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West Side Hiking Trails

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

West Side Hiking trail

West Side Hiking Trail

A Project Core to Who we are

The West Side Hiking Trail Project has been central to the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s mission since its inception. First envisioned by John Pankhurst in the 1980s, the trail was included in the 1997 Eagle Creek Park strategic plan as a vital step toward enhancing access to the park’s natural beauty. From the beginning, John and his team recognized how this project embodied the Foundation’s core values of protecting, enhancing, and connecting people to the park’s natural environment.

In 2014, the Foundation formally committed to bringing this vision to life, launching a multi-year effort to secure funding. Years of planning and fundraising culminated in 2018 with a transformative $2.6 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, turning the dream of a West Side trail into reality.

Working closely with Indy Parks and the trail design team, construction began in 2019 and persevered through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2022, the trunk trail and ADA-accessible loops were completed, providing new opportunities for visitors of all abilities to explore the park. In 2024, final touches were added, including automatic gates, signage, and a dedicated podcast to enrich the visitor experience.

Today, the West Side Hiking Trail stands as a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing Eagle Creek Park and creating meaningful connections between people and nature.

Promote

Since the park’s founding in 1972, Eagle Creek Park has managed the West Side, a hidden gem within city limits. Despite its abundance of wildlife, serene forest canopy, and remarkable solitude, this area remained virtually unknown to visitors for decades. The West Side Hiking Trail Project seeks to change that by inviting park guests to explore and appreciate the stunning beauty that stretches from Bear Overlook in the south to Eagle’s Crest in the north.

Preserve

By the early 2010s, the natural beauty of the West Side faced a looming threat. Development or sale by the city became a growing concern for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s Board of Directors and Executive Director. This sense of urgency motivated the Foundation to act, leading to plans for a sustainable trail system that would secure the West Side within the park’s boundaries and preserve its ecological treasures for future generations.

Protect

For years, unsanctioned “rogue” trails on the West Side allowed visitors to enjoy the area, but at a cost. These user-made trails unintentionally disrupted sensitive ecological zones, threatening rare and endangered plant and animal species, and caused harmful erosion. The West Side Hiking Trail Project addressed these issues by providing a safe, sustainable trail system, ensuring that recreation aligns with the park’s conservation goals.

Enhance

The West Side Hiking Trail is a true standout in Indianapolis. Featuring a moderately challenging 5-mile trunk trail and ADA-accessible loops at both the north and south ends, the trail system offers something for every visitor. Additionally, it connects the Scott Starling Nature Preserve to Eagle’s Crest Nature Preserve and the broader park trail network.

Using data from the popular runners’ app Strava, the Foundation found that between 2022 and 2023, most visitors shifted their activity to the newly constructed trunk trail, reducing traffic on the unsanctioned trails. This shift ensures that the West Side will remain pristine, offering recreation and natural beauty for years to come.

Listen to the Podcast

As part of the West Side Hiking Trail Project, Eagle Creek Park Foundation produced a podcast all about the West Side of Eagle Creek Park

Listen to this episode, featuring John Pankhurst and many key players, or check out the whole first season!

Go to Show
FOUNDATION PROVIDED

$300,000

FOUNDATION RECEIVED

$2.6 million grant from the Eli Lilly Endowment. 

IMPACT:

More than 70,000 visitors explored the main 5-mile trail in 2023 – before the Park had any official opening!

The two ADA loops are (for now) the only full accessible trails at Eagle Creek Park, granting accessibility to folks with mobility challenges.

 

ADA TRAILS

The West Side Trail Complex features 3 ADA-compliant trails.

Map of Eagle Creek Park West Side Trail Complex, showing trails, entrances, and scenic overlooks in Indianapolis.

West Side Hiking Trail Map

View Map

Scott Starling Nature Preserve

Explore this gallery of images taken of the scenery and migratory birds from the nature preserve – via the ADA Starling Trail.

A white swan swimming in a calm water body with herons standing on the shore amidst lush greenery.
A group of herons and egrets standing near the water's edge among tall grasses and logs, showcasing wildlife in a natural habitat.
Field of vibrant purple wildflowers along the water's edge, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage, showcasing nature's beauty.
A white heron standing on the shore of a calm lake, reflecting in the water, with other birds in the background.
A green heron perched on a log near a wetland, surrounded by water and vegetation, showcasing its distinctive plumage.
A green heron standing in shallow water with a fish in its beak, creating ripples in the water.
A green heron wading in shallow water, showcasing its distinctive plumage and reflection on the surface.
Great Blue Heron standing in water with a fish in its beak, showcasing its hunting skills in a serene environment.
A white egret wading through calm water, showcasing its elegant posture and reflection on the surface.
Two ducks wading near the water's edge with egrets and herons in the background, showcasing a serene natural habitat.
Two individuals walking a black dog on a wooden path through a forested area, surrounded by greenery and sunlight.

