Indiana is one of the most beautiful states in the entire Ohio Valley where visitors can bask in the fall colors. Many different areas of the state offer unprecedented views of the fall foliage, making a road trip extremely tempting.
That doesn’t mean that you have to head out into the countryside to see the changing of the leaves, though. Some of Indiana’s largest cities have parks where you can enjoy the views, too.
Here are 8 of the best spots to visit in Indiana in the fall of 2023.
Wildcat Creek in Lafayette
Wildcat Creek is a tributary that flows into the Wabash River at Lafayette in north-central Indiana. The creek has three forks, and the north fork offers the best chances for scenic views of the fall colors.
Taking a canoe along the creek is a fun way to see the fall colors throughout the area. There are splendid silver maple, sycamore, cottonwood and other species of trees to view along Wildcat Creek.
Yellowwood State Forest near Bloomington
The Yellowwood State Forest is about a 30-minute drive to the east of Bloomington, in south-central Indiana. This is a beautiful state place where the name gives away what you’ll see in the fall — beautiful splashes of color as far as the eye can see.
The forest has multiple hiking trails to explore, three lakes, and primitive campsites for those who want to spend a weekend (or longer) there.
Eagle Creek State Park in Indianapolis
Located next to Lake Shelbyville in northwest Indianapolis, Eagle Creek State Park is one of the biggest municipal parks in the country. There are more than 11,100 acres to explore.
Multiple paved roads run through the park, which makes it an easy place to get out and explore the fall colors, and what’s more, there are plenty of designed hike trails.
Riverside Regional Park in Indianapolis
Riverside Regional Park is just five miles to the north of Downtown Indianapolis, so it’s another way to see the fall colors within the city.
The park is 862 acres in size with plenty of fall foliage sights. It’s one of the top outdoor recreation spots in Indianapolis, so expect to see a lot of other people out enjoying this park.
Indiana Dunes State Park
Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes State Park emerges as a prominent destination for tourists, particularly during October when the autumnal charm is at its peak.
The park’s allure lies in its unique vantage point, offering enchanting vistas of both the expansive lake and the resplendent fall foliage.
Meandering through the park are seven distinct hiking trails, catering to various levels of hikers, each presenting an opportunity to soak in the breathtaking scenery that defines this natural haven.
Potato Creek State Park near South Bend
Potato Creek State Park, situated just a short half-hour drive to the south of South Bend, Indiana, spans approximately 4,000 acres, providing ample forested terrain for embracing the splendor of autumn’s colorful foliage.
Beyond the woodlands, the park encompasses prairies and wetlands, offering an array of natural settings to explore. An extensive network of hiking and biking trails crisscrosses the park, inviting nature enthusiasts of all kinds to immerse themselves in the park’s picturesque landscapes.
For those keen on water activities, Potato Creek boasts a fishing pier and a public beach along the serene Worster Lake. Furthermore, a public campground is available for families seeking a weekend getaway amidst this natural haven.
Lieber State Recreation Area near Cloverdale
The Lieber State Recreation Area is just a few miles to the southwest of the town of Cloverdale. Cataract Falls is located here, and it is one of the largest waterfalls in the entire state.
Amenities at the recreation area include campgrounds, hiking trails, a volleyball court and a playground. The fall foliage is amazing here, and there is a boat access point at Cagles Mill Lake.
West Park in Carmel
West Park is located in Carmel, which is a pretty suburb to the north of Indianapolis. This popular city park has some great foliage to check out in the fall, and many fun activities for the whole family.
There’s a good chance of viewing some wildlife in West Park, including rabbits, frogs, ducks, and blue herons. Kids will enjoy the unique playground in the park and the prairie maze.