Indiana’s diverse habitats are home to over 400 documented bird species, making it the perfect place for a birding adventure. The birding experiences won’t disappoint, from the one-of-a-kind migration of Sandhill Cranes to Bald Eagles perched atop tree-tops. Luckily, the Indiana Audubon Society recently created the Indiana Birding Trail, featuring 64 great bird watching locations. Divided up into five regions of the state, the trail guide covers everything you need to know on each area, including eco-regions, climate influences, bird species, and more. Below, we have outlined every site on the Indiana Birding Trail, with a few of our favorite spots highlighted. For the complete Indiana Birding Trail Guide, click here.

Travel is permitted, and getting outside is great for mental and physical health, but it is still best to practice social distancing as we continue to fight COVID-19. Please take precautions, plan ahead, and follow CDC and local guidelines while visiting the Hoosier state.

Click on the appropriate region to learn more about its Indiana birding locations:
Northwest Indiana | Central Indiana | Northeast Indiana
Southwest Indiana | Southeast Indiana

Northwest

Our top 3 spots on the trail in Northwest Indiana:

Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area

While most Fish & Wildlife areas offer excellent birding opportunities, Jasper-Pulaski is one of the best spots in the entire state. It has become known for the annual migration of Sandhill Cranes each spring and fall. Jasper-Pulaski is home to the largest gathering of Sandhill Cranes east of the Mississipi River. Fall daily peak counts usually exceed over 15,000 birds. The property is also suitable for migrating and breeding other types of birds.

Location: Medaryville

Birds: Sandhill Crane, Northern Harrier, Rough-legged Hawk

Waterfowl at Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife, Indiana Birding — Waterfowl at Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area.

Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

Over 250 species of birds have been documented at Willow Slough! A diverse set of habitats allows this property to be a year-round birding destination. J.C. Murphey Lake, located on the property, attracts migrating waterfowl and is a hotspot to see migrating American White Pelicans, Bald Eagles. Osprey and Sandhill Cranes. Waterfowl also like to nest on the northern wetland side of the lake.

Location: Morocco

Birds: American White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Waterfowl, Virginia Rail

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana’s first national park is also arguably its best birding destination. Over 350 bird species have been spotted in the greater Indiana Dunes area, with most of them detected at Indiana Dunes National Park. The top birding locations at the park include Beverly Shores, Heron Rookery, Cowles Bog, and West Beach. The swamp habitat of Cowles Bog produces a large number of migrant birds in both the spring and fall.

Location: Porter

Birds: Whip-poor-will, Warbler, Western Kingbird, Long-eared Owl

More Northwest Indiana Birding Trail Locations

Indiana Dunes State Park

Birds: Warbler, Summer Tanager, Winter Finch, Harris’ Sparrow

Hammond Lakefront Park & Marina

Birds: Passerine, Waterfowl, Sparrows

Grant Street Marsh

Birds: Cattail, Eurasian Wigeon, Eared Grebe, American Avocet

Miller Beach

Birds: Shorebird, Gulls, Jaeger, Tern

Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area

Birds: Sandhill Crane, Waterfowl, Shorebird, Eastern Screech-Owl

Bendix Woods County Park

Birds: Large-Flowered Trillium, Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Woodpecker

Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area

Birds: Henslow’s Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Eastern Meadowlark, American Kestrel

Spicer Lake Nature Preserve

Birds: Belted Kingfisher, Pied-billed Grebe, Wood-Pewee

St. Patricks County Park

Birds: Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Baltimore Oriole, Woodpecker

Potato Creek State Park

Birds: Waterfowl, Warbler, Shorebird

Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area

Birds: Bald Eagle, Blackbird, Golden eagle, Brewer’s Blackbird

Kankakee Sands

Birds: Bell’s Vireo, Blue Grosbeak, Bobolink, Western Meadowlark

Tippecanoe River State Park

Birds: Western Whip-poor-will, Heron, Passerine, Waterfowl

Central

Our top 3 spots on the trail in Central Indiana:

Eagle Creek Park

Resident and migrant birds can be encountered at Eagle Creek Park. Close to 4,000 acres of ponds, mudflats, grasslands, and woods make up diverse wildlife perfect for all kinds of birds. The Ornithology Center overlooks a bird sanctuary featuring ducks, geese, gulls, cormorants, and herons rest. A 2-mile loop around the bird sanctuary, The Coffer Dam, provides outstanding reservoir views.

Location: Indianapolis

Birds: Geese, Duck, Cormorant, Pine Siskin, Red-breasted Nuthatch

Fort Harrison State Park

Urban areas are excellent for birding too! Fort Harrison State Park, located in Indianapolis, offers great birding throughout its expansive woodlands and riparian corridor. Migrant bird species can be found in season at the Fall Creek trailhead, and migrant species are usually spotted further up the trail. Breeding species like the Orchard Oriole and American Kestral can be spotted while mountain biking the Schoen Creek Trail.

Location: Indianapolis

Birds: Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker

Prophetstown State Park

Prophetstown is one of Indiana’s more unique state parks, and this is no different for birding. Its location between the Wabash and Tippecanoe rivers provide a gorgeous prairie habitat with ponds and creeks. When arriving at the park entrance, watch the fence line for sparrows, including Henslow’s and Lark Sparrow. The village trails provide views of Common Yellowthroats, Indigo Bunting, Brown Thrasher, and more. A local tip: Close your eyes in the morning and listen for Ring-necked Pheasants.

Location: West Lafayette

Birds: Henslow, Lark Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, Ring-necked Pheasant

More Central Indiana Birding Trail Locations

Pine Creek Gamebird Habitat Area

Birds: Hudsonian, Marbel Godwit, Warbler, American Bittern

Celery Bog Nature Area

Birds: Herons, Hawks, Woodpecker. Bluebird

Pine Hills Nature Preserve

Birds: Northern Parula, Scarlet Tanager, Blackburnian Warbler, Wood Thrush

Turkey Run State Park

Birds: Rock Pigeon, Swallow, Waterthrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Cool Creek Park & Nature Center

Birds: Warbler, Cooper’s Hawk, Yellow-throated Vireo

Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve

Birds: Songbird, American Woodcock, Virginia Rail, Rusty Blackbird

Mounds State Park

Birds: Geese, Belted Kingfisher, Song Sparrows, Woodpecker

Summit Lake State Park

Birds: Scoter, Long-tailed duck, Gull, Pelican, Bald Eagle

Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary

Birds: Wood Thrush, Cerulean Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Saw-whet owl

Brookville Lake

Birds: Waterfowl, Passerine, Raptor, Warbler

Northeast

Our top 3 spots on the trail in Northeast Indiana:

An owl staring down @jefffairchildphotoart at Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area.

Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area

Established over 60 years ago, Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area is now a birder’s paradise with almost 12,000 acres of land and 529 acres of lakes. Migratory waterfowl make their home near Nasby Dam, Deep Lake, and Mongo Reservoir. Over 36 woodland warbler species have been identified on-site with many hotspots giving year-round productivity. Pigeon River is known for the great opportunity to see several species of owl, as pictured above!

Location: North Mongo

Birds: Warbler, Waterfowl, Great Horned Owl, Common Gallinule

Chain O’Lakes State Park

Thirteen lakes in total make up Chain O’Lakes State Park in Albion. Birds like to hang around each lake, but the trails around Dock Lake, Sand Lake, and Trail 4 are the best viewing locations. Prothonotary Warblers, American Redstarts, Eastern Kingbirds, and more can usually be found. For a unique experience, consider canoeing around the park via the interconnecting channels.

Location: Albion

Birds: Prothonotary Warbler, American Redstart, Red-headed Woodpecker

Salamonie Lake

The 2,665-acre Salamonie Lake is bordered by amazing forests, prairies, farmlands, marshes, and ponds that birds love. Tailwaters below the Dam and State Forest are perfect wintering grounds for Bald and Golden Eagles. Waterfowl especially enjoy the open waters during winter. The Interpretive Center at Lost Bridge West SRA features a raptor center and bird viewing room.

Location: Andrews

Birds: Bald Eagle, Leucistic Northern Cardinal, American White Pelican, Thrush

More Northeast Indiana Birding Trail Locations

Boot Lake Nature Preserve

Birds: Henslow’s Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Sandhill Crane, Wilson’s Snipe

Pokagon State Park

Birds: Cerulean Warbler, Red-headed Woodpecker, Sora, Common Gallinule

Wing Haven Nature Preserve

Birds: Sandhill Crane, Least Bittern, Marsh Wren

Pisgah Marsh Fish & Wildlife Area

Birds: Ring-necked duck, Wild Turkey, Common Gallinule, Green Heron

Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area

Birds: Waterfowl

Fox Island County Park

Birds: Pileated Woodpecker, Fox Sparrow, Eastern Towhee

Eagle Marsh Wetland Preserve

Birds: Migrant duck, Shorebird, Rail, Bittern

Limberlost Swamp Conservation Area

Birds: Short-eared Owl, Northern harrier, Waterfowl, Migrating Shorebird

Mississinewa Lake

Birds: American White Pelican, Waterfowl, Warbler, Oriole, Bald Eagle

Southwest

Our top 3 spots on the trail in Southwest Indiana:

Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve

Some of Indiana’s most towering trees can be found in Wesselman Woods, with a few getting up to over 100 feet! Five miles of trails give quality access to the wildlife here, with the biggest draw for birders being the old-growth forest. Thrushes, warblers, tanagers, vireos, and flycatchers are easily spotted in the spring and fall. Wood Ducks nest at the pond while owls are breeding residents. Rarities can sometimes even be detected at Wesselman Woods!

Location: Evansville

Birds: Thrush, Warbler, Barred Owl, Wood Duck

Sandhill Cranes at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, Indiana Birding — A Sandhill Crane “dances” in a field next to Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area.

Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area

Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area is the second location in Indiana that boasts significant numbers of migrating Sandhill Cranes to and from the north. Marsh Madness Sandhill Crane Festival, which takes place with the peak Sandhill Crane migration in the fall, is truly something to behold. The shallow water wetlands, marsh, and grassland are vital for over 260 bird species. Goose Pond has become a stopover site for Whooping Cranes as well.

Location: Linton

Birds: Sandhill Crane, Rail, Shorebird, Raptor

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge

An exceptional location for wildlife viewing due to its diversity, Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge is great for year-round birding. Bottomland forests offer valuable habitat to nesting birds like the Hooded Mergansers and Red-headed Woodpeckers. Grasslands also play home to nesting Henslow’s Sparrows, Northern Bobwhites, and more. A significant number of waterfowl are spotted from winter into April.

Location: Oakland City

Birds: Prothonotary warbler, Red-headed Woodpecker, Henslow’s Sparrow, Hooded Merganser

More Southwest Indiana Birding Trail Locations

McCormick’s Creek State Park

Birds: Wood warbler, Flycatcher, Tanager, Magnolia, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks

Monroe Lake

Birds: Warbler, Thrush, Vireo, Waterfowl

Spring Mill State Park

Birds: Hawks, Barred Owls, Migratory Songbirds

Cane Ridge WMA-Tern Bar Slough WDA

Birds: Waterfowl, Wader, Shorebird, Gull, Tern

Somerville Mines

Birds: Waterfowl, Sharped-shinned Hawks, Merlin, Short-eared Owl

Scales Lake County Park

Birds: Mississippi Kite, Pileated Woodpecker, Oriole, Osprey

Lincoln State Park

Birds: Rail, Heron, Warbler, Thrush

Southeast

Our top 3 spots on the trail in Southeast Indiana:

Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge

Muscatatuck National Wildlife is nearly 8,000 acres of fabulous wetlands and nature at its best. The refuge is designated as a continentally important bird area and is managed to give habitat to migratory birds as an essential stopover site. Shrublands and its forest are full of species, such as the Kentucky Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Orchard Oriole. Dickcissels and Grasshopper Sparrows love to nest in the Endicott grassland. A viewing room for feeder birds is located in Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge’s Visitor Center.

Location: Seymour

Birds: Kentucky Warbler, Summer Tanager, Orchard Oriole, Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Brown County State Park

Is it really a surprise that the “Little Smokies” are on this list? The vast, rugged hills and beautiful ridgetops give way for unforgettable views. Vultures and raptors ride thermals on Brown County’s iconic ridges. Upland mesic forests are usually home to an array of warbler species, while the lush wooded areas are habitats for Red-headed and Pileated Woodpeckers. Don’t miss out on Bald Eagles gliding along Salt Creek looking for food!

Location: Nashville

Birds: Kentucky Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Migrant Songbird, Sparrow

O’Bannon Woods State Park

The youngest state park in the state is fantastic for finding waterfowl, warblers, and thrushes. Plus, the abundance of ponds and wetlands give a home to a variety of woodpecker species. O’Bannon Woods State Park’s year-round nature center has two large bird-viewing windows where visitors can experience the park out of the elements! There’s also an ADA accessible trail that loops a mile around the visitor center where birds can usually be found nesting.

Location: Corydon

Birds: Wood Thrush, Hooded Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker