Causeway

Causeway across Eagle Creek Reservoir

More than just a bridge

The 56th Street Causeway is a vital roadway and recreational hub that crosses Eagle Creek Reservoir, connecting the east and west sides of the park.

This impressive structure effectively divides the 1,400-acre reservoir in half, with most (though not all) of the Indy Parks property located on the north side of the causeway.

More than just a road, the causeway is a popular spot for both activity and relaxation. A portion of the paved Eagle Creek Trail runs across the causeway, making it a scenic route for biking, walking, and running with beautiful views of the water.

It’s also a well-known hotspot for fishing, where anglers gather to cast a line for bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.

Whether you’re passing through or stopping to enjoy the view, the causeway is a central feature of the Eagle Creek Park experience.

Learn More about Causeways

More Visits. Give Back.

If you want to visit the Park and give back, we recommend a Foundation Pass. It grants unlimited gate entry and is the easiest way to give back to the park!

Get 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

More about Causeways

Bridge vs. Causeway

Imagine you need to get across a small river. You could build a bridge, which is like a giant leap from one side to the other.

A bridge stands up on tall legs (piers) and has a deck that stretches across the open air, with water flowing freely underneath it.

Now, imagine you need to cross a wide, shallow body of water, like a marsh or part of a big lake. Instead of leaping over it, what if you built a road on top of the ground right through the water?

That’s a causeway. A causeway is essentially a raised road or path built on a foundation of earth, rock, or other materials placed directly on the bottom of the body of water.

It’s more like a land bridge than a structure that spans over the water. While a causeway might have small bridges or pipes (culverts) to let some water pass through, most of its length is solid ground.

Why a Causeway at Eagle Creek?

The Eagle Creek Reservoir is an artificial lake, created for flood control after a major flood in 1957. When engineers create a reservoir, they are essentially flooding a large valley.

But what happens to the important roads that used to run through that valley? You still need to get across!
This is where a causeway becomes a critical tool. For a wide crossing like the one at Eagle Creek, building a traditional bridge that long would be incredibly expensive and complicated.

A causeway is often a more practical and cost-effective solution. It provides a stable, solid roadway across the water, connecting parts of the park that would otherwise be separated.

The causeway at 56th Street is a perfect example, as it carries a portion of the Eagle Creek Trail, connecting the main park area with the Eagle Creek Golf Course.

Learn more about Eagle Creek Park History >