Climate
Located west of the capital Indianapolis, winters and summers are moderate, and the park tends to attract high precipitation in some areas, however, due to heavy shading most of the park remains cool in temperature during warm months. Spring and fall are pleasant. Summer is the most popular time, especially during holiday weekends.
Flora and fauna
Deer, beaver, pileated woodpeckers, turkey vultures, small mammals and reptiles are all found throughout the park.
Hemlock, walnut, and sycamores dwarf over the forest, while moss and ferns thrive in their shadows.
History
The state founded its park system in 1916, that same year they purchased Turkey Run, making it Indiana's second state park. The region of and around the park is known for its population of wild turkeys, and many believe the park got its name when the turkeys would head to the canyons during the winter to shield themselves from the cold, then pioneer hunters would use the canyons as funnels, and chase the turkeys for an easy catch. The area was also used for a mill and coal mining for a time.
Understand
Turkey Run State Park is located in west central Indiana on State Road 47 two miles east of U.S. Highway 41. The park and the Inn are open year-round. This State Park is one of the most popular in the state and can be very crowded on summer weekends and especially around holidays like the 4th of July.
Landscape
Turkey Run is most famous for its beautiful sandstone cliffs and canyons. Mansfield sandstone was carved over time by eroding glacial waters. Gravel and glacial erratics from Canada are found throughout the canyons, having been carried down through ancient rivers to the area. Sugar Creek runs through the area, which shares itself with Shades State Park as well.