As the weather is warming up and the birds are beginning to sing again, there’s no question as to whether we feel the urge to get outside and enjoy it or not: we simply do. Well, we found a delightful little day trip destination in Indiana for a warm day, and it’s as scenic as it is fun! If you made it here by searching for something along the lines of day trips near me, and you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you’re going to love the McCloud Nature Park in North Salem, Indiana.

McCloud Nature Park opened in 2003 and has been a labor of love ever since.

Kaiden Najera/AllTrails It consists of 232 acres of astonishingly scenic land, and it’s known as one of Indiana’s best nature parks.

There’s a lot to do jam-packed into this little slice of paradise.

Robbi Caldwell/AllTrails If you’re a fan of a good hike, there are more than six miles of well-cared-for and well-managed trails weaving all over the park, and if you crave the sound of a babbling brook, there’s also access to Big Walnut Creek.

Explore the park from top to bottom and discover an old iron truss bridge over the creek that’s more than a century old.

Lauren Hiker/AllTrails Explore prairie, woodlands, and more with the sound of chirping birds and vibrant wildlife surrounding you, or enjoy wading, fishing, canoeing or kayaking in the creek.

There’s even an area where you can observe wild honeybees from a safe (but still intimate) proximity.

Jessie Blessing/AllTrails This is one of those places where you come for the scenery but end up spending the entire day for the educational qualities.

Events are held at McCloud Nature Park regularly, all year-round.

Jacob Williams/AllTrails There’s even a Nature Center complete with fascinating exhibits, bird viewing, and more! Bald eagles are frequently seen fishing and nesting in the park, and so do many other species - so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! You never know what - or who - you’ll run into!

Truly, this destination is perfect for getting lost all day.

Jenna Elmore/AllTrails Whether you come on your own or bring the whole family (they’re sure to love it), we’re confident that the McCloud Nature Park in Indiana is the perfect answer to every possible question!

We hope this answered your big question about day trips near me, too! Have you ever visited the McCloud Nature Park in Indiana? What would you say is your favorite park in the Hoosier State? Tell us your thoughts – and join the discussion – in the comments!

Kaiden Najera/AllTrails

It consists of 232 acres of astonishingly scenic land, and it’s known as one of Indiana’s best nature parks.

Robbi Caldwell/AllTrails

If you’re a fan of a good hike, there are more than six miles of well-cared-for and well-managed trails weaving all over the park, and if you crave the sound of a babbling brook, there’s also access to Big Walnut Creek.

Lauren Hiker/AllTrails

Explore prairie, woodlands, and more with the sound of chirping birds and vibrant wildlife surrounding you, or enjoy wading, fishing, canoeing or kayaking in the creek.

Jessie Blessing/AllTrails

This is one of those places where you come for the scenery but end up spending the entire day for the educational qualities.

Jacob Williams/AllTrails

There’s even a Nature Center complete with fascinating exhibits, bird viewing, and more! Bald eagles are frequently seen fishing and nesting in the park, and so do many other species - so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! You never know what - or who - you’ll run into!

Jenna Elmore/AllTrails

Whether you come on your own or bring the whole family (they’re sure to love it), we’re confident that the McCloud Nature Park in Indiana is the perfect answer to every possible question!

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Address: 8518 Hughes Rd, North Salem, IN 46165