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 am – 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.

Donate!

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!

Get Full Schedule

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!

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 >

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

A young girl with braided hair fishing by a serene lake, wearing a blue hoodie and holding a fishing rod.

A child wearing a mask holds a caught fish while fishing by a lake, showcasing a fishing rod and bobber in the background.

A family fishing by a serene lake, showcasing a child and an adult casting fishing lines into calm waters surrounded by greenery.

Eagle Creek Park Foundation table setup near a pond, showcasing brochures and promotional materials for visitors.

Group of children fishing by a lake, showcasing outdoor recreational activities and family bonding moments.

A mother and her child fishing by a serene lake, showcasing a bonding moment in nature with fishing gear and a calm water backdrop.

Outdoor pavilion with people preparing food and snacks on a table, surrounded by greenery.

Two volunteers at a charity event with a snack table featuring chips, condiments, and drinks in a natural outdoor setting.

Children fishing by a serene pond surrounded by greenery, showcasing outdoor family activities and nature exploration.

A vibrant community gathering along a lakeside with people enjoying nature and activities amidst lush greenery.

Group of people fishing by a pond, showcasing community engagement in outdoor activities.

Group of people fishing by a lake, including adults and children with fishing rods and tackle boxes.

A child with curly hair fishing by a serene lake, showcasing outdoor recreational activities and nature.

A child fishing from the shore while an adult stands nearby, surrounded by greenery and a calm water body.

Owl Fest 2024

OWL FEST 2024

Obi the Barn Owl

Plan your 2024 Owl Fest

Vote in Raptor Election

Presenting Sponsor

Wild Birds Unlimited

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What is Owl Fest?

Owl Fest is two days of owl-themed fun and 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!

In 2024 you can vote to elect your favorite raptor!

ADMISSION:

Included with Eagle Creek Park admission

LOCATION:

Ornithology Center >

6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278 >

Date and Time:

Sat. October 26th | 10:00am-5:00pm

Sun. October 27th | 1:00pm – 5:00pm



Support the Birds

The best way to support the Ornithology Center is to contribute to Adopt a Raptor, which gives directly to the Ornithology Center (OC) Fund. This fund, exclusive to the Ornithology Center and managed by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, supports the care of raptor ambassadors, staff training, and much more. Consider supporting the OC Fund today!

Silent Auction

Vote in Raptor Election