West Side Hiking Trail

These images were captured on the 5-mile trunk trail and show case the trail through multiple seasons

Group of people hiking through a lush green forest with tall trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.
A group of people walking along a forest trail surrounded by tall trees and greenery, showcasing outdoor activity and nature exploration.
A person standing beside a large tree in Eagle Creek, showcasing the impressive size of the big tree champion in a natural setting.
Group of people learning about trees during a nature walk in a forest, led by an expert with a measuring tool.
A diverse group of people standing on a wooden bridge in a lush forest, surrounded by greenery and trees.
A person stands beside a large tulip tree at Eagle Creek Park, showcasing its impressive size with a sign detailing its status as a champion tree.
A man looking up at a large tree in a forest, showcasing the tree's impressive trunk and bark texture against a clear blue sky.
A large tree near the water at Sage Creek Park, showcasing its textured bark and a sign indicating park information.

Bilingual Naturalist

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

Bilingual Naturalist

Pond Scooping at the Axolotl April Event

Bilingual Naturalist

In 2024, the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, in partnership with Earth Charter Indiana and the Park, funded Eagle Creek’s first bilingual naturalist, Miranda Frausto. Born in Mexico and raised in Canada, Miranda brings a passion for environmental education and breaking down barriers of language, race, and culture. She leads innovative bilingual programming at park events, with support from Eagle Creek Park Staff and her Earth Charter Indiana colleagues, namely, Isabel Reina and Colleen Donahoe.

These inclusive, bilingual events are open to all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, and languages. Stay updated on upcoming events by following Earth Charter Indiana, Eagle Creek Park, or the Eagle Creek Park Foundation on social media—or subscribe to our newsletter to never miss an announcement!

 

2024 Bilingual Events

  • Axolotl April
  • Bird Fest Bilingual Bird Hike (May)
  • Nature Immersion Walk (June)
  • The Beauty of Monarchs (Aug)
  • Cultural Celebration (Sept)
  • The Legend of Owls (at Owl Fest!) (Oct)
  • Day of the Dead: Nature Offerings (Nov)
FOUNDATION PROVIDED

$3,000 Stipend

For planning, programming, supplies

 

IMPACT:

Seven free bilingual events in 2024, the first year of the partnership. Dozens of visitors, Spanish and English speakers alike enjoyed these events in their native language – a first for Eagle Creel Park!

 

In partnership with Earth Charter Indiana

In partnership with Indy Parks

Bilingual Naturalist Gallery

Group of children and adults engaging in outdoor exploration by a stream, using nets and containers for catching aquatic life.
Group of people attending an educational presentation about wildlife, observing a projected image of a creature.
Eastern snapping turtle and axolotl information signs in a display, highlighting species details and habitat.
A diverse group of people gathered around a wildlife exhibit in a forested area, observing animals and engaging with a guide.
Group of people attending a wildlife education presentation near a large animal enclosure in a natural setting.
A group of people gathered around a wildlife exhibit, observing a presentation about animals in a natural setting.
A group of people engaged in a nature walk discussion in a green forested area, showcasing outdoor exploration and education.
A tranquil pond with lush greenery and tall trees, showcasing natural beauty and peaceful scenery in a forested area.
A child in a butterfly costume interacts with adults in a garden setting, showcasing engagement and creativity.
Two presenters discussing butterflies at an educational event, featuring a butterfly-themed display and educational materials.

Bilingual Interpretation at Bird Fest

Carlsen Aviary

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

Carlsen Aviary

Carlsen Aviary

Carlsen Aviary

The raptor ambassadors at the Ornithology Center have delighted and inspired guests to learn more about birds, raptors, and their conservation for several decades. However, until the Carlsen Aviary, visitors rarely saw most of the raptor ambassadors. That all changed with the new aviary; starting in 2024, five of the seven raptor ambassadors will be displaced on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. 

The Foundation gave $17,000 to support design and construction of the aviary on top of $25,000 raised by Amos Butler Audubon Society.

