Turkey Run Park
Discover rugged canyons, sandstone cliffs, and unique landmarks like The Silo at Turkey Run Park. An adventurer's paradise!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Turkey Run Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover rugged canyons, sandstone cliffs, and unique landmarks like The Silo at Turkey Run Park. An adventurer's paradise!
"Turkey Run Park is a must-see Midwest gem with stunning trails and natural wonders!"
🥾 Waterproof Boots are Essential
Many trails involve water crossings and rugged terrain. Pack waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
📸 Capture the Silo Views
Don't miss the silo for unique photos! It's a popular spot for portraits and offers great park vistas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trail 3: The Iconic Canyon Hike
Turkey Run State Park
Hike through deep canyons, navigate ladders, and discover the 'Punch Bowl' pothole. A true Midwest adventure!
The Silo at Turkey Run Park
Louisville, KY
Climb this multi-story silo for unique photo opportunities and panoramic views of the park.
Seaton Valley Trail
Turkey Run Park
Explore this scenic trail, perfect for a peaceful jog or a nature walk amidst the park's beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rugged Trails
+1Timing is Key for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Waterproof Boots are Essential
Many trails involve water crossings and rugged terrain. Pack waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
📸 Capture the Silo Views
Don't miss the silo for unique photos! It's a popular spot for portraits and offers great park vistas.
🛶 Canoe & Kayak Adventures
Explore the Floyds Fork river by canoe or kayak for a different perspective of the park's natural beauty.
🦌 Early Bird Gets the Deer
Arrive early to increase your chances of spotting deer and enjoy the trails with fewer people.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Waterproof Boots are Essential
Many trails involve water crossings and rugged terrain. Pack waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
📸 Capture the Silo Views
Don't miss the silo for unique photos! It's a popular spot for portraits and offers great park vistas.
🛶 Canoe & Kayak Adventures
Explore the Floyds Fork river by canoe or kayak for a different perspective of the park's natural beauty.
🦌 Early Bird Gets the Deer
Arrive early to increase your chances of spotting deer and enjoy the trails with fewer people.
🗺️ Trail Maps are Your Friend
Trails are numbered. Familiarize yourself with the map to plan your route and avoid getting lost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Turkey Run Park's unique, rugged trails and stunning natural beauty, often calling it a Midwest gem. The Silo and river activities add to the diverse appeal. While some find the trails challenging, most appreciate the adventure and peaceful atmosphere, especially when visiting during off-peak times.
"There was a neat vintage barn that was a great spot for photos, senior photos, or any type of photo shoot! There are a couple of other spots also for alternate views!
We loved going here. There was a big silo you can walk up about three stories high! Lots of land and trails to explore and we never got bored! A pavilion with places to eat. This would also be a spot for birthday parties."
Tim Dosh
"Easy entrance. Parking almost immediately to the right. Park here for easy kayak access and for bike trails. Restrooms and water fountain available"
George Rodriguez
"My favorite part of the Parklands is Turkey Run 🌞 Well maintained, quiet, spacious, and lots of adventure!"
Gloria Peterson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turkey Run Park is accessible by car. It's located about an hour from Indianapolis and 3.5 hours from St. Louis. Parking is often available near kayak access and bike trails.
Yes, Turkey Run Park offers bike trails, and parking is available near access points for cycling adventures.
Yes, you can go tubing on the river. Sugar Valley Canoe trips is a recommended option for a lazy river experience.
Turkey Run Park is approximately 3 hours from Chicago, 1 hour from Indianapolis, and 3.5 hours from St. Louis.
Restrooms and water fountains are available within the park for visitor convenience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically $7 per car, and card payments are accepted at the main office.
Turkey Run Park is open year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7 am to 11 pm.
Advance booking is generally not required for park entry, but it's always a good idea to check the official website for any special events or closures.
While the main entrance fee covers access, specific parking areas within the park are generally included.
Information on group discounts is not readily available, but it's best to contact the park directly for specific inquiries.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Trail 3 is highly recommended for its rugged terrain, ladders, and the 'Punch Bowl.' Trails 2 and 6 are also popular for their unique geological features.
Visitors often report seeing deer, especially if they arrive early in the morning. The park's natural setting supports various wildlife.
Yes, the park boasts deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, and natural geologic wonders like the 'Punch Bowl,' a pothole scoured by glacial erratics.
Besides hiking, you can enjoy picnicking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, visiting the nature center, and exploring historic sites. There's also a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
Absolutely! The park offers stunning natural landscapes, unique geological formations, and even a vintage barn and a silo that are great for photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park has a pavilion with places to eat, making it suitable for picnics. You can also find dining options in nearby towns.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics within the park.
While the park itself has picnic areas, you'll find a variety of restaurants in the surrounding towns if you're looking for more dining options.
Alcohol is permitted on the river for tubing trips, as mentioned in some visitor tips, but always check park regulations for specific areas.
Turkey Run Inn offers dining facilities for guests staying overnight. It's advisable to check their current offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The Silo at Turkey Run Park offers unique perspectives, and the natural canyons, sandstone cliffs, and vintage barn are excellent subjects.
Drone usage is permitted in Turkey Run Park, offering incredible aerial shots of the landscape.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape photography in the park.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial shoots or specific equipment like drones, it's wise to check park regulations.
Landscape photography, nature shots, and portrait photography (including senior photos) are popular due to the park's diverse scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on shorter, less strenuous trails or enjoying a picnic at the park's pavilion. The nature center can also be an engaging stop for kids to learn about the local flora and fauna. For a more relaxed experience, look into tubing on the river, which can be a fun and less demanding activity for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own food and drinks to save on dining expenses, as the park offers picnic areas. The main attractions – hiking, exploring natural wonders, and enjoying the scenery – are all free once you've paid the entrance fee. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid potential weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience without extra cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss The Silo for unique architectural shots and panoramic views, and the vintage barn is also a popular spot for portraits. Drone photography is permitted, offering incredible aerial perspectives of the park's landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Turkey Run's Rugged Trails
+1Popular trails like Trail 3 are frequently mentioned for their adventurous nature. Visitors often combine multiple trails to create longer loops, such as combining trails 3, 5, and 9 for a roughly 4-mile trek. It's crucial to wear appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, and to be prepared for uneven terrain and potential wet conditions.
+1While the ruggedness is part of the appeal, it's important to be aware of your physical limitations. Some Redditors have shared stories of arriving unprepared, highlighting the need for proper footwear and a sense of adventure.
The park's trail system is well-marked with numbers, but having a map or using a navigation app can be beneficial for planning your route and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. The Unique Appeal of The Silo
Beyond its photographic potential, The Silo serves as a visual anchor within the park and a point of interest for exploration. Its presence adds a touch of man-made curiosity to the natural landscape, providing an alternative experience to the hiking trails. Visitors often mention it as a highlight, appreciating the opportunity to see the park from a different vantage point.
When visiting The Silo, consider the time of day for the best lighting for photos. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds. It's a relatively quick visit but offers a memorable experience and a great spot to capture unique memories of your time at Turkey Run Park.
Beyond the Trails: River Adventures
For those seeking a more leisurely water experience, tubing down the river is a recommended activity. Sugar Valley Canoe trips is a specific provider mentioned for this, offering a relaxing 3-hour float down a lazy river. This option is particularly appealing for those who want to enjoy the water and sunshine with minimal effort, and it's noted that you can bring your own beverages.
Accessing the river for kayaking or tubing is often facilitated by designated parking areas within the park, making it convenient for visitors to combine land and water adventures. These river activities provide a refreshing contrast to hiking and offer a chance to see the park's landscape from a new perspective.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit