Wildflower Weekend

Wildflower Weekend

Fire Pinks at Eagle Creek

Wildflowers for All!

Wildflower Weekend is a celebration of the beautiful variety of wildflowers that emerge each spring. Whether you love trout lilies, mayapples, goldenrods, or other spring ephemerals, you’re sure to see stunning blooms during your visit.

In addition to wildflower hikes, the weekend features exciting programs like Frog Call Frenzy, Box Turtles and Blooms, and Nature’s Stinkers. The outdoor education staff at the Earth Discovery Center has decades of combined experience—you’re bound to learn something new and have a blast doing it!

Wildflower Weekend is a fundraiser for the Earth Discovery Center, one of Eagle Creek Park’s two nature centers. Proceeds from the event support the care of the center’s animal ambassadors, including turtles, salamanders, a skunk and more. So whether you take home the new event t-shirt or purchase some native plants, you’ll be supporting the work of the Earth Discovery Center!

Support the Earth Discovery Center >

*registration not required for most hikes and events

LOCATION:

Earth Discovery Center (other locations for specific events)

5901 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7148

ECPF@eaglecreekpark.org

DATE and HOURS:

Friday April 18, 2025, 1:00 – 5:30 pm

Saturday April 19, 2025, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday April 20, 2025, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

EVENT DETAILS:

Indy Parks Wildflower Weekend Event Page >

Flowers and Fundraising

Support the Earth Discovery Center

Wildflower weekend: More than just a good time

Wildflower Weekend is more than a hike—it’s a chance to explore spring blooms with local experts and support the Earth Discovery Center, one of Eagle Creek Park’s two nature centers.

Many kids visit the Earth Discovery Center on their first trip to the park. It’s home to snakes, turtles, fish, salamanders—even axolotls—and plays a big role in nature education.

The Eagle Creek Park Foundation helps cover costs Indy Parks can’t—like animal care, food, and vet services.

You can support this work by picking up the Wildflower Weekend shirt, buying native plants, or making a donation. Sales take place at the Earth Discovery Center, with events happening throughout the park all weekend.

Updates Straight from the Source

Follow on Facebook

Hike updates, tips and tricks

The naturalists at the Earth Discovery Center do an excellent job keeping the public up to date with programming and events. Besides the schedules and links above, following the Facebook page is one of the best ways to stay informed and engaged!

Kids Fishing Derby

KIDS FISHING DERBY

Kids Fishing Derby

 

No license, no fees, just fun!

Join us for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s Free Fishing Derby, a beloved tradition for over 25 years! Held on DNR’s free fishing day, no license is needed, and park entry fees are waived for families attending the event—so you can enjoy a full day at Eagle Creek Park.

Kids ages 4-14 and their families are invited to this catch-and-release event from 9 am to 1 pm. Fishing poles, bobbers, and bait are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, but feel free to bring your own gear. After fishing and free hot dogs, feel free to stay to explore the park’s beauty.

Many families bring chairs, blankets, and coolers for a comfortable, fun-filled day!

Watch: A look back at Fishing Derby

Fishing Derby Registration

Register

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Cost: Free!
Location: Lilly Lake >, Eagle Creek Park

Park entry, fishing gear rental, and lunch are all provided at no cost to the visitor.

The event is scheduled during a DNR Free Fishing Day.

Complete this form to let us know you’re coming. We prepare fishing gear and food for anyone who attends!

Register the whole family for the Kids Free Fishing Derby!

Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities

Want to Volunteer?

Eagle Creek Park Foundation needs volunteers to make the Kids Fishing Derby a reality! If you’re interested in volunteering, please email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org to find out more. We need help before, during, and after the event with any of the following:

  • Fishing Guidance
  • Registration
  • Setup and Tear-Down
  • Parking
  • Distribution of Fishing Gear

Reach out about volunteering >

Sponsors

While The Kids Fishing Derby is funded entirely by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, we invite area businesses to donate food, goody bag items, bait or fishing gear. If you or a business you know may be interested in becoming a sponsor, please email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org to find out more. A nonprofit acknowledgment will be provided to donors.

Reach out about sponsorships >

Directions

The easiest way to access Lilly Lake is to enter through the 71st Street entrance, and then take your first left (65th St.), then take the first right (Lilly Lake Dr.), then right at the tee in the road.

As you enter the park, let the gate attendant know you’re here for the Fishing Derby, participants will have gate fees waived.

Fishing Derby Photo Gallery

Iron Eagle Paddle Run

Iron Eagle

Iron Eagle Paddle and Run

 

Iron Eagle Paddle and Run

Iron Eagle is a unique run-paddle-run adventure race designed for all fitness levels and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun challenge, this race offers a scenic and exciting course through Eagle Creek Park’s trails and reservoir.

The race centers around a 1.5-mile paddle on Eagle Creek reservoir, sandwiched between two 2.6-mile runs through Eagle Creek Park’s beautiful wooded trails.

