story by GLENDA WINDERS
With the most parks per capita in Indiana, Terre Haute provides plenty of active adventures.
Terre Haute is justifiably proud of its parks that offer great places to be outdoors and active, with everything from hiking and kayaking to pickleball and birdwatching on offer.
“Vigo County is known for its large number of exceptional parks, golf courses, and a trail system,” said Karen Dyer, executive director of the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau, “so much so that we’ve become known for having the most parks per capita in Indiana.”
Fowler Park, for example, is the location of the 25.9-acre Fowler Lake, which has a boat launch and a beach for swimming and is a popular spot for kayaking. Both it and a smaller lake are well stocked with a variety of fish —largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie — to welcome fishermen.
The park also has a campground where it’s possible to spend the night in a covered wagon, picnic shelters, playgrounds, basketball courts, and trails for walking and hiking. Especially interesting for outdoor history buffs is Pioneer Village, which consists of 20 log buildings, a log barn, a covered bridge, and a gristmill.
The village is frequently the site of events such as the Annual Pioneer Days, when visitors can experience the way Indiana pioneers lived during the 1800s-1840s. Events include children’s activities, live music, hands-on demonstrations, vendors, and food trucks.
Children’s activities and a blacksmithing class go on all year. Nearby Griffin Bike Park features 300 acres set aside exclusively for those who enjoy hard-core mountain biking.
A championship disc golf course will be coming to Fowler Park in 2026, and another one just opened last year at Prairie Creek Park. The most distinctive aspect here is a vibrant grove of old growth sugar maple trees, and each year a sugar camp harvests the sap for turning it into syrup.
Hawthorne Park and the JI Case Wetland Wildlife Refuge consist of 256.72 acres of land and a total water area of 68.6 acres that attract fisherman, kayakers, and migratory birds. From inside the park, a wildlife observation shelter that overlooks the refuge invites visitors to watch for the animals often seen here.
For walkers and hikers, one long, moderate, continuous trail winds in and around the grounds with numerous access points. The park adjoins a 13.4-acre lake and has a 1.8-acre pond, both stocked with a variety of fish and welcoming to fishermen. Also here are basketball and tennis courts, a softball field, playgrounds, outdoor exercise equipment, and plenty of shelters and tables for picnics. One unique feature is a labyrinth, adding a mindful walking option.
Birdwatchers will want to make their way to the Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area, which was set aside specifically for that purpose. This prairie, wetland, and bottomland forest area is home to whitetailed deer, wild turkeys, turtles, frogs, hawks, and other wildlife and frequently hosts raptors, songbirds, waterfowl, natural hiking trails through grasslands, forests, and lowland boardwalks.
Brittlebank Park is Terre Haute’s premier pickleball destination, with 12 courts along with a basketball court and new playground. Hikers, however, will prefer the Riley Spur Trail, a scenic 1.5-mile path connecting the town of Riley to the National Road Heritage Trail.
Perfect for walking, running, and biking, it offers a peaceful route through natural surroundings. The Clark-Lansdbaum Holly Arboretum, designed to educate the public about holly and provide a gift of beauty to the community, is at the 177- acre Deming Park. Also here are an 18-hole disc golf course, a public pool, and sport facilities that include basketball and tennis courts.
The Torner Center, between the Oakley Playground and the Spirit of Terre Haute Miniature Train, is the and wading birds. The area is part of Bicentennial Park, which also includes the Dewey Point Shelter and Trailhead as well as a brand-new football field.
Fishing is good here, and boats with electric trolling motors, canoes, and kayaks are welcome. It’s also possible to forage for mushrooms, berries, and nuts, but a permit is required for removing plants, animals, rocks, and fossils. Another good spot for birdwatching is Ruble Park, whose 822 scenic acres offer 11 miles of place to go for classes and camps. Among the most popular is the Deming Park Pottery Studio, which offers classes for all ages and skill levels.
The Wabash River adds an extra layer of fun in Terre Haute. Fairbanks Park, located on its banks, features sculptures, an amphitheater, a scenic trail, a playground, and easy river access. The park plays host to many events throughout the season, including the annual Banks of the Wabash Festival, which provides live music, midway rides, food vendors, crafters, and bingo games along with gospel music on Sunday.
“Each park has its own unique amenities,” Dyer said. “That means visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and beautiful outdoor settings from kayaking, eagle watching, and fishing to taking a pottery class or making a high jump on a bike into the lake. There’s so much to choose from!”
For more information visit: www.terrehaute.com
