Eagle Creek Park | |
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![]() Aerial of park and reservoir in 2022 | |
Type | City Park |
Location | 7840 W. 56th Street Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
Coordinates | 39°51′20″N 86°17′39″W / 39.855556°N 86.294167°W |
Area | Land 3,900 acres (16 km2) Water 1,400 acres (5.7 km2) |
Opened | June 10, 1972 |
Operated by | Indy Parks and Recreation |
Visitors | 1.2 million (in 2019)[1] |
Open | All year |
Website | Official website |
Eagle Creek Park is the largest park in Indianapolis, and one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. It is located at 7840 W. 56th Street in Indianapolis, Indiana and covers approximately 1,400 acres (5.7 km2) of water and 3,900 acres (16 km2) of land. There are about 10 miles (16 km) of paths within it. Eagle Creek Park serves primarily as a nature reserve. Before coming into the possession of Indianapolis, the land was owned by Purdue University, and by Josiah K. Lilly Jr. before that. The Eagle Creek Park Foundation serves to promote volunteerism and provide funding for the Park and its programs.
Eagle Creek Park has hosted a number of notable sporting events, including the NCAA Rowing Championships (2002, 2003, 2013, 2014, and 2019) and the World Rowing Championships (1994). The park served as venue for the Archery, Canoeing, Modern Pentathlon, and Rowing competitions of the 1987 Pan American Games.[2][3]
Eagle Creek Park is among the most visited attractions in Indianapolis, with 1.2 million guests in 2019.[1]
Park attractions
![Map](https://maps.wikimedia.org/img/osm-intl,12,39.8738,-86.2962,300x300.png?lang=en&domain=en.wikipedia.org&title=Eagle_Creek_Park&revid=1202877364&groups=_d00fde8a4aa96c3f32fd63ae7912801a68d1be51)
- Amphitheater
- Bait shop
- Bark Park
- Boat ramp and slips
- Cross-Country skiing paths
- Earth Discovery Center
- Fitness course
- Fishing areas
- Go Ape Treetop Adventure
- Golf course (36 hole)
- Indianapolis Rowing Center
- Indoor Facility Rentals (Wedding Venue)
- Lilly Lake Pedal
- Marsh and Bird sanctuary
- Orienteering
- Ornithology Center
- Peace Learning Center
- Picnic areas and shelters
- Pistol Range
- Pontoon and Sunset Canoe Trips
- Retreat Centers (2)
- Sailboat marina
- Sailboat, rowboat, and canoe rentals
- Sailing Day Camp
- State Nature Preserves (2)
- Swim Beach
- Woodland Wildlife Preserve
Gallery
Clockwise from upper left: The park in October 2009, American white pelicans flying at the park's bird sanctuary, deer grazing in the park, a picnic shelter and directional sign, and a lakeside trail. |
See also
- List of urban parks by size
- List of parks in Indianapolis
- List of attractions and events in Indianapolis
- List of nature centers in Indiana
References
- ^ a b "Most Popular Indianapolis-Area Attractions". Indianapolis Business Journal. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
- ^ Bodenhamer, David. The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis (Indiana University Press, 1994) pg.1074
- ^ "Pan Am Games Schedule". United Press International, Inc. July 29, 1987. Retrieved April 19, 2020.