Posts in Recreation

Category: Recreation

A Guide to Birding in Hamilton County, Indiana

By Katie Utken on Dec 15, 2020

According to the American Audubon Society, there are more than 47 million birders in the United States. The observation of birds as a recreational activity has grown in popularity, and there are plenty of places to go birding in Indiana, including parks here in Hamilton County. “How do I start birding? What do I need? How do I identify birds? Where are the best places to bird near me?” To answer these questions and more, we talked to Amanda Smith, Superintendent of Natural Resources & Education and resident birder for the Hamilton County Parks & Recreation Department…

Best Places for a Winter Hike in Hamilton County, Indiana

By Katie Utken on Dec 15, 2020

There's a saying that goes, "There's no such thing as bad weather - only bad clothing." The temperatures may be below freezing, but that shouldn’t stop you from bundling up and getting outdoors in Indiana this winter. Put on your thickest socks and a few extra layers and take a winter hike outside. Here is a list of the best places to take a winter walk in Hamilton County, Indiana - just north of Indianapolis…

Best Places to Skate and Sled North of Indy

By Katie Utken on Oct 16, 2020

The telltale chill of winter is in the air, but that doesn't mean you should hibernate for the cold months. With freezing temperatures and fresh powder come opportunities to skate, sled and tube in a magical winter wonderland in Hamilton County, Indiana. Here is a list of indoor and outdoor ice…

Visit Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes this Winter

By Katie Utken on Oct 15, 2020

Hit the slopes this winter right here in Hamilton County, Indiana - just north of Indy. Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes is a snow tubing hill now open in Strawtown Koteewi Park in Noblesville, Indiana. Experience this thrilling outdoor winter adventure for yourself. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the hill…

How to Experience the Monon Trail This Fall

By John Thomas on Oct 13, 2020

With leaves changing from green to a broad spectrum of autumn hues, Indiana enters what many believe to be its most beautiful time of year. And while some leaf peepers plan long car rides to catch a glimpse of the changing seasons, Hamilton County, Indiana residents and visitors enjoy fall colors up close and at a slower pace by pedaling, jogging and strolling on the Monon Trail…

Five Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Hamilton County

By Katie Utken on Aug 27, 2020

Fall is the season of leaf peeping, the unofficial term used to describe travelers who seek out fall foliage to view and photograph. The leaves overhead will soon be ablaze in a stunning array of yellow, orange and red. Here's a list of places to view fall foliage in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and beyond - and fun family activities to enjoy along the way…

A Guide to Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, Indiana

By Katie Utken on Aug 25, 2020

Coxhall Gardens is a 125-acre park located on the west side of Carmel, Indiana at the northeast corner of 116th Street and Towne Road. You can’t miss the iconic twin 90-foot bell towers that welcome you at the entrances and chime each hour. Jesse and Beulah Cox donated this land to Hamilton County Parks and Recreation in 1999 with the intent “to be an oasis amidst a sea of homes.” Today, Coxhall Gardens is one of Carmel’s most popular and picturesque parks, with plenty of green space to spread out, flat paved trails ideal for walking and biking, a recreation lake and more…

A Camping Weekend Adventure in Hamilton County, Indiana

By Katie Utken on Jun 23, 2020

If you’re looking for a rugged but comfortable camping weekend in a tent or RV, look no further. Hamilton County, Indiana – just north of Indianapolis – has the perfect campground spot for a weekend getaway, with recreation amenities just steps away…

Explore These Hamilton County Nature Preserves

By John Thomas on Apr 09, 2020

The ground under your feet is a little mucky … but in that great, springtime way. All around you, trees and bushes and grasses are taking on a slightly green hue, almost an aura, as the natural world pushes to leave winter behind and start on something new. Overhead, a diverse collection of birds wing their way northward, settling in for a rest every now and then before continuing their trips to summer homes. Walk along the forest edge and, in the open spaces to your left, wildflowers are beginning to bloom, bringing bright colors to the landscape; to your right, you peek into the woods to see flashes of feathered grace moving from branch to branch, flashing vivid yellows, bright blues and other colors that have been missing from the landscape for months. You follow a path into the woods, wind around a few ancient tree trunks and find yourself at water’s edge, where sparkling ripples betray the scurrying departure of ducklings in quick pursuit of their cautious mother. And you’re doing all of this just a stone’s throw from some of the busiest thoroughfares in Hamilton County…

Where to Social Distance Outdoors in Hamilton County, Indiana

By Katie Utken on Apr 08, 2020

Get outside and enjoy fresh air at our local parks and trails! The CDC and Indiana State Department of Health recommend citizens practice physical distancing by maintaining six feet of personal space and avoid large congregations of people…

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