I had no idea a place like this existed just outside Richmond. This hidden arboretum feels like one of those gems locals quietly treasure.
With miles of trails winding through forests, prehistoric earthworks tucked among the trees, a nature center housed in a restored 1833 dairy barn, and wildlife appearing around nearly every bend, it’s the kind of place that makes you lose track of time; and that feeling alone is worth it. This isn’t just a park.
It’s a living classroom, a serene wedding backdrop, a destination for mountain bikers, and a quiet refuge all at once. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through eastern Indiana, this spot has a way of drawing you back again and again, offering something new with every visit.
16 Miles of Trails for Every Type of Adventurer
Few places in eastern Indiana pack this much trail variety into a single destination. Hayes Arboretum offers over 16 miles of paths that range from easy, flat strolls to hilly routes that will genuinely challenge your legs…