By Emilie Sweet

Interpretive Naturalist at Fort Harrison State Park

Editor’s Note: ABAS wants to express their gratitude to active-duty and veteran readers and members, as well as those who passed through the military base at “Fort Ben.”

Nestled on the east side of Indianapolis, Fort Harrison State Park is alive with activities that range from hiking and biking to fishing and birdwatching. The park is the former site of Fort Benjamin Harrison, a military reservation established in 1903.

Fort Harrison as A Military Base

Fort Benjamin Harrison, or “Fort Ben” as many still call it, saw the United States Army through most of the 20th century. It was a mobilization site during World War I, with training camps meant for officers, medical personnel, and engineers. In between world wars, the Citizen’s Military Training Camp and the Civilian Conservation Corps were active and provided young men the opportunity to be prepared in case of being drafted and also provided some financial assistance during the Great Depression. 

During World War II, Fort Benjamin Harrison became one of the largest facilities for admitting soldiers into the Army, while also serving as a prisoner of war camp. The fort saw the U.S. Army through the Vietnam War and was a designated site for the clemency program that granted amnesty to deserters. After the fall of the Soviet Union, it was listed for closure in 1991. 

Because there was such a vast expanse of forested habitat that the Army was able to preserve from development through the 20th century, in 1992 a task force was put together to save roughly 1,100 acres of land. This land was one of the largest tracts of unbroken forest in central Indiana. The idea was embraced by Governor Evan Bayh, and in 1996, Fort Harrison was established as a state park.

Fort Harrison as a Park

Through the seasons, birds of many varieties can be viewed at multiple locations. If you look into the tree line as you enter the park, you might be lucky to get a glimpse of a Barred Owl perched on a tree. Head on over to Delaware Lake to see Great Blue and Green Herons wading near the edge of the water. If you take a stroll down Fall Creek Trail in the spring, you will hear a cacophony of bird songs from neotropical migrants. In the winter, you can get a glimpse of Brown Creepers and various woodpeckers throughout Lawrence Creek Trail. 

The park also boasts the Museum of 20th Century Warfare, which is a volunteer-run military museum. Volunteers with this group are putting together re-enactments throughout the year for our history-loving visitors.

Some upgrades you will start to see at the park this year will include new bulletin boards funded by the Friends of Fort Harrison State Park, and new playgrounds both at the Shafter restroom area and Cherry Tree Shelter. Volunteers can be seen throughout the year doing invasive plant removal alongside park staff.

The focus of invasives removal includes Garlic Mustard in the spring, and both Bush Honeysuckle and Autumn Olive in the summer and fall. You will be able to see progress in areas like Schoen Creek Trail, and near Delaware Shelter. The Friends of Fort Harrison State Park is an excellent resource for getting involved.

Welcoming Spring at Fort Ben

Spring is near, and it is a special time to experience Indiana State Parks, with wildflowers covering the trails, leaves returning to the trees, and animals returning to their regular activities. Frogs emerge and begin their mating calls, box turtles leave their burrows, and many mammals end their hibernation. Winter coats get traded for rain jackets, snow boots get traded for rubber boots, and umbrellas are dusted off. 

Fort Harrison State Park offers fishing at Delaware Lake and about 14 miles of trails, including the paved Harrison Trace and hiking/biking trails. Wildflowers such as Snow Trillium in early March, Wild Bergamot in July, and Woodland Aster in September are just a few examples of the beautiful flora that can be found on the trails and in the prairies. Guided hikes and programs are offered year-round that are great for all visitors.

We hope to see you at Fort Harrison State Park this year to make memories naturally!

Each Sunday morning during the spring and fall, ABAS runs a spring migration bird walk at Fort Harrison SP, led by Don Gorney. Come join a group of bird nerds and enjoy the park!