Nestled In Indianapolis Is A Scenic Midwestern Escape For Idyllic Nature Walks And Wildlife Watching

Indianapolis is a place with plentiful attractions, so when you're visiting, chances are you're looking to experience its arts and dining scene, its history, and, of course, the famed Indy 500. But, what if one seeks to escape all the city noise and crowds? What if you're a nature lover who wants to balance high-octane racing and city-life bustle with quiet respite? Well, there's a little park nestled on the northern edge of Indianapolis that provides the perfect escape without ever needing to leave Indy: Marott Woods Nature Preserve.

The Marott Woods Nature Preserve was originally dubbed the Ella P. Marott Park. Its name was changed recently to better reflect the fact that it's a preserve rather than a park. What's the difference? A park is a designated space for recreation open to the public. A preserve is exactly what its name entails: It's less about fun and games, and more about preservation of the natural environment. A gift to the city donated in 1945 by Indianapolis businessman George Marott in honor of his wife, over the decades the preserve has grown from 87 acres to 102. The park was formally dedicated as a nature preserve in 1987. 

The grounds are verdant, with crisp air and the ever-present scent of wildflowers enveloping visitors from the moment they arrive. It is second-growth forest, meaning the original old growth was cleared out (in this case, by deforestation and Dutch Elm disease) and new growth filled in. There are numerous species of wildflowers peppering the forest floor for most of the year if you happen to miss out on the first wave of spring. Summer brings more greenery and warmer river water. In the fall, every leaf comes ablaze with vivid color. Even in winter, it's a snow-filled naturalist's playground to appreciate with plenty of wildlife to look out for, too. 

There are three unpaved walking paths at Marott Woods Nature Preserve. They are rated as easy, but there are occasional stairs and and a few steep spots to keep in mind. The longest one (Blickman Education Trail) stretches three miles. All three offer access to the water to dip your toes in and relax alongside the riverbank, or do some creek stomping and get wet. Surrounding the pristine water are full, mature trees, offering shade and providing cool shelter on warm days. Meander across the bridge spanning over the White River and take it all in. Some of the trees are ancient, among the oldest in the region. Here, the calm encapsulates the overall feel of the preserve, allowing for birdsongs rather than city sounds to become the main soundtrack to any day trip. 

There are more than 150 species of birds inhabiting the park, such as the Northern Parula, Brown Creeper, and Pileated Woodpecker. Which birds you'll be lucky to catch glimpses of depends on the time of year; spring and fall are your best times for rare and/or seasonal visitors like cuckoos and orioles. Should you start your walk from the 75th Street trailhead and stick close to the water, your odds of spotting rare birds like the Acadian Flycatcher or the Yellow-throated Warbler increase. If you want an expert guide, the Bird Alliance of Central Indiana hosts occasional bird hikes at Marott Woods. An array of other wildlife also populate the area, from deer to lizards and turtles, along with water snakes, frogs, salamanders, and plentiful fish. 

There's no bad time to visit Marott Woods Nature Preserve, so it's open year-round from dawn until dark, and there's no fee to enter. Parking is available at the main entrance on College Avenue, as well as the 75th Street entrance (which also offers bike parking, as bikes are not permitted within the preserve). Parking is limited, so arrive early for the best chance to grab a spot. Be sure to pack some snacks: There are picnic tables onsite. Dogs are welcome, but must remain on-leash at all times.

Marott Woods isn't the only picturesque place in Indianapolis to swap the city for peaceful natural surroundings. Near downtown, Eagle Creek Park offers breathtaking nature and lake views. And just 20 miles from Marott Woods you'll discover more trails, birding, and serenity in Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve in suburban Indianapolis. If you want to wander without going too terribly far, head towards Bloomington to Indiana's wetland haven for rare wildlife and birdwatching.