McCloud Nature Park

(Photo by Anastasia Curtis)

Address: 8518 Hughes Rd., North Salem IN 46165

Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center Phone: (765) 676-5437

Park Hours: Dawn to dusk daily

Park Rules: Download Park Rules
Pavilion: Amenities | Rent this Pavilion
GRIT Freedom Chair (mobility wheelchair): Reserve (free)

About McCloud Nature Park

At 232 acres, McCloud Nature Park opened in 2003 and is a premier nature park in central Indiana. Visitors can enjoy over seven (7) miles of hiking trails, access to Big Walnut Creek, year-round programs at the Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center and a wide variety of wildlife viewing opportunities. Modern restrooms and picnic facilities are on-site. A park pavilion is available for rental, and a GRIT Freedom Chair mobility wheelchair is available to borrow for two-hour increments for free.

Park Amenities

232 acres of woods, glacial ravines, prairie and creek
7+ miles of well-marked trails (gravel and natural surfaces)
Fishing, wading, canoeing and kayaking in Big Walnut Creek
- Big Walnut Creek generally yields smallmouth bass, panfish, catfish, suckers and carp
- All Indiana fishing laws and regulations must be followed, including possessing an Indiana fishing license
- Properly licensed anglers may keep what they catch
Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center with climate control, modern restrooms, live reptiles and amphibians and insects, large ADA-accessible deck, bird-viewing room, resource library and more!
GRIT Freedom Chair (mobility wheelchair) available to borrow for free
Restored iron truss bridge that is more than 100 years old
Swing set with belt, tire, infant, and ADA swings
Arboretum
Observable live honeybee hives in the late spring, summer, and early fall months
Wetland habitat with boardwalk and observation decks
Regular nature programs
Picnic pavilion with tables and grills (can be rented)

Downloadable Park Map

Pavilion Rental

The pavilion at McCloud is available for your enjoyment year-round! Please call the Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center at (765) 676-5437 with questions.

Rental Fee

$50/day

Learn More About Pavilions

Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center

The Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center hosts over 1,000ft² of climate-controlled space and is filled with informative exhibits, live animal specimens, a bird viewing area, a large ADA-accessible deck, a resource library and more. At the Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center, there really is something for everyone!