Fort Harrison State Park

Fort Harrison State Park is a 1,700-acre nature reserve in Indianapolis with dense forests, walking trails, and Fall Creek flowing through its northern section. Historic military buildings from the former base sit scattered between the trees throughout the grounds.

The site began in 1903 as Fort Benjamin Harrison, a major military training and administrative center that operated for over 80 years. After closure in 1991, the installation was transformed into a state park in 1996, preserving this history.

The Museum of 20th Century Warfare displays weapons and personal items from soldiers trained here. This collection tells stories of the daily lives of people who shaped this place.

The park is accessible from 59th Street and Post Road with parking near picnic areas and trail access points. Most visitors enter on foot from these central entrances to explore the different sections.

Two national historic districts are preserved on the grounds, including a civilian military training camp kept intact around the current park office in Camp Glenn. These specially designed training areas offer a window into early 20th-century military education methods.

Location: Indiana

Inception: 1996

Website: https://in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/fort-harrison-state-park

GPS coordinates: 39.86670,-86.01670

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:46