 

FOUNDATION PROVIDED

$17,000

Additional $25,000 raised by Amos Butler Audubon Society

 

IMPACT:

A more appropriate home for the raptor ambassadors and more access and education for the public

 

Wildlife Education

 

At the Ornithology Center, the top priority is the safety and welfare of the birds. The Carlsen Aviary provides comfortable lodging for our raptor ambassadors, now always on display for the public. Anyone can visit their favorite raptor ambassador during park hours and learn about the birds and their wild counterparts.

The aviary provides ample opportunities for the naturalists at Ornithology to teach the public during feeding time and other programming. Whether they saw Obi the barn owl or Matilda the turkey vulture, guests walk away with a better understanding of these incredible birds and how they fit into the wider world.

Carlsen Aviary Gallery

Zoo educator interacting with children, showcasing a feather and wearing a name tag, with kids in hooded jackets observing.
A woman interacts with a hawk in an outdoor enclosure at a wildlife center, showcasing wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
Information board at Carlsen Aviary featuring raptors, welcome message, and conservation details with illustrations of various birds.
A diverse group of people gathered around a wildlife exhibit in a forested area, observing animals and engaging with a guide.
Group of people attending a wildlife education presentation near a large animal enclosure in a natural setting.
A group of people gathered around a wildlife exhibit, observing a presentation about animals in a natural setting.
Educator feeding an owl during a wildlife presentation to a group of children at a wildlife center.
Group of people observing a nature exhibit with educational displays about wildlife and conservation efforts in a natural setting.
California condor with wings spread wide, perched on a rock in an aviary, showcasing its impressive wingspan and distinctive features.

Geothermal Pond

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

GEOTHERMAL POND

GEOTHERMAL POND AT EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER

GEOTHERMAL POND AT EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER

Eagle Creek Park was awarded a $50,000 3Mgives Eco Grant to build a geothermal pond behind the Earth Discovery Center, which the outflow is driven by the source of heating and cooling for the facility. However, construction required more funds and the Eagle Creek Park Foundation was able to give $30,000 to supplement the project.

The new addition adds another dimension to the Earth Discovery Center’s robust programming by creating an educational habitat adjacent to the building, which allows for a new, accessible, and immersive pond study program. It’s large enough to accommodate a school group of 30-40 kids, and allow them to dip-net for frogs tadpoles, and aquatic insects. This adds to their studies and analysis in the center’s wet lab.

FUNDING PROVIDED

$50,000

Grant secured through 3M Gives

 

IMPACT:

ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION COMPONENT FOR EXPLORING WILDLIFE, SERVING 30-40 STUDENTS AT A TIME 

 

Earth Discovery Center

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER

CONSTRUCTION OF EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER

EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER CONSTRUCTION

The old park visitor center drew around 40,000 guests per year, half of which were school-aged children from kindergarten to fifth grade. And at the time, the park offered a variety of learning programs, but only had the capacity to hold one class at a time.

With this in mind, the Foundation sought to design a new Earth Discovery Center to better serve youth, and anyone else interested in learning more about nature and science during their visit to the park.

We formed focus groups and queried local educators on what type of facility would best suit their needs. Soon, we created a capital campaign to construct a new nature center and cover the cost of programming.

Other key contributors were Lilly Endowment, Inc., Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, and the city of Indianapolis.

 

FOUNDATION PROVIDED

RESEARCH, DESIGN, BUILD

Raised funds via capital campaign. 

 

IMPACT:

PROVIDES ADDITIONAL ECOLOGY EDUCATION TO K-12 STUDENTS.

 

MARINA CONCERT STAGE

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

MARINA CONCERT STAGE

CONCERTS AT THE MARINA AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

MARINA CONCERT STAGE

Eagle Creek Park’s “Jazz on the Point” music series at the Marina first gained popularity in 2006, so naturally we wanted to see it become a permanent music venue complete with a central stage to facilitate musicians. Park staff and volunteers assisted us with the construction, and the stage is also available to rent as well.

Now, Indy Parks also presents the acoustical “In Concert with Nature” series, which takes place in conjunction with the jazz series on rotation every Wednesday evening at 6:30pm from June through August.

It’s a great spot right to unwind by the water mid-week, enjoy a picnic (or watch from the water!), and appreciate “natural” talent and tunes. Concerts and parking are free with park admission, and concessions are also available.

 

FOUNDATION PROVIDED

ALL CONSTRUCTION 

Provided by park staff and volunteers.

 

IMPACT:

DRIVES PARK ENGAGEMENT AND FACILITATES ART IN THE PARK

 

Nature Center

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

NATURE CENTER RENOVATION

Renovation of the Nature Center into the Ornithology Center

Renovation of the Nature Center into the Ornithology Center

With the assistance of generous grants from Amos Butler Audubon Society, Nature Center & Sanctuary, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and Wild Birds Unlimited, the Foundation provided funding for all supplies needed (except for carpet) to completely renovate the old Feldman Nature Center into the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center.

