Indiana's National
Natural Landmarks
EcoIndiana: National Natural Landmarks
According to the National Park Service, "The National Natural Landmarks Program recognizes and encourages the conservation of sites that contain outstanding biological and geological resources. Sites are designated by the Secretary of the Interior for their condition, illustrative character, rarity, diversity, and value to science and education. The National Park Service administers the program and works cooperatively with landowners, managers and partners to promote conservation and appreciation of our nation's natural heritage."
Indiana has at least 30 National Natural Landmarks. Some are open to the public and others are not.
Big Walnut Creek
Putnam County. Designated in 1968.
National Park Service Description: Big Walnut Creek is a branch of the Eel River formed as a result of glacial melt and postglacial water erosion. The site contains one of the few stands in Indiana where beech, sugar maple, and tulip poplar grow on alluvial Genesee soil and includes relict species of a postglacial forest that occupied the area 5,000 to 6,000 years ago.
Note: A portion of this property is called Fortune Woods.
Cabin Creek Raised Bog
Randolph County. Designated in 1974.
Calvert & Porter Woods
Montgomery County. Designated in 1974.
Porter County. Designated in 1965.
Davis-Purdue Ag Center Forest
Randolph County. Designated in 1974.
Donaldson Cave System & Woods
Lawrence County. Designated in 1972.
Note: Contained within Spring Mill State Park.
Dunes Nature Preserve
Porter County. Designated in 1974.
Note: Contained within Spring Mill State Park.
Putnam County. Designated in 1980.
Wabash County. Designated in 1986.
Harrison Spring
Harrison County. Designated in 1980.
Gibson County. Designated in 1973.
Lake County. Designated in 1974.
Hoot Woods
Owen County. Designated in 1973.
Kramer Woods
Spencer County. Designated in 1973.
Marengo Cave
Crawford County. Designated in 1984.
Shelby County. Designated in 1973.
Officer's Woods
Jefferson County. Designated in 1974.
Ohio Coral Reef
Clark County. Designated in 1966.
Montgomery County. Designated in 1968.
Pinhook Bog
LaPorte County. Designated in 1965.
Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest
Orange County. Designated in 1974.
Fountain County. Designated in 1973.
Rise at Orangeville
Orange County. Designated in 1972.
Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve
Parke County. Designated in 1974.
Note: Contained within Turkey Run State Park.
Fayette County. Designated in 1974.
Tamarack Bog
Lagrange County. Designated in 1973.
Tolliver Swallowhole
Orange County. Designated in 1972.
Wesley Chapel Gulf
Orange County. Designated in 1972.
Vanderburgh County. Designated in 1973.
Wyandotte Caves
Crawford County. Designated in 1972.