Park Activities
Go Ape Treetop Adventure
Looking for a sky-high adventure in Eagle Creek Park? Check out Go Ape’s 2–3 hour treetop adventure course, named by USA Today for having one of the nation’s top 10 zip lines in the United States!
The course includes 5 zip lines, but is also made up of challenging rope ladders, 2 tarzan swings, and 39 crossings. There are 5 individual sections within the course — each section takes you higher into the trees and finishes with a zip line overlooking the reservoir.
Foundation members can enjoy an exclusive 15% off Go Ape adventures for themselves and up to 4 friends with an online reservation. The course is open March – November, and parking is available at the Earth Discovery Center. For online bookings and availability, log on GoApe.com.
Age 16+: $59.95
Age 10–15: $39.95
History
The bark park was named after Gordon Gilmer, a former city councilor (’71–’99) before he retired from the Pike Township City-County Council. Gordon played an instrumental role in helping Pike Township develop into a thriving area of growth for the city. He saw the great influence Eagle Creek Park brought to the city’s northwest side, and sought to protect it by limiting development around the park.
The carved statue at the front of the bark park represents MacKenzie, his beloved yellow labrador retriever, which was updated in 2014 during a rededication ceremony celebrating its 15-year anniversary.
Bark Park
5900 N. High School Road. Indianapolis, IN
317.327.7110
Eagle Creek’s bark park is a place where owners and their four-legged friends can socialize and enjoy the company of others off-leash! To participate, your dog must be equipped with a “pooch pass.” Pooch passes consist of a tag for your dog and a gate access card for you. The pooch tag can be worn on the dog or be carried by the dog owner and in plain view at all times. To purchase a pooch pass, you’ll need to bring your dog’s vaccination records (rabies, distemper, parvo, and bordetella) to the park office. A daily pass is just $5.
Yearly Pass Fees (January–December)
1st dog: $75
2nd & 3rd dogs: $37.50
Replacement tags & cards: $10
VIP* Pass (never discounted): $125
Discounted Passes
After July 1: $55
After September 1: $40
2nd & 3rd dog: 50% discount
*Very Important Pooch pass includes access to all four Indy Parks CCZ; available for purchase at Broad Ripple Park only for $125 (includes Eagle Creek Park, Paul Ruster Park, Broad Ripple Park, and Smock Park).
Concert Series
Pitch a blanket, bring some chairs, or cruise in on your boat to enjoy some local folk or jazz tunes every Wednesday night June–August down at the swimming beach. Both “In Concert with Nature” and “Jazz on the Point” concert series begin at 6:30pm. Shaded spots are limited, bring your own umbrella. Enjoy dinner from our partner food truck and top it off with some ice cream from the concession stand. All proceeds go to support the Eagle Creek ParK Foundation. Cost is free with park admission.
In the event of possible inclement weather, please follow Eagle Creek Park on Facebook to stay up-to-date on any cancellation.
Golf Course
Play 36 holes of Pete Dye championship golf at Eagle Creek Golf Club – one of the Midwest’s premier golf courses, which has won the Consumers Choice Award – Golf Level for Favorite Golf Course in Indianapolis. A mere 10 minutes away from downtown Indianapolis, you can “swing” through a natural setting that incorporates numerous nature areas along with wetlands and rolling terrain. There is a Pines course that appeals to golfers of all levels, and then a more scenic and challenging Sycamore course mixing hills, tree-lined fairways, and water holes. The course has also been highly rated in Golf Digest in its “Places to Play” category for Indiana.
Eagle Creek Golf Club
8802 W. 56th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46234
317.297.3366
EagleCreekGolfClub.com
Beach and Swimming
Eagle Creek Park's beach is the only area swimming is permitted in the park.
Eagle Creek Park's beach area was open in 2023 through August 6th. It will reopen in 2024, follow Eagle Creek Park on Facebook for updates
Personal Boats
Personal boats up to 10 horsepower are permitted on the reservoir, and there is a 26-foot length boat restriction. The car top boat launch admission is $3 plus park admission, and an annual car top boat launch sticker is $20 per vessel. Small canoes and kayaks can launch from the old boat ramp at the back of the Earth Discovery Center parking lot (must be portaged down the ramp, no vehicles). Boats with trailers must launch from the 42nd St. boat ramp (on Dandy Trail, south of the Eagle Creek 56th Street gatehouse). There’s a $20.00 annual canoe /kayak Pass or 1 annual 42nd St. boat ramp pass for $40.00.
Watersports
Eagle Creek Outfitters
If you like to be on the water, sailing lessons as well as canoes, kayaks, pontoon and row boats, paddle boats, and even paddle boards are available to rent down at the Marina. For more information on rentals, call 317.327.7130.
Eagle Creek Outfitters
7602 Walnut Point Road
Indianapolis, IN 46254
317.327.7130
ecreservations@gmail.com
eaglecreek-outfitters.com/
Indianapolis Rowing Center
Additionally, the Indianapolis Rowing Center offers a variety of classes and programs for new and experienced adult (and collegiate) rowers, youth ages 13-18, as well as underprivileged youth and physically disabled individuals. The boathouse is open March-November, and classes typically run April-October.
