Marian University’s Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab is a 75-acre natural area open to students and the Indianapolis community. The EcoLab is a unique nature preserve in Indianapolis, with rare wetland habitats and threatened animal species all within a few miles of downtown. Marian University’s EcoLab is free to visit.
Hiking the Trail
If you’re looking for an easy hike with children, consider visiting the EcoLab at Marian University. The trail along the pond is mostly a rock path that is easy to navigate. The rock stairway down to the trail is probably the most difficult part of the path. The stairs are steep, so young children may need assistance.
Once you make it down the stairs, you will immediately be on the same level as the pond and can start exploring. Along the way, you will run into things such as bat boxes, beaver damns, a frog pond, and more. The university also has signs along the way to explain the things you are looking at.
Can I take a stroller to the EcoLab at Marian University?
No. Getting a stroller down the initial set of stairs would be very difficult. Indy’s Child recommends saving this trail for children over the age of 3 who are comfortable walking about a mile without a stroller.
Can you bring your dog to the EcoLab?
Yes. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
Where is the EcoLab at Marian University located?
The EcoLab trails can be a little tricky to find your first time. If you depend on Google Maps, you may end up at the EcoLab building instead of the trailhead. To make it a little easier on you, you can use THIS MAP to find the best entrance and parking area. You can also use these coordinates on google maps 39.816129, -86.203081.
School Groups and Field Trips
The EcoLab at Marian University is a great location for a field trip. School groups, church groups, garden clubs, scout troops, homeschool groups, and others can schedule a guided group activity in the NMP EcoLab. See the program page for more information on educational programs, and contact Sarah Downing, [email protected], if your adult group is interested in a tour.
More Information:
Marian University’s EcoLab is free, and open to the public everyday from dawn to dusk. Marian University is located at 3200 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis; use the northernmost entrance into Marian University to find the EcoLab.
