Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve - Bloomington, IN
Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve Dog-Friendly Guide
The Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve is a beautiful, pet-friendly hiking destination in Bloomington, Indiana. This scenic preserve features a mildly challenging, out-and-back trail where dogs are welcome to join their owners for an adventure through woodlands flanked by water on both sides. The preserve is well-known for its tranquil setting, scenic lake views, and fascinating fossils along the way.
The preserve offers weekday access (Monday to Friday, dawn to dusk, excluding holidays) with a small parking lot that’s wheelchair accessible, making it easy for those with mobility needs to arrive. While no off-leash or fenced dog areas are present, dogs on leash are encouraged to join families and hikers. The trail is great for spotting wildlife, enjoying kid-friendly hikes, and finishing at a scenic beach area, offering a unique natural escape near Lake Monroe for dog owners in the Bloomington area.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must remain on leash at all times.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the preserve features a hiking trail suitable for dogs and owners.
- Is the parking wheelchair accessible? Yes, there is a wheelchair accessible parking lot, but the entrance to the trail itself is not wheelchair accessible.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, ticks have been reported during visits, so bringing tick prevention is advised.
- Is the park open on weekends? No, the preserve is currently only open to the public on weekdays, excluding holidays.
- Is this park good for kids? Yes, the preserve and its trails are considered kid-friendly.
Reviews
Loved the trail … but my husband, three dogs and I, all had ticks crawling all over us. It was a nice walk besides the ticks. I would not return here solely because of them.
Nice and secluded. Water on both sides of the trail. Only opened to the public weekdays.
Beautiful location with mildly challenging trail. Only open M-F dawn to dusk, excluding holidays. Wildlife on the hike and a beach at the end.
One of Sycamore’s most beautiful and most tragic properties. I would call this trail semi-public, in contrast to the wishes of the original donor for which it is named.
The trail has basically been co-opted by the local (extremely wealthy) neighborhood. Most trails of the size and other nearby sycamore properties have at least 15 parking spots. The neighborhood lobbied to have it reduced to only five. The local neighborhood successfully moved to have it closed on weekends and holidays while they have private gated or walking access. Definitely a boon for property values for those houses. Originally open sunrise to sunset, now with limited hours which the neighborhood strictly enforces — I have seen tow trucks waiting at the parking lot for the clock to hit 8.
This property single-handedly changed my mind about donating to the sycamore land trust. That said, if you know someone who lives here or can sneak in during the “open” hours I highly recommend it.
Great place to take a hike. It’s an easy there and back. It has a few hills but overall pretty mellow trail. The views of the lake are well worth it. Lots or fossils and cool rocks.