Individuals and relay teams can participate. All participants receive a medal, t-shirt and access to the post-race party.

About the Race >      More Info >     Race Experience & Results >

Support the park

Eagle Creek Park Foundation presents Iron Eagle – a relaxed race for all ages and abilities. Proceeds from the race go to Eagle Creek Park’s trail maintenance fund.

The trail maintenance fund was used to build a new bridge on the Orange trail in 2023, which competitors now run over during the race!

In 2025, using the funds raised, the Iron Eagle committee has set their sights on renovating the amphitheater behind the Earth Discovery Center. These enhancements will increase the usability and safety of that section of trail!

Iron Eagle 2025

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About the Race

Iron Eagle Course Map

About the Race

Iron Eagle is a run-paddle-run adventure race for individuals and teams of all ages and ability levels. The race features a 2.6-mile trail run, a 1.5-mile paddle, and another 2.6-mile trail run back to the finish at the Eagle Creek Park swimming beach for the post-race party.

This event showcases the amazing trails and open water of Eagle Creek Park while offering a fun and scenic challenge. Proceeds support trail maintenance and improvements at Eagle Creek Park.

Date and Time
  • August 9, 2025
  • 6:30 am-7:30 am boat drop-off, at marina
  • 6:30 am – 7:30 am check-in/registration, & packet pick-up at beach
  • 8 am race starts at the beach.
  • Post-race party concludes at 12 pm.
Pricing
  • Priced per person, team information below
  • Proceeds benefit Eagle Creek trail fund
  • $50 before June 9th
  • $60 before July 9th
  • $70 before August 3rd
  • $80 from August 4th until race day
  • Foundation members receive a $10 discount for Iron Eagle. Become a member today >

Race Experience and Results

Iron Eagle Race Day

Iron Eagle Photo Gallery

Iron Eagle participants range in age, gender, and ability level. The only thing they have in common is that all finishers receive a custom Iron Eagle medal. 

Iron Eagle Results

Check out race results from 2019 onward by clicking below! The gallery highlights our 2024 winners. Awards are given for Male and Female Individual, 2-Person Team, and 2-Person Relay categories. (The 3-Person Relay category is not awarded.)

2024 Iron Eagle with Foundation Staff

 In 2024 Eagle Creek Park Foundation Staff decided to participate in Iron Eagle – and we had a blast!  We particularly enjoyed making our team name: “Titanium Turkeys” into a fabulous t-shirt and getting to meet many of the participants on the day of the event. Also we technically won the 3-Person Relay, as we were the only entrants in the category for 2024.

2024 Iron Eagle Staff Takeaways

Our staff team had a blast at Iron Eagle 2024 and learned a few things along the way! The race atmosphere is fun and welcoming, no intense training is required to enjoy it, and many participants return year after year. If you’ve ever thought about joining, now’s the perfect time to sign up!

More Information

Iron Eagle Divisions

You will select your division when you register on the race website

Individual
  • One person completes the entire race by themselves.
  • This includes both the run stages and the paddle stage.
  • Historically, it is our most popular division.
  • 1st place male and female individuals receive an award.
2-Person Team
  • Both participants run both running stages and the paddle stage
  • Teams can consist of two people of any gender.
  • Teams are welcome to use two single boats or a double boat
  • Participants need to stay within 50 feet of their teammate
  • Boat(s) must remain in the boat transition area until both runners have arrived
  • Finish time and place are based on when the last runner crosses the finish line.
  • One award is presented to the winning team for this category.
2-Person Relay
  • Relays can consist of two people of any gender.
  • One person runs both running stages, and the other completes the paddle stage.
  • The paddle person and boat need to stay in the boat transition area until the runner arrives.
  • One award is presented to the winning team for this category.
3-Person Relay
  • Relays can consist of three people of any gender.
  • One person runs the first run stage, the second completes the paddle, and the third person runs the second run stage.
  • The paddle person and boat need to stay in the boat transition area until the first runner arrives
  • The second runner must stay in the boat transition area until the paddle portion is complete
  • 3-person relay teams are welcome, but will not be eligible for the awards

    Iron Eagle FAQ

    If you have additional Iron Eagle questions, email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org

    Is there a course map?

    The Iron Eagle course used for the 10th anniversary race has become our standard race and can be found here Iron Eagle Course Overview

    Can I bring my own kayak/canoe/watercraft?

    Competitors and teams are allowed to bring their own watercraft, provided you also bring your own appropriate lifejacket(s) and paddles.

    Are watercraft rentals available?

    Yes. Kayak and canoe rentals are available in advance through Eagle Creek Outfitters on a first-come, first-served basis. $10 from every boat rental benefits the Foundation. Rentals come equipped with paddles and life jackets.

    Single dugout & sit-on-top kayaks are $28. Double kayaks & canoes are $33.

    What are the award categories?

