Turkey Run State Park

The state founded its park system in 1916, that same year it purchased Turkey Run, making it Indiana's second state park. This part of the state is known for its population of wild turkeys, and many believe the park got its name when the turkeys would head to the canyons during the winter to shield themselves from the cold. Pioneer hunters used the canyons as funnels, and chased the turkeys for an easy catch. The area was also used for a mill and coal mining for a time.

Mansfield sandstone was carved over time by eroding glacial waters. Gravel and glacial erratics from Canada are found throughout the canyons, having been carried down through ancient rivers to the area. Sugar Creek runs through the area and through Shades State Park.

Deer, beaver, pileated woodpeckers, turkey vultures, small mammals and reptiles are all found throughout the park.

Hemlock, walnut, and sycamores dwarf over the forest, while moss and ferns thrive in their shadows.

The park is west of the capital Indianapolis. Winters and summers are moderate, and the park tends to attract high precipitation in some areas, however, due to heavy shading most of the park remains cool in temperature during warm months. Spring and fall are pleasant. Summer is the most popular time, especially during holiday weekends.

I-74 is just north of the park, heading east-west from Indianapolis to Danville. Head south through Crawfordsville onto IN-47 and head into the park area. From east, you can head west on US-36 to US 41 north, into the park area.

• Weekdays - $4 (Indiana plates)
• Weekends (F-Su, holidays) - $5 (Indiana plates)
• Non-Indiana residents - $7
• Pedestrians, bikes, by horse - $2

• One day horse permit - $5

• The Cabins at Hobson Farms, ☏ +1 765 376-7663. N. Narrows Rd, Marshall. Nearby the park, they feature two very cute new cabins. One features a queen bed and a jacuzzi. The other cabin has two beds and private bathroom. Electricity, a/c, satellite TV, and outdoor grills. Very well maintained. 
• Granny's Farm Bed & Breakfast, 4329 E. State Road, Marshall, ☏ +1 765 597-2248. Two miles east of Turkey Run on a 160-acre farm, all rooms have private baths and some have a jacuzzi. Internet access and continental breakfast served. 
• Turkey Run Inn, 8102 E. Park Rd, ☏ +1 765 597-2211.  State park ran inn built in 1919, a lovely rustic inn, with ample space for meetings, families, couples and friends. Indoor swimming pool, gift shop, game room with video games and jukebox, movie rental, satellite tv, restaurant, and other amenities.

The campground entrance is located about half a mile West of the main entrance to the park. Once in the campground, you follow a short trail to get to the main area of the park.

The Turkey Run Campground has 213 electric (class A) campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table, electric hookup, parking area for 1 vehicle, and a fire ring. Water spigots (with potable water)are spread around the area. Three modern restrooms and showers, and four pit toilets are shared by the campsites.

A camp store is available near the entrance for basics like ice and firewood, though those can usually be found slightly cheaper in private establishments along the road outside the park.

Many of the sites here are not very secluded and some are close enough to the road for the sound of passing traffic to keep you up at night. The campground is usually full on popular summer weekends like Labor Day and the 4th of July.

• Berry's Barnlot Camping, 395 E. 275 N, ☏ +1 217 260-3162. 30 RV-hookups.