France Park Beach & Quarry in Logansport, Indiana

Family Day Trip: 550 Acres of Outdoor Adventure & Fun

If you’re looking for a place where kids can run around, splash in the water, and explore a little nature all in one trip, France Park is one of those spots that just works. The park sits a few miles outside of Logansport, Indiana, and covers about 550 acres, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and explore. 

What makes this park especially unique is the giant quarry lake at the center of it. The water is surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, which is something you don’t see very often in northern Indiana. 

We first visited thinking it would just be a quick park stop, but it ended up being one of those places where the kids kept saying, “Can we stay a little longer?” Between the sandy beach (great when it's warm out), the hiking trails, and the cool quarry views, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a whole afternoon.

Here’s what to expect if you’re planning a family visit.

The Quarry Lake: The Star of the Park

The most eye-catching part of the park is the quarry lake. Years ago this area was an active limestone quarry, but water from a natural spring filled it in and turned it into the stunning blue lake you see today. 

Now the old quarry has become the centerpiece of the park, surrounded by dramatic rock walls and clear water. When you first see it, it honestly doesn’t feel like something you’d expect to find in the middle of Indiana. The limestone cliffs rise up around the water, and the color of the lake looks surprisingly bright compared to most lakes around here.

Kids immediately notice the cliffs. Mine kept pointing out how tall they were and asking if people used to climb them (they don’t allow cliff jumping anymore for safety).

But just walking around the area and looking out over the water is pretty cool.

Another interesting thing about the quarry is that people actually scuba dive there. Divers explore old equipment that was left underwater from when it was still a working quarry, like trucks and other structures placed on the lake floor. 

So while families are swimming near the beach area, there’s a whole underwater world below the surface that divers are exploring.

The Sandy Beach: Refresh & Relax

If you’re visiting in the summer (our last visit was early Fall), the beach area is probably where you’ll spend the most time. The park has a designated swimming area with a sandy beach that looks out toward the quarry cliffs. 

It’s a really fun place for kids to cool off on hot days. There’s something about a beach that instantly puts kids in vacation mode. Mine immediately kicked off their shoes and ran straight for the water.

The swimming area is sectioned off so families stay in the designated area, and it’s open during the summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

From the beach you can look out across the quarry lake while the cliffs rise up around you. It’s actually a really pretty view. Parents tend to hang out on towels or beach chairs while kids swim, splash, or try to build sand castles near the shoreline. If you’re bringing younger kids, it’s a nice place to relax for a bit and let them burn off some energy.

The Waterfalls

One thing a lot of people don’t realize about the park is that there are small waterfalls in the area too. Water feeds into nearby lakes and flows through parts of the park before eventually draining toward the Wabash River. 

The waterfalls aren’t huge, but they’re beautiful to see and a fun little discovery when you’re walking the trails! The quarry cliffs also give you some great views when you’re hiking around the area. There are trails that loop around the lake and pass through prairie areas and wooded sections, so you get a mix of scenery as you explore. It’s one of those parks where you can start with the beach and then wander into nature a little bit afterward.

Exploring the Trails: Family Adventure Awaits

One of my favorite things about France Park is that the trails are really approachable for families. The park has about 5–7 miles of trails, which wind through wooded areas, open prairies, and along the quarry cliffs. 

Some trails are flat and easy for casual walks, while others are a little more adventurous if you want more of a hike. It’s the kind of place where kids can look for frogs, bugs, and wildflowers while you enjoy the scenery. In spring, the woods are full of greenery and wildflowers. In the fall, the trails are especially pretty when the leaves start changing.

Even if you’re not planning a big hike, it’s nice to wander the trails for a bit after spending time at the beach. Oh, and there's a lookout tower that gives you great views of the prairie — a nice little surprise you wouldn't expect to see along your journey!

Fishing, Biking & Other Things to Do

If your family likes doing a little bit of everything outdoors, there’s actually a lot going on in the park.

There’s a fishing lake called Elzbeck Lake where people catch bass, bluegill, and crappie. 

There are also biking trails throughout the park. Some are easy paths while others are more challenging, so cyclists of different skill levels can find something fun. 

Families can also play:

• Disc golf (there’s a large course in the park)

• Mini golf

• Playground areas for kids

• Camping if you want to stay overnight

The park actually has around 200 campsites, including both primitive and electric sites. 

So some families turn their visit into a whole weekend adventure.

The Overall Vibe of the Park

One of the things I like most about this park is that it feels relaxed. It’s not overly crowded like some bigger parks, and there’s enough space that families can spread out.

You’ll see people picnicking, kids riding bikes, campers grilling dinner, and hikers heading down the trails. The combination of cliffs, water, woods, and open spaces gives it a little bit of everything. And because the quarry lake is so unique, it makes the park feel different from the typical Midwest park.

Tips for Visiting With Kids

If you’re planning a trip with your family, here are a few simple tips:

• Bring water shoes. Some areas near the quarry can be rocky.

• Pack snacks or a picnic. There are plenty of places to sit and eat.

• Plan to explore more than just the beach. The trails and views are worth seeing.

• Check the swimming season. The beach is typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Why Families (Including Mine) Love France Park

At the end of the day, France Park is one of those parks that offers just enough of everything.

Kids get the beach and swimming.Parents get the peaceful trails and scenery.And everyone gets to enjoy a pretty unique quarry landscape.

It’s the kind of place where you might show up planning to stay for an hour and suddenly realize you’ve spent half the day there. And honestly, those are usually the best kinds of family adventures.