State Park features an extensive network of trails designed for hiking, biking, and horseback riding:

Harrison Trace Trail: A 3.2-mile paved loop that is accessible and ideal for walking, running, biking, and wheelchair use. This trail winds through woodlands and open spaces, offering gentle terrain and interpretive signage about the park’s natural and historical features.

Lawrence Creek Trail: This 4.2-mile loop trail is more rugged and varied in elevation, appealing to more adventurous hikers and mountain bikers. It follows Lawrence Creek and passes through wetlands and wooded areas, providing peaceful immersion in nature.

Schoen Creek Trail: A 3-mile single-track trail popular with mountain bikers and trail runners. It traverses prairies, wetlands, and forested sections, with some challenging terrain and scenic creek crossings.

The trail system is well-marked, maintained year-round, and offers a range of difficulty levels to accommodate casual walkers and serious outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Water Features and Fishing

The park encompasses several aquatic habitats including Delaware Lake, Fall Creek, and Lawrence Creek. These water bodies offer fishing opportunities for anglers:

Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and stocked trout during certain seasons.

Trout stocking occurs in Delaware Lake during March, enhancing cold-water fishing.

Fall stocking of catfish occurs as well.

Fishing requires an Indiana state fishing license and is regulated to ensure sustainability.

The waterways also contribute to the park’s scenic and ecological value, attracting waterfowl and supporting wetland ecosystems.

Winter Recreation

During winter, Fort Harrison State Park becomes a hub for cold-weather activities:

The park features one of the area’s tallest sledding hills, attracting families and children for snow play.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular on the trails once snow covers the ground, offering quiet solitude and exercise in a winter landscape.

These activities extend the park’s usability across seasons, promoting year-round outdoor engagement.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Museum of 20th Century Warfare: Located adjacent to the park’s visitor center, this museum offers exhibits on military history with a focus on Fort Benjamin Harrison’s role. The museum includes artifacts, displays about soldier life, and a detailed model of the USS Indianapolis. It serves as an educational resource about 20th-century American military history.

Camp Glenn: This former Citizen’s Military Training Camp area remains preserved and interpretable within the park. It highlights the historical training grounds that contributed to military preparedness during the early 20th century.

Amenities and Facilities

Fort Harrison Inn: The park includes a full-service inn offering a variety of accommodations such as standard rooms and suites. Some rooms feature fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, and meeting spaces, making it suitable for both leisure and business stays.

The Fort Golf Resort: Designed by renowned golf architect Pete Dye, this 18-hole championship golf course offers a challenging and scenic layout. It is complemented by the Garrison Conference Center, which hosts events, weddings, and corporate functions.

The Garrison Restaurant: Situated within the inn, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on Midwestern and seasonal cuisine, providing convenient dining options for visitors.

Dog Park: A 10-acre fenced area designed for off-leash dog exercise and socialization. It includes agility equipment, water stations, shaded areas, and a wooded adventure zone, accommodating dogs of various sizes and activity levels.

Playgrounds and Picnic Areas: The park features nature-themed playgrounds near picnic shelters equipped with tables, grills, and one shelter with a fireplace for cooler weather. These facilities are popular for family outings and group gatherings.

Visitor Services and Accessibility

Open daily with seasonal hours, generally from early morning until dusk.

Well-marked informational signage and maps available at park entrances and the visitor center.

Trails and some facilities designed to be accessible to visitors with mobility impairments.

The park hosts ranger-led programs, nature walks, and educational events to engage visitors of all ages.

Location and Contact

Address: 6000 North Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216

Phone: (317) 591-0904

Summary

Fort Harrison State Park is a multifaceted destination that combines a rich military history with expansive natural landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities. Its well-developed trail systems, fishing lakes, winter activities, and historical museums offer year-round appeal. Modern amenities like the golf course, inn, restaurant, and dog park complement the outdoor experiences, making it a versatile park suitable for families, outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a tranquil retreat near the urban center of Indianapolis. The park stands as a testament to thoughtful adaptive reuse of military land, preserving history while enhancing community wellness and engagement.