Coulter (John Merle) Nature Preserve

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Parks

Indiana

Nearby: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Portage Junior Miss Softball

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Coulter (John Merle) Nature Preserve is a 110-acre nature preserve located in Indiana.

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Summary

The preserve is home to a diverse range of natural habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies. There are many good reasons to visit the preserve, including its peaceful setting, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.

One of the main points of interest at Coulter Nature Preserve is the variety of bird species that can be found here. Birdwatchers can spot everything from woodpeckers and owls to bluebirds and warblers. Other wildlife that can be seen at the preserve include deer, foxes, and squirrels.

The preserve also has several hiking trails that wind through the woods and across the prairies. Along the way, visitors can see wildflowers, butterflies, and other natural wonders. One of the most popular trails is the Ridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Interesting facts about Coulter Nature Preserve include its history as a former farm, and the fact that it is named after John Merle Coulter, a renowned botanist and former president of Indiana University. The preserve is also home to several rare and endangered plant species.

The best time to visit Coulter Nature Preserve depends on what you want to see. Spring and summer are the best times for birdwatching, wildflower viewing, and hiking. Fall is a great time to see the changing leaves and enjoy the colors of the season. Winter can be a quiet and peaceful time to visit, with opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Overall, Coulter Nature Preserve is a great destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to explore the beauty of Indiana's countryside.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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