Strawtown Koteewi Park and The Taylor Center of Natural History

09/29/2026

Help shape the future of your parks!
At Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, our mission is to serve the leisure and recreation needs of our community and enhance quality of life across the county. As we build our next 5-year Master Plan for 2027–2031, we want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in our Public Survey, now through October 9th.

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JBFGDSY?fbclid=IwY2xjawUotydleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMVMzZlFEY1NiYWd4bHRlM3NzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeI8ebMgkG4t3vFg0oxizXNtrsOMJ1PNIqHeM868sVZA6ZHQjeFGTSJlytsr4_aem_sXwIpEqAFmGPTZhznujEYw

09/27/2026

Beginning Bird Hikes
Bring your binoculars and join other bird and general nature enthusiasts for a stroll, looking for birds, and learning about nature. The hike will be an excellent opportunity for birdwatchers of all levels. You may begin anytime during the season and come as you like.
Registration is not required. We will see you there! Don't forget your binoculars!

Time: 8:30 am
Cool Creek: These hikes meet in the north parking lot of Cool Creek Park past the nature center.
Dates: October 11, 14, 21, 25, 28

Strawtown Koteewi Park
These hikes will meet in the parking lot of the Taylor Center of Natural History.
Date: October 7

09/17/2026

Celebrate Archaeology Month with us this weekend at Coxhall Gardens!

The Hamilton County Parks and Rec is inviting you to the Historic W...

09/12/2026

Upcoming Senior Walking Club dates! 🚶‍♂️👟
Join us at Cool Creek Park or Strawtown Koteewi Park for a summer walk! Hikes are relaxed, go-at-your-own-pace activity and range from 1 to 2.5 miles. Registration is not required.

Cool Creek Park - Meet in the Nature Center: September 21 at 9:30 am
Strawtown Koteewi Park - Meet in the Taylor Center: September 24 at 11:00 am

09/11/2026

Prairie On Fire Backyard Ultra is happening this weekend at the White River Campground!

Expect heavier pedestrian traffic throughout the campground and Strawtown Koteewi Park trails. If you are visiting the park this weekend, south side trails will be busy from sunup to sundown beginning Saturday morning. Horse trailers can park at the Aerial Adventure lot.

Please cheer on the runners if you see them!

09/10/2026

We are excited to offer a public archaeology day once again at the historic Williams House located at Coxhall Gardens! The Williams House, built in 1865 by the John Williams family, is one of the oldest Italianate homes in Hamilton County. HCPR is teaming up with the University of Indianapolis to learn more about the Williams Family. This is your chance to learn more about the science and methodology of archaeology!

Saturday, September 19 at 11:00 am
Coxhall Gardens - Williams House
Ages 12+
Registration is not required. We will see you there!

09/08/2026

Preschool Story Hour at the Taylor Center of Natural History
Join our staff for a read-aloud and special crafts related to the theme of the month .... Apples! 🍎Weather permitting, we will also enjoy a short optional walk outside.

September 10 at 11:00 am
Taylor Center of Natural History
Ages 3-5

Register here! https://secure.rec1.com/IN/hamilton-county-in/catalog/index/aafe6fbb067902e5d343ed0bf3b0cc47?filter=c2VhcmNoPXByZXNjaG9vbCUyMHN0b3J5

09/08/2026

Butterfly and Bugs Walk
Many butterflies begin flocking to flowers in the fields this time of year. We will walk into the prairie to find them and identify other interesting insects of the prairie.

September 16 at 2:00 pm
Strawtown Koteewi Park
Registration is not required

09/08/2026

The Taylor Center welcomes certified nature journalist James Todd for monthly instruction on the practice of nature journaling. Nature journaling is a way of slowing down and provides a reprieve from the constant communication and busy calendars of our daily lives. Nature journaling fosters curiosity, teaches observation skills, and inspires a more creative life.

Sponsored by Wild Wonder Foundation

September 16 at 2:00 pm
Taylor Center of Natural History

Register here! https://secure.rec1.com/IN/hamilton-county-in/catalog/index/c376f2c7873f5111a021e4f26745f460?filter=c2VhcmNoPW5hdHVyZSUyMGpvdXJuYWxpbmc=

09/07/2026

Our Administration Office, the Cool Creek Nature Center, and the Taylor Center of Natural History will be closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day.