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Skiles Test Nature Park is an 80.91 acre park owned by Indy Parks located at 6828 Fall Creek Road. It is designated as a natural resource area. Over two miles of trail exist within the park with more being planned. Most of the property was bequeathed to Indy Parks by the heirs of the Skiles Test estate. Mr. Test was a local businessman who once owned around 700 acres in northeast Marion County. He lived within the current park boundaries from 1913 to 1964. This property was once famous for its miniature railway, unique pool and bathhouse complete with high dives and elevators, and the “House of Blue Lights.” No structure exists on the property today. Most of the park (around 60 acres) consists of upland forest. Tree species include sugar maple, American beech, hackberry, red oak, white oak, chinquapin oak, and black walnut. Much of the wooded area is located on hills and ravines on the south and west sides of the park. The wooded areas to the north end of the park are more flat. The woods have been invaded with several species of invasive-exotic vegetation. The primary example is Amur honeysuckle. A 14 acre prairie planting is located along the eastern edge of the property between Interstate 465 and an old access road within the park. This prairie was installed in 1995 and is maintained by mowing every few years. Grass species include big bluestem, little bluestem, and Indian grass. Wildflower species include yellow coneflower, purple coneflower, New England aster, bergamot, butterfly weed, and several species of goldenrod. The eastern third of this planting will eventually be allowed to go into succession. Additional tree plantings are also planned for this area to help create a natural sound barrier between the park and interstate. A seven acre successional area is also located within the park. Vegetation representative of this area include raspberry, blackberry, and broom sedge. Some hardwood and coniferous trees have been planted within this area. This area is now the home to a family of Eastern coyotes that can be heard regularly. The photographs below display the land use change surrounding Skiles Test Park.
Educational Note: University Library
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