    Winners will be honored in the following categories:

    • First place individual female
    • First place individual male
    • First place two-person team (2 participants complete the entire race together)
    • First place two-person relay team (2 participants, each completes 1 or 2 stages)
    Where can I park?
    • The race begins and ends at the beach.
    • Race check-in, packet pick-up, and registration all occur at the beach.
    • There is plenty of parking at the beach for competitors and spectators alike.
    • Before the race, you’ll need to visit the marina to drop off your watercraft or pick up your rental.
    • Plenty of temporary parking at the marina while you get your watercraft situated before the race.
    Can I volunteer at Iron Eagle?

    We’d love to have you! We need help with the following:

    • Water aid stations
    • Road crossings
    • Medal distribution
    • Registration
    • T-shirt distribution
    • Boat management
    • The after party

    Please contact ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org for volunteer information.

    Foundation Staff, Board members and volunteers all pitching in

    Are spectators allowed?

    This race starts and ends at the beach with the marina serving as the transition area. Spectators are welcome to view the race at either location.

    Note that you won’t be able to drive between the marina and the beach once the race begins. 

    2024 Iron Eagle Sponsors

    Go Ape Treetop Adventure logo featuring a tree icon and bold typography, representing outdoor adventure activities.
    1st Source Bank logo featuring bold typography and a distinctive design, representing the bank's brand identity.
    Burnside Builders logo featuring a modern design with circular elements in green and beige colors, representing construction and design.
    Eagle Creek Outfitters logo featuring a kayaker and flowing water design, representing outdoor adventure and water sports.
    Three Sixty Group logo featuring a circular design and bold typography in orange and black, representing the brand's identity.
    Nogginwerks logo featuring the brand name in a modern font, suitable for branding and marketing purposes.
    Forte Sports Medicine and Orthopedics logo featuring bold typography in black and white, emphasizing health and wellness in sports.
    Assemble logo featuring geometric shapes and text, representing purpose-driven real estate solutions.
    IWM Consulting Group logo featuring a recycling symbol and bold text, emphasizing sustainability and consulting services.

    Bird Fest

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    If you don’t think every day is a good day – try missing a few. You’ll see.

    You can create beautiful things – but you have to see them in your mind first. A beautiful little sunset.

    Let’s make some happy little clouds in our world. The man who does the best job is the one who is happy at his job. Just make a decision and let it go.

    Maybe there’s a happy little Evergreen that lives here.

    Little short strokes. It all happens automatically. We must be quiet, soft and gentle. Only eight colors that you need.

    You should get a pass!

    This is an area for a call to action for things related to the topic, like donations, etc. or purchasing a pass.

    LOCATION:

    7840 West 56th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46254

    CONTACT:

    317-327-7110

    ECPF@eaglecreekpark.org

    HOURS:

    Open Dawn to Dusk

    Monday-Sunday 7:00am-8:30pm EST

    WEBSITE:

    EagleCreekPark.Org

    Additional content goes here that is specific to the topic.

    Special rules, regulations, and so forth.

     

    If you don’t think every day is a good day – try missing a few. You’ll see.

    You can create beautiful things – but you have to see them in your mind first. A beautiful little sunset.

    Let’s make some happy little clouds in our world. The man who does the best job is the one who is happy at his job. Just make a decision and let it go.

    Maybe there’s a happy little Evergreen that lives here.

    ADD RELATED CONTENT BY CATEGORY BELOW

    Lilly Lake

    Lilly Lake

    Explore the beauty of Lilly Lake at Eagle Creek Park.

    Marina

    Marina

    Dock your boat at the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

    Boat Ramp

    Boat Ramp

    Get in the water at the Boat Ramp at Eagle Creek Park.

    Causeway

    Causeway

    About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

    Owl Fest

    OWL FEST

    Owl Fest at Ornithology Center

     

    In partnership with Indy Parks

    For Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page.

     

    ABOUT Owl Fest:

    Owl Fest is Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s largest fundraiser!

    All funds raised will go directly to support the Raptor Ambassadors at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center.

    Besides fundraising, there is fun for the whole family!

    There are guided hikes called “Owl Prowls”, live animal programs, haunted hayrides, shirts, buttons, and more for sale!

    Check out the schedules on this page to plan your visit for Owl Fest!

    ADMISSION:

    Included with Eagle Creek Park admission

    LOCATION:

    5901 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254

    CONTACT:

    317-327-7148

    Date:

    Typically on Saturday & Sunday in the last two weeks of October. 

    Owl Fest 2024 details >

    Owl fest by Year

    Owl Fest 2024

    9th Annual Owl Fest | Raptor Election Oct 26 & 27. Who’s ready?!

    Owl Fest 2023

    8th Annual Owl Fest | Introducing the Carlsen Aviary! Who’s ready?!

    Owl Fest 2023

    8th Annual Owl Fest | Introducing the Carlsen Aviary! Who’s ready?!