Since 2011, the Big Ten Conference has held their Big Ten Rowing Championships in Eagle Creek Park, and the NCAA Rowing Championships have been held in Eagle Creek Park in 2002, 2003, 2013 and 2014.
Indianapolis Rowing Center
7350 Eagle Beach Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46254
317.327.7100
IndyRowing.org
Eagle Creek Sailing Club
For more information on the Eagle Creek Sailing Club, visit ECSail.org.
Personal Boats
Personal boats up to 10 horsepower are permitted on the reservoir, and there is a 26-foot length boat restriction. The car top boat launch admission is $3 plus park admission, and an annual car top boat launch sticker is $20 per vessel. Small canoes and kayaks can launch from the old boat ramp at the back of the Earth Discovery Center parking lot (must be portaged down the ramp, no vehicles). Boats with trailers must launch from the 42nd St. boat ramp (on Dandy Trail, south of the Eagle Creek 56th Street gatehouse). There’s a $20.00 annual canoe /kayak Pass or 1 annual 42nd St. boat ramp pass for $40.00.
Mary & John Geisse Soccer Complex
In 2006, Indy Parks and Recreation partnered with Pike Youth Soccer Club to establish the Mary & John Geisse Soccer Complex to expand recreational opportunities for northwest side residents. The complex, also home to the Indy Burn, is located right between Eagle Creek Park and the Colts practice field, and is surrounded by walking trails abundant with wildflowers.
Mary & John Geisse Soccer Complex
7225 W. 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46254
317.767.0699
MaryandJohnGeisseSoccerComplex.org
Fishing
If you’re looking for prime fishing in central Indiana, head out to Eagle Creek and you’ll find crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill and channel catfish, among others out at Eagle Creek! Popular bank fishing spots include the Marina, 42nd Street boat ramp, 56th Street causeway, as well as Lilly Lake and the waterfowl sanctuary. Because of boat size and motor restrictions, fishermen can expect calm water since speed boats or skiers aren’t allowed on the water.
The Marina provides live bait, artificial lures, and fishing tackle. Remember, anglers between the ages of 17-64 must carry a valid Indiana State Fishing license. You can find more on fishing along with a map here!
Picnics & Playgrounds
There are several playgrounds located in different areas of the park – some have shelters nearby to accompany birthday parties, and there is one even by the beach. After you work up an appetite on the slides and swing set, you can enjoy some food at one of the 24 picnic sites, which are first-come, first-served.
If you have any plastic, aluminum or glass containers, we ask that you pitch it out in one of the park’s blue recycling bins. They are located at the 56th and 71st Street entrances, and at the beach near the concession stands.
Park Map (includes playgrounds and picnic areas)
Photography
Eagle Creek Park provides a beautiful landscape and natural setting to snap some wonderful photographs! You are allowed to take photos as long as they are for your own personal use. And don’t forget to tag the park — #EagleCreekPark. However, if you are a professional photographer taking photos for a graduation or a wedding, you’ll need to purchase a permit in advance from the park office. The fee is $250.
Also, keep in mind you can enter your photos in the Foundation’s Images of Nature Exhibition & Competition every September. There is an Eagle Creek Park specific category, and 15% of proceeds from sales support the future of the park through the Foundation.
Finally, the Foundation is always accepting photos to add to our archive and for use in various campaigns. If you wish to give us your shots, please email them to photos@eaglecreekpark.org. Thank you!
Cross-Country Skiing
Indiana winters typically bring snow, which means if we get around four or so inches, you can leisurely ski through the park. Although there are no trails specifically designated for skiing, self-directed skiers may use a 2.5 and 3-mile trail that loops around the central east side of the park, which begins just before you turn left into the Earth Discovery Center off Walnut Point Road. Personal equipment is required as there are no rentals in the park.
Trails
Over 16 miles of trails provide an active escape in one of Indianapolis’ most serene settings. Six major trails along with additional trails located at the Ornithology Center wind throughout the park and are easy-to-moderate in difficulty. Natural and gravel paths lead you through mature woods filled with beech, maple, tulip, white ash and black cherry into open meadow areas, and past the reservoir and Lilly Lake. You’re bound to encounter some wild, as well as companion animals as you venture over bridges, steps, and a few steep hills. The Indianapolis Hiking Club plans frequent group hikes in the park as well. To get involved, log on IndyHike.org.
Also, with 20 exercise stations and a total of 32 exercises, the Fitness Trail on the north end provides a unique opportunity for a vigorous hike as it brings the indoor gym outdoors. Signage at each station explains every exercise and how to monitor your heart rate.
Maps
Peace Learning Center
6040 Delong Road
317.327.7144
PeaceLearningCenter.org
Peace Learning Center
Since 1997, Peace Learning Center has reached more than 210,000 people locally and internationally in an effort to reduce violence and increase kindness in our community. They offer educational peace-building and conflict resolution programs to schools, nonprofits, businesses, and faith groups. Programs are established around three themes of peace-building: Equity, Restorative Justice, and Social-Emotional Learning.
Their building is located at the former Eagle Crest Estate of J.K. Lilly, Jr. (right before you reach the Earth Discovery Center), and the lower level houses the mini-museum, be the change, open to the public during regular business hours.