These 10 Indiana State Parks Were Voted the Best of Indiana

**Before traveling, be sure that you follow all guidelines laid out by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in his Back on Track Indiana plan. Avoid large groups and take precautions recommended by the CDC to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. DNR properties that are currently open can be found here. For more information about Back on Track Indiana, click here.**

Each year, readers of VisitIndiana.com vote for the Best of Indiana. In 2018, voters selected the state’s best State Parks, Burgers and Museums! With 32 Indiana State Parks and Lakes on the ballot, it was a tough choice, but voters narrowed the list down to the 10 best! Which park took the number one spot? You can view the list below or here!

10. Chain O’ Lakes State Park

Chain O’ Lakes State Park is called as such because…wait for it….the park contains a chain of lakes, thirteen lakes to be exact, with nine connected via a central waterway. This state park is open to boaters, campers, fishing enthusiasts, swimmers, hikers, and pretty much anyone wishing to retreat into the wilderness for a quiet afternoon.

9. Patoka Lake

Located in Orange, Dubois and Crawford Counties, Patoka Lake is a gorgeous spot in Southern Indiana.

8. Shakamak State Park

Shakamak State Park is a wonderful place for fishing, camping, hiking swimming, and more. Located in Jasonville, this state park provides an incredible escape in Southwest Indiana!

7. Clifty Falls State Park

Home to beautiful waterfalls and gorgeous views of Downtown Madison and the Ohio River, Clifty Falls State Park is a favorite destination in Southern Indiana. Insider tip, the waterfalls are perhaps even more beautiful when they are frozen over during winter months!

6. Pokagon State Park/Trine State Recreation Area

Known by many around the state as a winter destination because of its famous toboggan run, Pokagon State Park is a popular park year-round with wonderful hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and much more.

5. Spring Mill State Park

Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell is home to a wonderful pioneer village, as well as caves, hiking, mountain biking, and the “Gus” Grissom Memorial museum.

4. Indiana Dunes State Park

Home to what are rated as some of America’s best beaches for families, Indiana Dunes State Park features three miles of Lake Michigan Shoreline, amazing hiking, a fabulous nature center, a birding pavilion, and the incredibly tough 3 Dune Challenge!

3. McCormick’s Creek State Park

Indiana’s first state park, McCormick’s Creek State Park is over 100 years old and continues to draw visitors to Sweet Owen County! Enjoy swimming, hiking, waterfalls, horseback riding and much more!

2. Brown County State Park

Nicknamed the “Little Smokies”, Brown County State Park is Indiana’s largest state park. It encompasses nearly 16,000-acres of rugged hills, ridges, and ravines. It’s considered a hot spot for leaf-peeping, mountain biking, and horseback riding in Indiana.

1. Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run State Park is famous for its canyons and natural trails. Voted number one by Hoosiers, visitors to Parke County have the chance to explore sandstone gorges and scenic views along Sugar Creek.

View more Best of Indiana winners.