School is out and summer is here in Hendricks County, Indiana! It's time to get outdoors and enjoy that warmth and sunshine!
We have all sorts of great places for outdoor recreation in the summer, and here are some of my suggestions in no particular order.
Water Fun
Summer brings out everyone's desire to get in the water, and you can do just that at any of the pools, splash pads and water parks here in Hendricks County. Our water parks include Splash Island Family Water Park in Plainfield, the Gill Family Aquatic Park in Danville and Murphy Aquatic Park in Avon.
For a different water experience — especially with younger children — you might enjoy the splash pads at Williams Park in Brownsburg, Washington Township Park in Avon and Hummel Park in Plainfield.
Parks & Trails
Suppose you're looking for a park with a playground. In that case, I suggest starting with Williams Park and Arbuckle Acres Park in Brownsburg, Hummel Park in Plainfield, Washington Township Park, Avon Town Hall Park and W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park in Avon, as well as Ellis Park in Danville. There are several other playgrounds in Hendricks County, but this will give you a good starting point.
For a more nature-centric park experience, I recommend McCloud Nature Park outside of North Salem, Echo Hollow Nature Park and Friendship Gardens Park in Plainfield, Pecar Park and Burnett Woods in Avon, the B&O Trail in Brownsburg, and the section of the Vandalia Trail that runs from Amo to Coatesville.
Natural Valley Ranch
A spectacular spot for outdoor recreation is Natural Valley Ranch near Brownsburg. This family-owned ranch set in a scenic, wooded area allows visitors to experience guided horseback rides through their sprawling 75-acre property nestled alongside White Lick Creek. In addition to horseback rides, visitors can interact with farm animals, hike and fish.
You can even stay the night at Natural Valley Ranch by renting either the Cottage or the Cabin. The Cottage boasts six bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, while the Cabin can accommodate up to 20 guests within its 5,200 square feet.
Montrose Farms Alpaca Ranch
You'll want to contact Montrose Farms Alpaca Ranch and schedule a tour of this small family farm.
Not only can you tour Montrose Farms -- where they usually have about 20 or 30 of these South American beauties -- you can also sign up for special events there, such as Yoga with Alpacas!
Golf Courses
Evidently, a large number of people enjoy playing golf. I am not among them. But I am aware we have some nice golf courses around here.
The Pittsboro Golf Course is a neat little 9-hole course for all skill levels, and that's probably where I should have begun my failed attempt to enjoy this outdoor activity. Instead, I began at the more challenging Twin Bridges Golf Course in Danville, and I've also tried Deer Creek Golf Course in Clayton.
We have many other 9- and 18-hole courses throughout the county.
Alternative Sports
Some of the lesser-known outdoor recreation activities, such as archery, disc golf, pickleball and skateboarding, can all be found in Hendricks County at various locations!
The Danville Conservation Club and the Pine Hill Archery Club in Danville both have outdoor ranges for archers, and Anderson Park in Plainfield is a perfect spot for skateboarders. There are a multitude of 9- and 18-hole disc golf courses and even more places to play pickleball throughout the county.
Beasley's Orchard
Beasley's Orchard in Danville is a great place to explore in the summer. You can pick your own zinnias, strawberries, raspberries and sunflowers at various times throughout the summer and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables at the barn market.
Beasley's Orchard is a popular backdrop for photos, thanks to its vibrant zinnias and sunflowers.
Outdoor Summer Events
One of the best ways to find spots for summer outdoor recreation is by attending any of the numerous events taking place throughout the season in Hendricks County. I've listed some of the big ones below, but don't forget to mash the orange button for even more outdoor summer events!
- Hendricks County Rib-Fest & BBQ - last Saturday in June in Danville
- Hendricks County 4-H Fair - mid-July in Danville
- NASCAR Doubleheader - late July in Brownsburg
- Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals - Labor Day Weekend in Brownsburg
- North Salem Old Fashion Days - Labor Day Weekend in North Salem
- Back Your Badge Marathon - September in Plainfield
