Turkey Run State Park
Marshall, IN
Sandstone canyons cut by Sugar Creek, reached on trails with ladders and creek crossings through hemlock-lined gorges. Wear shoes that can get wet and come on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.
Turkey Run State Park was established in 1916 as Indiana's second state park and covers 2,382 acres (about 960 ha) in Parke County near Marshall. Sugar Creek and Mansfield sandstone, which glacial-era erosion carved into gorges and canyons, define the landscape. The park receives about 700,000 visitors a year.
The hiking trails include some demanding sections: Trail 3 (about 1.7 miles / 2.7 km) leads through narrow gorges, over ladders and along creek beds. A suspension bridge over Sugar Creek dates originally from 1917 and 1918. Historic sites include the Lusk Home, built in 1841 on an old mill site, and the Richard Lieber Log Cabin of 1848, which houses a museum about Lieber and Indiana's state parks. There is camping and the Turkey Run Inn. Allow half a day for the gorges and wear shoes that can get wet. Trail 3 can be impassable at high water.
- Nearest town
- Marshall, IN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.8856, -87.2086
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Inn CabinsCampsite0 mi from Turkey Run State Park
- Turkey Run State Park CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Turkey Run State ParkTentsCaravans
- Turkey Run State Park CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Turkey Run State ParkTentsCaravans
- Shades CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Turkey Run State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- KOA KampgroundMotorhome stopover20 mi from Turkey Run State ParkMotorhomes
- Family CampgroundsMotorhome stopover21 mi from Turkey Run State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Indiana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Turkey Run State Park?
Turkey Run State Park is in Marshall, IN, at GPS 39.8856, -87.2086. It is about 56 mi from Indianapolis.
Can you camp near Turkey Run State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Inn Cabins, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Turkey Run State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Shades State Park (7 mi), Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (52 mi), Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (56 mi) and Brown County State Park (72 mi).
When is the best time to visit Turkey Run State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)