The Great Outdoors Are Calling From Henry County, Indiana
From canoeing and camping to biking and bird-watching, Henry County has it all.
Sponsored by: Henry County Destination Development
Henry County, Indiana, may have scored a name for itself in basketball, but its spectacular natural sites are giving the games some solid competition.
There’s a reason — a lot of them, actually — why Summit Lake State Park ranks as the county’s most visited destination.
Two serene kayaking routes on the large lake steer paddlers past ospreys and eagles. Low-lying meadows and prairies are home to waterfowl and endangered box turtles, and hiking trails wind past blue false indigo, Black-eyed Susans and other wildflowers. But nature’s surprises don’t end there.
“A lot of people don’t realize that white pelicans stop by here in early March,” says Nikki LeCrone, the park’s property manager. “It’s amazing to see.”
And then there’s the fishing. Summit Lake is a prime spot for walleye, bass and panfish like crappie and bluegill.
Not far away, Westwood Park’s horse trail, 10-mile mountain biking loop and hiking paths offer wonderful views of the lake, rolling terrain and woodlands.
Bordered by the Big Blue and Little Blue rivers, Wilbur Wright Fish and Wildlife Area is known for its abundant trout, while Red-Tail Nature Preserve serves as an oasis for birds and butterflies and features a flowering prairie and an observation deck shaped like a hawk.
Henry County’s extensive trail network connects pedestrians and cyclists via the Wilbur Wright Trail and others, with some offering paved stretches perfect for all ages and abilities.
“Henry County is very proud of its trails,” LeCrone says. “They’ve done a stellar job of providing access.”
Those who want to stay close to nature at the end of the day can settle into one of the area’s multiple campgrounds, cabins and RV-ready sites.
“Camping has been super popular, especially with the pandemic,” LeCrone adds. “People are finding new ways to get out. One of the best ways to do that is by going camping with your family and creating new memories.”
To learn more about Henry County, visit HoopsInHenry.com.
