Laura Hare Preserve at Turtle Bend

Overview

The Laura Hare Preserve at Turtle Bend offers beautiful views of Rocky Fork Creek. This meandering stream, a tributary to nearby Raccoon Lake, is one of the clearest and cleanest streams in Central Indiana. Ancient forested sand dunes are an interesting feature of the preserve.

With steep slopes and rolling bluff tops, the property contains a mosaic of younger and older forest. It harbors very few non-native species, featuring diverse plant life, such as five species of ferns.

Turtle Bend does not have a trail or a formal parking lot but is open for hiking and passive recreation.

History of the Property

The families of Harry Potter and Ray Rymph originally purchased the land in 1974 as a retreat spot, and donated it to CILTI in 2010. The land is protected from future development and open for public use, and a generous gift from the Dr. Laura Hare Charitable Trust funds long-term protection.

Planning your Visit

From US 36, take State Road 59 south. Turn left (east) on Ferndale. Cross the intersection at Graves Road and continue on Ferndale. Note: Ferndale turns into a gravel road. Go down the steep hill and Turtle Bend will be on your right.

A small pull-off on the right side of the road can be used to park a single car. From the pull-off, a little lane heads back along the creek. The property is marked with boundary signs.