Travel is not required to embrace the spirit of exploration. Sometimes, all it takes is a slower pace and a deeper appreciation for the world right outside one's door. Whether you're surrounded by city streets or tucked away in the countryside, nature is always close by — waiting to be noticed. Tune into the songs of birds, feel the breeze on your skin and take in the ever-changing canvas above us, the sky.
Here in Carmel, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by parks and green spaces that make it easy to enjoy nature close to home. Two local favorites, Flowing Well Park and Cool Creek Park and Nature Center, offer stunning scenery and wildlife encounters, especially for bird enthusiasts.
To capture these natural moments, we connected with local nature photographer Ken Williams, whose beautiful images have been taken at both parks. You can enjoy his work on these pages and also online at FineArtAmerica.com/profiles/6-Ken-Williams.
FLOWING WELL PARK
5100 E. 116th Street, Carmel
Tucked away off 116th Street, Flowing Well Park features a natural artesian well with a continuous stream of cool, fresh water. Visitors often arrive with jugs to fill or stop by to refresh with a quick sip.
A mile-long nature trail winds through lush trees and crosses a scenic bridge over Cool Creek. It’s a peaceful, forested escape that somehow still feels close to home.
Kids love skipping stones and spotting colorful river rocks along the creek. Visitors are asked not to move the stones, as they create habitats for wildlife.
More info: CarmelClayParks.com/parks/flowing-well-park.
COOL CREEK PARK & NATURE CENTER
2000 E. 151st Street, Carmel
Encompassing more than 90 acres, Cool Creek Park offers a bit of everything — mature woods, meadows, trails, a playground and even soccer fields.
With four miles of trails, this is a prime destination for birdwatching, hiking and forest bathing. Cool Creek Nature Center provides interactive displays for kids and adults alike to explore the science of the Indiana woodlands, from the local ecosystems to conservation efforts. The Nature Center is open Mondays through Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m.
There’s also a dedicated Nature Play Area in a shady area meant to inspire a child's imagination and encourage an enhanced appreciation for the outdoors. Seasonal programs and family-friendly events round out the experience.
More info: HamiltonCounty.In.Gov/1905/Cool-Creek-Park-and-Nature-Center.
Whether it’s a solo walk through the woods, a day with the kids by the creek or an afternoon of birdwatching, these local parks offer a rich and refreshing escape — no travel required.
U.S. Air Force veteran Ken Williams has 40 years of experience in the medical electronics field. He's been involved with photography all his life, but his interest grew when digital cameras came to the forefront. He's written several articles for photography magazines in recent years, and he loves exploring nature with his camera, his wife, his two wonderful kids and fellow nature photographers.
"Nature photography is an opportunity to bring forth beautiful images of a world largely unknown to many," Williams says. "I feel these endeavors can inspire and educate viewers, thereby helping protect the wild outdoors for future generations."