Karst Farm Park
A sprawling park featuring themed playgrounds, a splash pad, disc golf, and miles of paved greenway trails for recreation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Karst Farm Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling park featuring themed playgrounds, a splash pad, disc golf, and miles of paved greenway trails for recreation.
"This park is worth the extra drive; it's super clean and well taken care of with parks for all ages!"
Pack for Playtime! :athletic_shoe:
Bring comfortable shoes for playgrounds and trails. The forest-themed playground has great shade!
Splash Pad Ready :water_wave:
Don't forget swimsuits and towels for the splash pad – it's a major hit with kids!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Themed Playgrounds
Scattered throughout the park
Three unique playgrounds, including a popular forest/insect theme, offer fun for all ages and skill levels.
Splash Pad Fun
Near the main playground area
A refreshing splash pad provides hours of cool entertainment on hot Indiana days.
Karst Farm Greenway
Trailheads at Karst Farm Park
A paved 7+ mile trail perfect for biking, walking, or jogging, connecting to Ellettsville.
Disc Golf Course
Throughout the park
Enjoy a round of disc golf with baskets strategically placed across the park's landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Explore Beyond the Playground
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for Playtime! :athletic_shoe:
Bring comfortable shoes for playgrounds and trails. The forest-themed playground has great shade!
Splash Pad Ready :water_wave:
Don't forget swimsuits and towels for the splash pad – it's a major hit with kids!
Trail Explorer :hiking_boot:
The Karst Farm Greenway is perfect for a scenic bike ride or walk.
Dog-Friendly Fun :dog2:
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, especially during events like 'Run for the Animals'.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for Playtime! :athletic_shoe:
Bring comfortable shoes for playgrounds and trails. The forest-themed playground has great shade!
Splash Pad Ready :water_wave:
Don't forget swimsuits and towels for the splash pad – it's a major hit with kids!
Trail Explorer :hiking_boot:
The Karst Farm Greenway is perfect for a scenic bike ride or walk.
Dog-Friendly Fun :dog2:
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, especially during events like 'Run for the Animals'.
Market Day Delights :shopping_bags:
Visit on a Saturday for the farmers market – a local favorite!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Karst Farm Park's excellent, well-maintained facilities, particularly its three unique playgrounds and refreshing splash pad, making it a top family destination. While some find it a bit out of the way, the extra drive is consistently deemed worthwhile for the quality of the experience and the peaceful atmosphere.
"There are 3 awesome playground sets on this property, so don't go straight to the splash pad and miss out on the other hidden gems. The forest/insect themed set is my favorite, but they're all fabulous. The forest themed set has low monkey bars that are perfect for a beginner (and more shade cover too)!"
Catherine Storm
"Did the MCHA Run/Walk for the Animals 5K...mannered dogs and perfect weather!"
Tina Swanson
"Well maintained and spacious park with several playgrounds scattered throughout the park. Despite it being somewhat out of the way, this park is worth the extra drive. My toddler enjoyed running on the padded astroturf and scaling the forest theme playstruture. There's even a cute scavenger hunt for bugs as well. 10/10"
Kaleo Reese
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access Karst Farm Park from Ellettsville via the Karst Farm Greenway. This paved trail offers a scenic route for biking or walking, connecting the two areas.
Yes, Karst Farm Park has ample parking available for visitors arriving by car. It's a popular spot, so arriving early on busy days is recommended.
Absolutely! The Karst Farm Greenway extends over 7 miles and aims to connect with other trail systems, offering extensive exploration opportunities.
The park has multiple access points, including trailheads for the Karst Farm Greenway at Karst Farm Park itself, Loesch Road, and Campbells Park.
Public transportation options directly to Karst Farm Park are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Karst Farm Park is a public park and does not require an admission fee. Enjoy all its amenities for free!
Karst Farm Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facility hours, like the splash pad, may vary seasonally.
No, the splash pad is a free amenity within the park and does not require advance booking or tickets.
While the park itself is free, special events like the 'Dash 4 Shelter' 5K or cooking classes may require registration and a fee.
Yes, picnic shelters are available and can often be reserved for gatherings. It's advisable to check with the park administration for reservation details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Karst Farm Park boasts three fantastic playgrounds, including a highly-rated forest/insect-themed one perfect for younger children and beginners.
Yes, there's a very popular splash pad that's a huge hit during warmer months, offering a great way to cool off.
Activities include playgrounds, a splash pad, disc golf, walking/biking on the Karst Farm Greenway, picnicking, and attending community events.
Yes, the park is dog-friendly, and there are often events like 'Run for the Animals' that highlight this. Please ensure dogs are leashed and cleaned up after.
The Karst Farm Greenway is a paved 7+ mile trail ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling, offering a pleasant outdoor experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no permanent restaurants within the park, food trucks are sometimes present on event nights. It's best to pack your own picnic.
Absolutely! Karst Farm Park has numerous picnic shelters and open spaces perfect for a family picnic.
Yes, a farmers market is held on Saturday mornings, offering local produce and goods.
Yes, Bloomington offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes just a short drive from the park.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy within the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The themed playgrounds, the splash pad in action, and the scenic Karst Farm Greenway offer great photo opportunities. The late afternoon light is particularly beautiful.
Yes, especially during events like Bug Fest, you might see monarch butterflies and other interesting insects, making it great for nature enthusiasts.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with park authorities or local regulations before flying a drone over Karst Farm Park.
The unique insect and forest themes of the playground, along with the extensive greenway, provide distinctive backdrops for photos.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing beautiful shots of the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Active Adventurers
The park also features a disc golf course for a fun, active challenge. Bring your bike or your discs and enjoy the expansive green spaces.🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog on a leash and always clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. The greenway also offers a nice route for dog walks.🛍️ Market Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Karst Farm Greenway
Plans are in motion to further extend the Greenway, aiming to connect with Flatwoods Park and potentially other trail networks in the future. This expansion promises even more opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration in the Bloomington area. The trail's smooth surface makes it accessible for various fitness levels and types of wheeled activities.
Travelers often praise the greenway for its peaceful ambiance and the ability to cover significant distances. It's a great way to experience the local landscape and connect different parts of the community. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a longer cycling adventure, the Karst Farm Greenway is a must-use amenity.
Family Fun at the Playgrounds & Splash Pad
Complementing the playgrounds is a highly popular splash pad, which becomes a central attraction during warmer months. It's an ideal spot for kids to cool off and burn energy. The park's thoughtful design includes padded astroturf surfaces around the play structures, adding an extra layer of safety and comfort for little ones.
Beyond the main attractions, the park offers a scavenger hunt for bugs, adding an educational and engaging element to the visit. The overall well-maintained and spacious nature of the park, combined with these engaging features, makes it a top destination for family outings in Bloomington.
Community Events and Activities
These events often leverage the park's amenities, including the Karst Farm Greenway for races and open spaces for gatherings. The park has also hosted specialized workshops, like a rib-smoking class, showcasing its versatility as an event venue.
Additionally, seasonal events like 'Bug Fest' have drawn attention, highlighting the park's natural elements and offering unique experiences, such as observing monarch butterfly tagging.
Checking the local event calendar is a great way to discover what's happening at Karst Farm Park during your visit. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit