Hayswood Nature Reserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Hayswood Nature Reserve is a 311-acre nature preserve located in the state of Indiana.
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Summary
There are several good reasons to visit the reserve, including its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can hike through the forested trails, fish in the pond, or enjoy a picnic in the scenic picnic area.
Some of the specific points of interest to see at Hayswood Nature Reserve include the Hayswood Nature Center, which features exhibits on the local flora and fauna, as well as the historic Hayswood Mansion, which dates back to the 1850s. Other notable features of the reserve include the wetland area, which is home to a variety of aquatic plants and animals, and the oak-hickory forest, which is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various bird species.
Interesting facts about the reserve include that it was once owned by the Hays family, who were prominent landowners in the area, and that the mansion on the property was used as a hospital during the Civil War. Additionally, the reserve was established in the 1990s with the aim of preserving the area's natural beauty and providing a space for outdoor recreation.
The best time of year to visit Hayswood Nature Reserve is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. Visitors can enjoy the blooming wildflowers and the sounds of birds and other animals during this time, as well as participate in a variety of outdoor activities.
Overall, Hayswood Nature Reserve is a beautiful and peaceful spot in Indiana that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and learn about the local history and wildlife.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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