Oh deer! We sure do have a good reason for you to come out to McCloud Nature Park during the months of September and October – our 2025 McCloud Prairie Maze celebrating deer! The maze is open daily from dawn to dusk from Sept. 6 to Oct. 31, 2025. The correct path through the maze […]
Kick back with a warm cup of coffee and enjoy the peaceful sounds of a September morning as we gather for some casual birdwatching. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just bird-curious, this relaxing program invites you to slow down and discover who’s flitting by for breakfast. We’ll sip, chat, and watch the treetops together […]
Unleash your creativity with our Crafty Creations! In each session, we’ll explore a different craft project, so there’s always something new and exciting to make. Every class offers a unique opportunity to learn new techniques and create something you’ll love, from painting to paper crafts and more. Come join us for a fun and inspiring […]
Join us for the Naturalist’s Choice program, where every session is a surprise adventure led by our naturalist team! Depending on the weather, season, and local wildlife activity, you’ll explore a unique and engaging topic tailored to the day’s conditions. Be ready for anything and wear closed-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or […]
This is your invitation to watch the seasons change in McCloud Nature Park! We will go on a guided hike to the same spot every week and document our observations: weather, wildlife, plants at different stages, including the turning of leaves for autumn. Our goal is to guide participants to explore and understand the cyclical […]
Come for the miles, stay for the smiles! Running is better with friends—and a beautiful trail beneath your feet. Lace up and join us for Run Club, a welcoming, non-competitive group run through our local parks and nature trails. We'll gather at 8 a.m. at the designated park or trailhead, warm up together, and hit […]
Delight in the magic of the season during Tadpole Time: Fall Forest Fun! This gentle, nature-filled adventure invites young explorers to collect colorful leaves, observe how the forest is changing, and discover the wonders hiding under autumn’s golden canopy. With stories and hands-on exploration, it’s a cozy celebration of fall that’s perfect for little nature […]
Delight in the magic of the season during Tadpole Time: Fall Forest Fun! This gentle, nature-filled adventure invites young explorers to collect colorful leaves, observe how the forest is changing, and discover the wonders hiding under autumn’s golden canopy. With stories and hands-on exploration, it’s a cozy celebration of fall that’s perfect for little nature […]
This is your invitation to watch the seasons change in McCloud Nature Park! We will go on a guided hike to the same spot every week and document our observations: weather, wildlife, plants at different stages, including the turning of leaves for autumn. Our goal is to guide participants to explore and understand the cyclical […]
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and the crisp air while running the trails at McCloud Nature Park. Scenes will include forest, prairie, Big Walnut Creek, and the historic truss bridge! After the professionally timed race, stick around for the McCloud Fall Colors Festival which includes food, archery, atlatls, hayride, prairie maze, games, and more […]
Experience autumn in full color at the Fall Colors Festival! This year, we’re celebrating the history of McCloud with a “McCloud Days” theme! Enjoy a day packed with vibrant festivities including live music, local vendors, archery, axe throwing, hayrides, a cozy bonfire, and picture-perfect photo ops. Step back in time with our Pioneer Days stations—featuring […]
You hear a loud bump outside at night! Spooky! Now you start to hear hissing! Is it a vampire? Or a snake? Its…. an opossum!! Join our naturalist team on Oct. 15 at the Hendricks County Senior Center to learn about the only native North American marsupials. You may find these creatures are not as […]
Unleash your creativity with our Crafty Creations! In each session, we’ll explore a different craft project, so there’s always something new and exciting to make. Every class offers a unique opportunity to learn new techniques and create something you’ll love, from painting to paper crafts and more. Come join us for a fun and inspiring […]
Join us at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park for an evening of board games and cards! Whether you’re a master of games or just like to have fun, you're sure to find something that fits your interests. Have a unique game you love to play? Bring it and show off your skills! APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES […]
This is your invitation to watch the seasons change in McCloud Nature Park! We will go on a guided hike to the same spot every week and document our observations: weather, wildlife, plants at different stages, including the turning of leaves for autumn. Our goal is to guide participants to explore and understand the cyclical […]
Have you ever wondered about what life was like before the invention of phones, the internet, and even electricity? Then join us for October’s Homeschool Ecology program! We’ll walk you through an average day in the life at McCloud, including cooking over a fire, butter making, natural dyes, sewing and more! Come learn about what […]
Step into an autumn wonderland at our Fall-o-ween Spooktacular! Wander a winding Trick-or-Treat Trail overflowing with seasonal sweets, stop at our monster lab and create your own awesome ghoul, visit our vendors and face-painting stations to bring your fanciful visions to life, and settle in for hayrides (for a nominal fee) through the moonlit woods. […]
Debunk the myths. Discover the magic. Our Fall Break Camps are Not So Spooky! Step into the wild side of fall as campers will explore bats, snakes, spiders, owls, and more—learning how myths and media gave them a spooky reputation, and why they’re actually amazing! Through hands-on activities, crafts, hikes, and games, kids will discover […]
Join us for the Naturalist’s Choice program, where every session is a surprise adventure led by our naturalist team! Depending on the weather, season, and local wildlife activity, you’ll explore a unique and engaging topic tailored to the day’s conditions. Be ready for anything and wear closed-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or […]
This is your invitation to watch the seasons change in McCloud Nature Park! We will go on a guided hike to the same spot every week and document our observations: weather, wildlife, plants at different stages, including the turning of leaves for autumn. Our goal is to guide participants to explore and understand the cyclical […]
Join us in welcoming Sherri with Creative Gatherings and paint a beautiful scene while you enjoy a cup of coffee or cocoa and a pastry! Everything you need for the painting class, as well as refreshments, are provided. RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 10 THROUGH ADULT FEE: $35/PERSON ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=951 APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 2 […]
Debunk the myths. Discover the magic. Our Fall Break Camps are Not So Spooky! Step into the wild side of fall as campers will explore bats, snakes, spiders, owls, and more—learning how myths and media gave them a spooky reputation, and why they’re actually amazing! Through hands-on activities, crafts, hikes, and games, kids will discover […]
Join us for the Naturalist’s Choice program, where every session is a surprise adventure led by our naturalist team! Depending on the weather, season, and local wildlife activity, you’ll explore a unique and engaging topic tailored to the day’s conditions. Be ready for anything and wear closed-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or […]
This is your invitation to watch the seasons change in McCloud Nature Park! We will go on a guided hike to the same spot every week and document our observations: weather, wildlife, plants at different stages, including the turning of leaves for autumn. Our goal is to guide participants to explore and understand the cyclical […]