March is here, and that means that spring is right around the corner. It’s finally time to start planning outdoor adventures again, and we couldn’t be more excited! Nothing beats getting back outdoors and enjoying the sun on your face after a chilly winter. Whether the pace is slow or swift, outdoor adventures are hidden all throughout Grant County.
If you are one to enjoy golfing, camping, canoeing, hiking, biking or simply enjoying all of the beauty that nature has to offer, there are many exciting outdoor attractions to explore here.
The Gardens of Matter Park
Marion, Indiana
Located in the heart of Matter Park along the Mississinewa River, the Gardens of Matter Park are 6.3 acres of aesthetic and natural beauty. The walking trail in Matter Park winds through the century-old park, showing off the butterfly/wildflower garden, water features, picnic areas, fishing pond and playground. Spot bronze statues along the path, and even a Garfield statue. Springtime is a wonderful time to visit the gardens as beautiful colors bloom throughout the grounds.
Grant County’s Garfield Trail
Marion, Indiana
Visit fourteen unique statues of America’s favorite lasagna-loving fat cat, Garfield. Located in Marion, Indiana and surrounding Grant County cities, the fiberglass statues each measure approximately five feet in height and depict Jim Davis’s Garfield in fun outfits or playful situations. Taking a trip along the Garfield trail is a great family activity and presents a number of fun photo opportunities. Share your Garfield encounters using #followthefatcat!
Arbor Trace Golf Course
Marion, Indiana
Arbor Trace Golf Course is a beautiful rolling golf course with irrigated, tree lined fairways. This 18-hole course offers four sets of tees from 4,785 to 6,690 yards for every skill level, a double-sided practice range with one end featuring bent grass, 130-yard short game practice area, a practice chipping green with bunker, practice putting green, golf carts with GPS, golf flag reflectors and the BEST coney dogs in town!
Cardinal Greenway
Marion, Indiana
Enjoy biking, hiking or jogging along the beautiful portion of the Cardinal Greenway rail-trail project in Grant County. This outstanding trail runs for 17 miles through Jonesboro, Gas City, Marion, Sweetser and Converse! The Cardinal Greenway is easy to reach, simple to navigate and safe to use with regular maintenance, sound security and connections to community destinations along the route.
Converse Junction Trail
Converse, Indiana
The Converse Junction Trail consists of 3 miles of paved trail, perfect for walking, biking, or hiking. You’ll enjoy the natural beauty of the area and while in Converse, you’ll love exploring the quaint shops and amazing restaurants the town has to offer.
Cumberland Covered Bridge
Upland, Indiana
In the heart of Grant County is the Cumberland Covered Bridge. This 181-foot covered timbered bridge is a beauty and it’s the last remaining covered bridge in Grant County! Spanning the Mississinewa River in Matthews, Indiana, this serene setting is a must-stop for a picnic and a selfie.
Walnut Creek/Club Run Golf Courses
Marion, Indiana
Walnut Creek and Club Run Golf Courses lie in the rolling hills of eastern Grant County. Lakes, creeks and forests complete the natural setting for this 36-hole complex including a covered range and a short game learning center.
Skate Park
Marion, Indiana
The Skate Park in Grant County is calling all adventurous spirits! Extreme sports skaters of all levels are invited to enjoy smooth surfaces and various ramps to perform a variety of skate tricks. The Skate Park is easily accessible from the Cardinal Greenway Trail.
Marion’s Mississinewa Riverwalk
Marion, Indiana
Marion’s Mississinewa Riverwalk is a scenic path that follows alongside the Mississinewa River and stretches over 2 miles long. Mississinewa Lake, one of the three Upper Wabash flood-control reservoirs, offers excellent fishing, hunting and boating opportunities in the heart of north-central Indiana. In addition to featuring a 400-plus-site campground and family cabins, Mississinewa was the first state property in Indiana to introduce seasonal camping, where visitors can retain a campsite for the entire season in an all-new campground.
The expanses of forests, prairies and farmland surrounding the lake provide attractive habitat to a wide variety of wildlife, exhibiting exceptional viewing opportunities for hikers, bird watchers and touring bicyclists.
To learn more about outdoor adventures in Grant County, click here.
Due to COVID-19, visitors are required to practice safe social distancing protocol when in public. Masks will be necessary to enter inside establishments and are to be worn in situations when social distancing is not possible. These safety measures should allow everyone to have fun, all while staying safe.
