Henry County has beautiful parks providing plenty of recreational activities for residents and tourists. Among the spaces within the county, Baker Park offers an aquatic center and skate park. Osborne Park is known for its softball fields, and nature enthusiasts will enjoy Westwood Park. Dietrich Park brings in visitors with its baseball fields and Fall Creek. Sunset Park has disc golf and fishing opportunities, and Henry County Memorial Park holds the distinction of being the largest memorial park in the state of Indiana.
Henry County Memorial Park
Henry County Memorial Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. A Veterans’ Museum and war monuments grace its grounds, among which is an original, refurbished Doughboy statue from World War I. Spanning 94 acres, the park offers stocked fishing ponds, trails, and shelter houses, providing venues for picnics and gatherings.
The park features a playground, picnic areas, and sports recreation.
● Amenities: Playgrounds, picnic areas, Veterans’ memorial, walking trails, fishing ponds, banquet hall, tennis court, volleyball courts, and shelters.
● Location: 260 W County Road 100 N, New Castle
● Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Golfers can find an 18-hole public course nearby, complete with a pro shop. Horse enthusiasts can take in horse shows at the Henry County Saddle Club, also adjacent to the park.
Baker Park
Baker Park is located just east of the New Castle Fieldhouse. Baker Park offers various recreational facilities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trail, and the Bark Park dog park. Additionally, the Aquatic Center at Baker Park, open daily from May to August, provides a refreshing summer activity.
The 13,000-square-foot skate park ranks among the largest in the Midwest, drawing skateboarding and biking enthusiasts from beyond state lines. Additionally, an observation deck provides a viewing area for spectators.
● Amenities: Playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, skate park, aquatic center, basketball courts, pickleball courts, shuffleboard, disc golf, horseshoe pits, shelters, dog park, baseball diamonds, volleyball, and a covered stage.
● Location: 2200 S. Main Street, New Castle
● Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reservations for shelters at Baker Park can be made in person at the Mayor’s Office, 227 North Main Street in New Castle.
Osborne Park
Osborne Park is a 30-acre haven for recreational activities. This park has recently updated softball diamonds, basketball courts, a paved walking path, and shaded picnic areas.
● Amenities: Playground, picnic areas, trails, basketball courts, softball diamonds, paved walking path, and shelters.
● Location: 1900 S County Road 275 W, New Castle
● Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reservations for shelters at Osborne Park can be made in person at the Mayor’s Office, 227 North Main Street in New Castle.
Westwood Park
Spanning 800 acres, Westwood Park is a natural paradise featuring woodlands, grasslands, and rolling hills. The park’s 180-acre lake provides ample opportunities for fishing and water sports. Mountain bikers from around the region come to the park to experience the challenging trail that goes around the lake. Visitors are welcome any time of the year for recreational activities, and camping is available from May through October.
● Amenities: Playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking and biking trails, a horse trail, a recreational field, shelters, fishing, boating, camping
● Location: 1900 S County Road 275 W, New Castle
● Hours: Daylight hours
Sunset Park
Knightstown’s Sunset Park offers 35 acres of green space and two bodies of water. Montgomery Creek flows through the park, and a well-stocked spring-fed lake makes it an ideal spot for fishing. The park’s disc golf is a popular attraction, winding through the scenic park.
● Amenities: Playground, picnic areas, splash pad, trails, basketball court, softball diamond, disc golf, fishing, shelters, and indoor shelter house.
● Location: 206 S Hill Ave, Knightstown
● Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dietrich Park
In Middletown, Dietrich Park stands as a testament to the contributions of Harry F. “Bud” Dietrich, a dedicated community member. War memorials honoring local veterans are located in the park, while a recreational complex for the youth and a water splash pad provide recreation amenities. Fall Creek winds its way through the park, offering opportunities for fishing. The Community Building, constructed by the Lions Club, is a central event hub.
● Amenities: Playgrounds, picnic areas, trails, splash pad, baseball diamonds, fishing, a covered stage, and a community building.
● Location: 165 S 5th Street, Middletown
● Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
These are great places to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. Henry County is also home to Summit Lake State Park, one of Indiana’s state parks. For more information, visit Summit Lake State Park here.
– Article by Jamie Ward, Travel Writer, Cornfields & High Heels
