Leonard Springs Nature Park
95.5 acres on S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Hours: Park is open from 5 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
Caves Among Us
Explore the cave entrances, springs, and wetland area at Leonard Springs Nature Park. Walk the rugged one-mile loop trail and participate in hands-on activities during this tour. Binoculars and magnifying glasses are provided for use during the hike. Sturdy, waterproof shoes and a water bottle are recommended. Parking is limited, so pre-register for this program and plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to start time. Instructor: Kriste Lindberg. For ages 8 yrs. and up.
W ·5/22 · 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Leonard Springs Nature Park
FREE ―Register by 5/22 (Code 54004-A)
W · 7/17 · 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Leonard Springs Nature Park
FREE ―Register by 7/16 (Code 54004-B)
Walk the Watershed: Leonard Springs Nature Park
Start your day with a healthy, slow-paced walk amongst the karst features at Leonard Springs Nature Park. Explore the creek, venture into a cave, and wander into the forest. Along the way, engage in various hands-on activities. Binoculars and magnifying glasses are provided along with a journal, pencils, and crayons to record your adventure. Instructor: Kriste Lindberg. For ages 5 yrs. and up.
Sa · 6/1 · 1-3 p.m.
Leonard Springs Nature Park
$4/in-city, $5/non-city ―Register by 5/29 (Code 54016-A)
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 - 0.3 miles
A gated gravel road 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.
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.
Accessibility
Inaccessible
DIRECTIONS
From College Mall: Take Third Street west to College Avenue, go south to Second Street. Take Second Street west, it will become Bloomfield Road. Go west on Bloomfield Rd. across State Hwy. 37. Go south on Leonard Springs Rd. after the bend in the road, turn left to stay on Leonard Springs Rd. The entrance to the park is .2 miles south of this intersection.
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