Fort Benjamin Harrison SP
🌳 1,700 Acres of Forest Inside Indianapolis — Pete Dye Golf, Horseback Riding, and 12+ Miles of Trails — A former U.S. Army base turned urban state park with a nature center, Fall Creek fishing, state park inn, dog park, and one of Indiana’s best sledding hills — Marion County, Indiana
Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park — known locally as “Fort Ben” — is one of the most remarkable urban state parks in America. Located in Lawrence, just northeast of downtown Indianapolis, this 1,700-acre park preserves the wooded grounds of a former U.S. Army installation that served from 1903 to 1991. Where soldiers once trained, families now hike through mature hardwood forest, fish Fall Creek, and play a championship Pete Dye golf course — all within the city limits.
The park features over 12 miles of trails ranging from the paved Harrison Trace (3.2 mi) to rugged creek-valley hikes, a nature center, horseback riding at the Saddle Barn, a 10-acre off-leash dog park, and the Fort Harrison State Park Inn — one of only a handful of state park inns in Indiana. Two National Historic Districts and the Museum of 20th Century Warfare add cultural depth to the outdoor experience.
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison Trace | 3.2 mi | Easy (paved) | Walking, jogging, cycling — accessible |
| Lawrence Creek Trail | 4.2 mi | Moderate | Creek valley, ravines, forest |
| Schoen Creek Trail | 3 mi | Moderate | Wooded hills, creek crossings |
| Camp Creek Trail | 2 mi | Easy–Moderate | Forest loop, nature observation |
| Fall Creek Trail | 1.5 mi | Easy | Riverside walk, fishing access |
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golf | The Fort — Pete Dye 18-hole | Championship par-72, top public course in IN |
| Horseback Riding | Saddle Barn | Guided rides, seasonal, call ahead |
| Fishing | Fall Creek | Smallmouth bass, bluegill — IN license |
| Nature Center | Exhibits + wildlife viewing | Local ecology and military history |
| Dog Park | 10-acre fenced area | Separate entrance |
| Sledding | Largest sledding hill in area | Winter only — bring your own sled |
| Cross-Country Skiing | Groomed trails (winter) | When snow conditions allow |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 50–72°F | Wildflowers, creek fishing, nature center |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–90°F | Golf, horseback riding, trails |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | 40–65°F | Fall foliage — spectacular hardwoods |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 25–40°F | Sledding, cross-country skiing |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IN Resident Vehicle | $7/day | Annual pass: $50 |
| Out-of-State Vehicle | $9/day | Annual pass: $70 |
| Golf (The Fort) | $45–$75/round | Pete Dye championship course |
| State Park Inn | $100–$180/night | Full-service hotel in the park |
| Day Trip | $7–$9 | Trails + nature center + fishing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this really a military base?
Yes. Fort Benjamin Harrison served as a U.S. Army installation from 1903 to 1991. The park preserves two National Historic Districts and the Museum of 20th Century Warfare.
Can I stay overnight?
Yes — at the State Park Inn. There is no campground, but the Fort Harrison State Park Inn offers full-service lodging with a restaurant (The Garrison).
Is the golf course good?
Excellent. The Fort is a Pete Dye-designed, 18-hole championship course consistently rated among the best public courses in Indiana.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Dogs on-leash throughout the park, plus a dedicated 10-acre off-leash dog park with a separate entrance.
How far from downtown Indianapolis?
About 12 miles (20 minutes) northeast via I-465 to Post Road.
Is there camping?
No tent or RV camping. Fort Ben is a day-use park (dawn to dusk). The State Park Inn is the overnight option.
🌳 Indianapolis’s Urban Wilderness
1,700 acres of forest, a Pete Dye golf course, horseback riding, and 12+ miles of trails — all inside the city limits. Indiana’s premier urban state park.
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