DePauw University Nature Park

This 520-acre Park is in, and around, a retired limestone quarry, with perfectly maintained trails, outstanding views and wildlife teeming along Little Walnut Creek.

The DePauw Nature Park’s nine-mile moderately trafficked loop trail features a lake, wildlife and bird-watching. The trails are rated as moderate, offer a number of activity options and are accessible year-round. Dogs are welcomed, but must be kept on leash.

Between 1917 and 1977, the Nature Park was the site of a limestone quarry. Dormant for decades, the 458 acres of land and adjacent property transitioned into being the Nature Park’s 520 acres in September, 2004. The Park includes the Manning Environmental Field Station, outdoor classrooms, the Rolland Welcome and Activities Center, an amphitheater with limestone block seating from the former quarry, the Prindle Institute for Ethics and its Bartlett Reflection Center.