Get away from screens — and jump into Indiana’s top outdoor adventures

Don't let the summer go by without having more outdoor adventures — especially since the outdoor lover's paradise for fun in the sun is just a short drive away.

What you need to know: From intense hiking to biking to golfing, Indiana has top-notch thrills for everyone.

🥾 Take a hike

If you're a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge, Indiana has trails in and out of state parks that let you really earn your stripes and photos:

• Turkey Run State Park's Ladders Trail is a rugged 5.56-mile hike with a ladder and ~1,500 human-made steps. It was voted the best hiking trail IN Indiana in 2019.
• The Six Ravine Challenge at Shades State Park covers 4.42 miles, three ladders and ~570 human-made steps. You'll climb 1,110 feet and descend 1,030 feet as you trek through six incredible ravines.
• The Adventure Hiking Trail is a 25-mile loop trail — the second longest in the state — that passes along forested river bluffs, ravines, sinkholes and caves.

🦅 Get face-to-face with wildlife

Take a walk on the wild side IN Indiana, where you can spot bison, bald eagles and more at close range — or close enough to capture a mesmerizing photo.

The deets:

• Ouabache (pronounced Wabash) is a Bluffton state park home to a herd of bison, which graze in a fenced-in area inside the park. It also boasts one of Indiana's 13 still-standing fire towers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Thanks to a reintroduction program of bald eagles at Monroe Lake in the late 1980s, Indiana's eagle population is flourishing. More than 15 eagle nests can now be found at Monroe Lake, providing plenty of opportunities to see the majestic bird in the flesh.
• The Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge is 6,600 acres of wetlands, floodplain forest and uplands established to provide a habitat for migrating birds and increase the area's biodiversity. See the rich diversity of animals who call it home from multiple viewing spots.

🚴 Ride bucket-list-worthy tracks

Indiana is home to world-class biking trails featuring varied, challenging terrain for bikers of all levels.

Here's the deal: Hopping on a bike is one of the best ways to see Indiana's natural beauty.

• The Griffin Bike Park features more than 16 miles of single track, a terrain park, a slalom track and more. You can even jump into a lake at the water skills park!
• At 27.9 miles, Indiana's longest mountain biking trail is within Brown County State Park. With a 2,432-foot ascent and -2,431-foot descent, it's a challenging, picturesque ride.

The takeaway: Indiana is a hotspot for outdoor excitement — including rock climbing and golfing.

For example, Pete Dye, the father of modern golf course architecture, called Indiana home. His namesake Golf Trail showcases a collection of seven golf courses offering challenging golf experiences and unique destinations.

Next steps: Find your Indiana adventure.