Turkey Run State Park – A great weekend escape!

                Turkey Run State Park, located near Marshall, IN, is the perfect summer time camping getaway.  Just 161 miles from the East Peoria Bass Pro Shops, this destination will place you into some of Indiana’s most scenic countryside.  Hiking, canoeing/tubing and swimming are the true “stars” for this park but other wonderful activities abound within and around this gem.  Turkey Run State Park has 213 campsites, each with electrical hook-ups available (Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends). The campground area has modern restrooms with showers.  There is also a camp store onsite where you can purchase firewood, ice, snacks and any forgotten items that you might need.

                This is the place to go to change the mindset of anyone who’s ever thought that “hiking is boring”.  Turkey Run has some of the most fun hiking trails of any location in the entire Midwest.  Most of the trailheads start with a walk across Sugar Creek via the park’s iconic suspension bridge.

                Once on the other side you can explore trails anywhere from 0.5 – 3.0 miles in length or combine trails to make a longer route.  Amazing sandstone ravines and gorges will put you up close and personal with the creative power of nature.  Trail #3 is a particular favorite (especially with kids) for those who want a physical challenge. Described as “very rugged”, trail #3 will take you into canyons that require you to use large wooden ladders to escape and then it’ll take you through narrow passages that just might get your feet wet or have you scrambling over boulders.  It’s a natural playground that can be enjoyed by all those who dare take the challenge and the whole time you’ll be surrounded by beautiful forests and wonderful rock formations.

                After some great hiking take time to relax with a float trip down beautiful Sugar Creek which flows through the middle of Turkey Run State Park.  A number of private companies just outside of the park offer canoe, kayak, or tube rentals and will transport you to and from the “put in” and “take out” spots located on either end of the park boundaries.  A trip on this gently moving stream starts out by taking you under the Narrows Covered Bridge (one of many picturesque covered bridges in the area) and then through the heart of the park itself.  Sit back and relax as the current moves you along at a leisurely pace. You’ll pass under the suspension bridge about halfway through the trip and then finally end at Cox Ford Covered Bridge.  There is no better way to enjoy yourself on a hot summer afternoon.

                If you’re still looking for more water fun after your float trip, Turkey Run State Park has an Olympic-size swimming pool on site, complete with bathhouse and wading pool.  In addition, the park has a Nature Center that offers naturalist guided hikes and kids activities.  You can enjoy horseback riding or a hayride by visiting the park’s Saddle Barn. Sugar Creek is also a great place to wet a fishing line if you want to try your luck at landing a “big one”.

So go check it out; Turkey Run = Family Fun!

                Make your trip to Turkey Run State Park a huge success by stopping by your local Bass Pro Shops and talking with one of our camping associates.  Check out our great line-up of camping cookware.  We have a huge assortment of Lodge cast iron cookware and all the hot dog forks and pie irons you could need. We can help you find the right gear, at the right price, to give you a great weekend escape. 

Bruce Zilkowski, Camping Department @ Bass Pro Shops, East Peoria, IL
We invite you to visit some of Bruce’s other “Places to Camp” blogs too!

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