By Chris Bavender
In the suburban area of cities in Hamilton County, getting close to nature may prove to be harder than it would seem. But for Geist residents looking to discover a hidden haven of nature, one need only look to Fortville’s own Geist Park.
From hiking trails to multiple fishing areas to a floating observation deck that extends out into the marsh, Geist Park offers something for everyone.
The land for Geist Park was acquired in 1992 and developed in 1999 – it’s officially been a Hamilton County park since then.
“It was donated by Patrick Verble and Indianapolis Water Co. in 1992 – along with $51,000 for development,” said Geist Park director Allen Patterson. “The land where the park is located is primarily wetland – non-buildable for homes, etc. – which makes it easier to acquire.”
The wetlands – along with the prairies – make the park a very important wildlife habitat, Patterson said. The “very wet ground” is home to very specific water-loving plants and animals and is protected by law. The prairies with their open grass areas are planted with specific warm season plants such as Big and Little Bluestem, Indian Grass, Switch Grass, Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susan, Dropseed and other native grasses and plants.
“It’s a great wildlife habitat and food source,” Patterson said. “All prairies have to be planted and maintained – they don’t occur naturally unless they were originally prairies hundreds of years ago and were left untouched.”
If you’re making a trip to Geist Park, don’t forget the binoculars. The park is known as a bird-watcher’s haven.
“This attracts different birds than your backyard would,” Patterson said. “It is also fairly secluded and provides more privacy for the birds. Great varieties of warblers, swallows and other birds can be viewed during the bird migration season in May. Many bird species can be viewed year-round on or from this park, including ducks, geese, heron, egrets, cormorants, turkey vultures, Pileated Wood-peckers, hawks, and even Bald Eagles.”
In addition to birds, Patterson said visitors often report seeing Whitetail Deer as well as turtles sunning in the pond or along the creek.
The park also features two trail systems. One that runs through a shaded – but mostly open area near the parking lot – and another running through the woods and along the creek.
“(Trails) go past the floating observation deck out to the tip of the property and ends with an open area on the point and a couple of benches,” Patterson said. “You then take the same trail back to the parking area. All total about a mile of trails.”
The park attracts more than 18,000 visitors a year, Patterson said. Dogs are also welcome at the park.
“As long as they are on a physical leash, and under control,” he said.
If you’re looking to picnic at the park, the shelter is available for rent from May 1 to Sept. 30. Fees are $50 a day for Hamilton County residents and $80 for the day for non-county residents. After Sept. 30 until May, the shelter is available first-come, first-served – no reservation needed. A playground is located on site for children as well as areas for launching kayaks or canoes are available for visitors to navigate the water system.
More on Geist Park
Location: 10979 Florida Rd., Fortville
Hours: Dawn till dusk
Size: Approximately a mile of trail space
Topography: Wetlands and prairie lands.
Best for: Bird watching, photography, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and picnics.
Animals: Whitetail deer, rabbits, squirrels, various bird types, turtles, frogs.
Amenities: River access, rentable covered picnic area, playground, restrooms and drinking fountains.
Parking: 40 to 50 space car-lot
