ECP History

03/31/2026

We recently found these photos that were taken in 2000 as plans were being formulated for new (or remodeled) facilities in the park. At that time, the Lilly Lodge was to be the site of the Earth Music Center, the Peace Learning Center was to move to the Stable or Ranger Station, and the Earth Discovery Center was to be in the Peace Learning Center Building. Within a year or two, those plans were determined to not be feasible (possibly due to the condition of the buildings). Plans then were put forward and fundraising began for a new Earth Discovery Center that eventually opened in 2007. Peace Learning Center stayed where it remains today and the other 3 buildings were removed. The Nature Center was remodeled as the Ornithology Center, which opened in 2009.

02/24/2026

This album includes articles from Indianapolis Newspapers in the 1970s and 1980s.

02/23/2026

This album includes news articles from the park archives from the 1960s and 1970s. Most are from the Indianapolis Star and News. More will be added in the coming weeks.

02/15/2026

Here are two photos taken from Dandy Trail looking up the creek toward Lafayette Road and Traders Point. These were taken by photographer, Lloyd Riley in the 1940s and 1950s.

02/12/2026

We have had some questions about the old bridge that is visible on the northwest side of the reservoir and usually surrounded by water. It was once on Dandy Trail. Click on each photo for more information.

01/23/2026

Another clip from the Channel 8 special shows some reservoir construction photos and up-close views of the dam.

01/22/2026

A clip from a 1990s video made by Channel 8's Ray Rice, has footage of flooding and the need for a reservoir.

12/20/2025

12/18/2025

The park has been so pretty with the recent snow, but is now clear. We hope to see some more snow this next week. In the meantime, here are some snow photos from an Eagle Creek Park Slide Show Presentation from the 1990s-2000s. (Photo credit: Kevin Carlsen, Bill Brink, and others)

12/10/2025

The pond near the Ornithology Center was built in the 1930s when J.K. Lilly, Jr. owned the property. The first photo is from that time. Click on the others for dates. This fall, volunteers from the park and community along with our trail crew, drained the pond and cleared out muck and leaves that had accumulated over many years. Next year, they will complete work to seal the concrete bottom and restore the reflecting pool.