Leonard Springs Nature Park

Leonard Springs Nature Park consists of 95.5 acres located southwest of city limits off of Leonard Springs Road. 

Rooted in Nature

• You’re invited to pause, breathe, and reconnect in this guided forest bathing experience designed to restore balance, presence, and vitality, and led by a certified, nature-informed professional
• Dress for the weather and bring your own water bottle.
• The program takes place on a moderate trail, not suited for folks that cannot maneuver over rough terrain.
• Registration: $60. Register by Sept. 24; pre-registration is required.
• Time: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

• Leonard Springs Nature Park
  4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
  Bloomington, IN 47403

Hiking trails

• Leonard Springs Trail - 1.1 miles: This rugged, wood chipped, natural trail with steep slopes and stairs allows views of a wetland, two caves, Shirley Springs, and several other natural wonders.
• Ridgetop Road Trail - 0.3 miles: A gravel road (for foot traffic only, no motorized vehicles are permitted past the gate except during special events) begins at the parking lot and extends to the end of the park. This non-looping road ends at the park's restrooms. No drinkable water is available within the park.

Restrooms

Vault-type restroom facilities are open seasonally and are located at the end of Ridgetop Road, which travels through the park.

Accessibility

The park is inaccessible due to the rugged nature of the terrain.

History

The property contains Leonard Spring and Shirley Spring, which issue from a number of outlets in two large spring alcoves. The City of Bloomington purchased the property between 1914 and 1917 in order to construct an impoundment which would store water for municipal use. By 1943, the City was receiving water from other sources. The lake was drained, and the property was not used. In 1998, Bloomington Parks and Recreation purchased the property from Bloomington Utilities Service Board. Leonard Springs Nature Preserve was dedicated on October 18, 1999.