Looking for an easy-ish terrain state park in Indiana? Check out Prophetstown State Park in West Lafayette. We took a sister (+ our dogs) weekend trip to Indiana and this was our last state park visit before heading home. Check out our post on Shades State Park and Turkey Run State Park to see how we made a weekend trip while staying in Crawfordsville, IN.
Itinerary – Prophetstown State Park
- Parked near trail 1, click here for a map
- Took trail 1 past the volleyball and camping area.
- Walked trail 1 along the Harrison Creek
- Went straight onto Trail 2 by Fishing Pond
- Followed Trail 2 past picnic areas
- Continued onto Trail 1 to get back to the parking
Parking at Prophetstown State Park
We parked in a quiet parking lot near the start of trail 1. We went on a Sunday morning and the parking lot was pretty quiet and an outhouse was right there which was very convenient.
Once we were parked and got the dogs ready, we made our way into the tree-covered path on trail 1. This was one of the only parts of the trail that was shaded.
Trail 1 – Easy
We did not have much time to explore Prophetstown State Park, so we chose to do part of trail 1 + 2 due to this loop being shorter in mileage. If we had more time, we would have loved to explore trail 3 + 4.
Trail 1 took us past the camping area where we saw some outhouses, parks, and volleyball courts. There were tons of RV’s parked and it looked like a perfect spot for a weekend of family fun.
Once we hit the part of the trail that ran parallel with the Harrison Creek it was a nice trail with pretty scenery.
Trail 2 – Moderate
While walking along the creek, we ran into trail 2 and continued towards the Fishing pond. The terrain was a bit more hilly on trail 2, but was still a pretty easy walk.
The nice part about both of these trails is that there are a handful of sitting areas and restrooms.
The fishing pond would have been the perfect spot to bring a small picnic and read a book.
Some parts of the trails at this state park are also paved, which would be nice for biking or family walks. There is truly something for everyone at this destination.
After walking along trail 2, we ran into a sign leading us back onto trail 1 and back to our parking spot. In total, the walk was about four miles.
Note – the majority of the walk was not shaded. Definitely pack a hat and sunscreen for sun protection
Things to Do While at Prophetstown State Park
Aquatic Center – this is located within the park and has a tube slide, lazy river, aquatic activity area and more
The Farm at Prophetstown is located within the park and provides an insight to farming life in the 1920’s.
Tippecanoe Battlefield and Museum is a national historic landmark with historic and scenic hiking trails
Hiking, Biking and Camping within the state park
ROSE + THORN
ROSE
OLIVE – all the bathrooms along the trails, always nice to have while hiking
FERN – not crowded at all, great spot to bring our dogs
THORN
OLIVE – limited shaded and I forgot all my sun protection
FERN – would have loved to explore the other trails
Pictures from our day!
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Looking for more Hikes in Indiana?
Check out two of our favorite Indiana trips: Shades State Park and Turkey Run State Park!
I’ve never been to Indiana but have a friend who’s there right now — it’d be cool to get to visit her there + to check this park out! :]
This looks like such a great hike in Indiana! Love that it also has a history component with a glimpse into farming life from a hundred years ago.
Love the photos very scenic, also love that there’s different options for trails
Very thorough walk through of this park! I hope to visit one day
I LOVE hiking – just a chance to get outside, get some steps in. Thanks so much for this post – definitely adding this to my list when I visit Indiana next!