9 Counties, 9 Fun Things to Do in East Central Indiana

Nathan Lambrecht

When it comes to outdoor adventure, it’s easy to follow your path in East Central Indiana. That’s because carefully curated themed adventures can be found at Forge Your Path, which provides a convenient list of places to go and fun things to do in East Central Indiana. Here are nine of them, one for each county: 

1. Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary – Fayette County 

Owned and operated by the Indiana Audubon Society, this expansive bird sanctuary spreads its wings across more than 700 acres near Connersville. The forests, fields and creeks make the area an attractive stopover for migrating species in the spring and fall, with an abundance of hummingbirds during the summer. 

2. Loblolly Marsh – Jay County 

Nearly 500 acres of the 13,000-acre Limberlost Swamp was restored in the 1990s, creating the Loblolly Marsh wetland complex. Located near Bryant, the preserve can be explored along 3 miles of trails, with a nice panoramic view available at Painter’s Overlook. 

3. Wilderness Prairie – Blackford County 

Rarely is wilderness so convenient to reach as with this 4-acre parcel located less than a mile from downtown Hartford City. Native grasses and flowers were added during a restoration project in 2019, and a bridge was built over the watershed to connect the area to the adjacent Wilderness Park trail system. 

4. Minnetrista – Delaware County 

The name of this museum and gardens along the White River in Muncie means “a gathering place by the water.” That certainly is a good description of the 40-acre property, which was home to the Ball Family of Ball State University before being transformed in 1988 into a popular public space. 

5. Marion Splash House – Grant County 

When the weather heats up, Marion Splash House provides plenty of ways to cool down. Relax on the lazy river, bob along in the wave pool or pick up the pace on one of the racer slides. And if you get hungry while there, grab a snack at one of the concession stands.

6. Riverside Park – Rush County 

Highlights of this community playground along the Flatrock River in downtown Rushville include an 18-hole disc golf course, a splash pad, walking trails and an amphitheater that holds several concerts each year. The facility can also be rented for private events. 

7. Summit Lake State Park – Henry County 

Fishing with a view is among the attractions of this 2,680-acre park outside New Castle. The water can be accessed by three boat ramps and a beach, and visitors can stay at one of the 120 campsites. Included within the park is Zeigler Woods, Henry County’s first nature preserve.

8. McVey Memorial Forest – Randolph County 

The views continue at McVey Memorial Forest, a 249-acre property owned and managed by Red-Tail Land Conservancy. Three scenic trails pass through forests, prairies and wetlands, with an overlook of the Mississinewa River. McVey is adjacent to hundreds of acres of state-managed forestland, creating one of the largest wildlife corridors in the area.

9. Middlefork Reservoir – Wayne County 

A 177-acre stream and spring-fed lake cover much of this 405-acre park in Richmond. In addition to being a popular fishing spot, Middlefork is one of the best places in the area to see bald eagles. Other features include a playground and a dog park. 

Now that you have a sampling of the many fun things to do in East Central Indiana, it’s time to embark on a fantastic journey with your family and friends.