Skiles Test Nature Park

Skiles Test Nature Park is an eighty-one acre forested area in northeast Indianapolis featuring a network of trails that wind through dense woods alongside Fall Creek. The pathways provide numerous spots where visitors can observe wildlife and experience the woodland environment.

The land was donated to Indianapolis in 1964 to become a public park for the community. This gift transformed the property from private ownership into a protected natural space for public enjoyment.

The park functions as a learning hub where visitors encounter education about local ecosystems and environmental stewardship. Community members gather here to deepen their understanding of the natural world through guided experiences.

The main trail is just over one mile long and begins with a steeper initial section before leveling out through the forest. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for uneven ground and variable inclines throughout the route.

The property once held a miniature railway and a swimming complex with bathhouses and diving platforms during its earlier years. Few visitors realize that this natural space was once designed for recreational entertainment on a much grander scale.