These 10 Indiana State Parks Were Voted the Best of Indiana

Each year, readers of VisitIndiana.com vote for the Best of Indiana. This year, 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 water way. 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, or for an entire weekend in one of the many cabins.

9. Patoka Lake

Located in Orange, Dubois and Crawford Counties, Patoka Lake is a gorgeous spot in Southern Indiana. With floating cabins, houseboats, sunset wine cruises, a winery and more, Patoka Lake is great place for a picturesque getaway.

8. Shakamak State Park

A wonderful place for fishing, camping, hiking swimming and more, Shakamak State Park features three lakes with rental boats! Located in Jasonville, this state park provides and incredible escape in Southwest Indiana!

7. Clifty Falls State Park

Home to beautiful waterfalls, a beautiful Indiana State Park Inn 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 the gorgeous Potawatomi Inn, which overlooks the serene Lake James, and 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. Book a night at the Spring Mill Inn.

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! Book a stay at the Canyon Inn or in the Family Cabins and 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. For the full experience, book a stay at the Abe Martin Lodge.

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. Book a stay the Turkey Run Inn or in a cabin to turn your day trip into a weekend.

View more Best of Indiana winners.