 

FOUNDATION SUPPORT

SECURED ALL FUNDING REQUIRED

 

IMPACT:

ENABLES THE STUDY OF BIRD SPECIES AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

 

Fitness Trail Renovation

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

FITNESS TRAIL RENOVATION

FITNESS TRAIL RENOVATION – 56th Street Entrance

FITNESS TRAIL RENOVATION

The Foundation provided $9,200 (half of the total cost) to replace the 20 old exercise stations with new equipment, along with signage supplied by Indy Parks.

Visitors can jump on the trail near the 56th Street entrance, and enjoy a workout with 32 self-guided exercises, along with some help from signage on how to monitor your heart rate.

 

FUNDING PROVIDED

$9,200

About half of the total cost

 

IMPACT:

PROMOTES VISITOR ENGAGEMENT AND TRAIL USAGE THROUGHOUT THE PARK.

 

Raptor Training

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

RAPTOR TRAINING

RAPTOR TRAINING – ORNITHOLOGY CENTER

RAPTOR TRAINING at the Ornithology Center

The Foundation sent Ornithology Center Naturalists Anne Cecere and Brittany Davis to a four-day raptor training program Oct. 8–11, 2013 at the well-known University of Minnesota Raptor Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Anne and Brittany joined a group of 20 educators from across the U.S. and Canada to receive 12 hours of clinical and hands-on medical training, and 10 hours of training focused on their educational birds using operant conditioning. They each performed necropsy on dead raptors, inserted feeding tubes, wrapped broken wings, treated bumblefoot, diagnosed zoonosis, and administered fluids, medical check-ups, and eye exams. Additionally, they prepared the diet for 20 different raptor species.

By touring the raptor facility, they were also happy to learn that the Ornithology Center’s newly renovated mews (cages) were right on track for Eagle Creek’s captive birds. The pair brought back some new ideas of perches, tethers, and enrichment toys to implement at the Ornithology Center, which Foundation members also helped fund.

 

FOUNDATION PROVIDED

FOUR-DAY TRAINING SESSION

University of Minnestoa Raptor Center

 

IMPACT:

HANDS-ON CLINICAL TRAINING FOR CARE OF RAPTOR SPECIES

 

Directional Signage

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE

DIRECTIONAL AND WAYFINDING SIGNAGE – EAGLE CREEK PARK

WAYFINDING AT EAGLE CREEK

The park’s 27-year-old signs needed to be replaced, so we supplied Indy Parks with $15,000 to order and install newer sturdier signage for visitors.

 

FUNDING PROVIDED

$15,000

 

IMPACT:

BETTER NAVIGATION FOR VISITORS THROUGHOUT EAGLE CREEK PARK

 

Outdoor Migration Game

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

BIRD MIGRATION GAME

OUTDOOR BIRD MIGRATION GAME

BIRD MIGRATION GAME

The Ornithology Center hosts a variety of programs in the classroom, but naturalists wanted to design an interactive experience for youth by building an outdoor migration game. The purpose of this educational area is to engage the physical aspect of what children learn about migration in the classroom.

The game mimics a flyway demonstrating different hazards birds might face en route to their breeding ground, which includes ropes, balance beams, climbing walls, streams and more! The Foundation gave $4,500 to support this environmental program on top of $11,000 raised by Cummins.

 

FOUNDATION PROVIDED

$4,500

Additional $11,500 raised by Cummins

 

IMPACT:

ECOLOGY EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS RELATED TO LOCAL BIRD POPULATION.

 

OTHER PROJECTS

FOUNDATION PROJECTS

OTHER FOUNDATION PROJECTS

ADDITIONAL FOUNDATION PROJECTS AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

OTHER FOUNDATION PROJECTS

  • Development of a fully accessible playground
  • Construction of wildlife observation and presentation decks
  • Establishment of three year-round art shows
  • Development and improvements to wildlife habitats and educational exhibits
  • Construction of the Edesess Trail
  • Restoration of the wetlands
  • Development of cross-country ski trails
  • Establishment of an eagle statuary
  • Implementation and updates to Eagle Creek Park’s 1997 Master Plan

 

FOUNDATION PROVIDES

FUNDING, DEVELOPMENT

Provided by park staff and volunteers.

 

IMPACT:

PROTECT, PRESERVE, PROMOTE AND ENHANCE EAGLE CREEK PARK.