Former Indiana Golf Course Bought for $5.5 Million, Set to Become Largest County Nature Preserve

Wolf Run Golf Club, opened in 1989 and designed by Steve Smyers, ceased operations in 2017 and its owner Stan Burton later proposed a large mixed-use development that never progressed. Zionsville Mayor Emily Styron and Deputy Mayor Julie Johns-Cole considered turning the site into a public park and reached out to longtime residents Jim and Nancy Carpenter, who operate the Wild Birds Unlimited franchise. In 2021 the Carpenters bought the 215-acre former course for $5.5 million, motivated by conservation concerns, and have overseen the return of birds, deer, foxes, turtles and bats.

The preserve is being built in stages, starting with trails, parking and restrooms, then a nature center and restored wetlands. Zionsville Town Council approved a $5.5 million bond to purchase the land for $4.52 million and is seeking state and federal grants to fund the project, which will become Boone County's largest nature preserve and Union Township's first park.