History is All Around

Turn back the pages of time and thrill to the sight of the first state capital being carved out of the Corydon wilderness.

Observe young Abe Lincoln bury his mother and struggle to live on the Indiana frontier.

Stroll through a restored pioneer village that depicts life in the early 1800s.

Join Squire Boone as he discovers his spectacular cavern. Witness a Civil War battle and much more.


Historic Places

Big Log Cabin in the Clouds

Vacation Ideas: Shoppers Paradise

Experience profound beauty, vibrant history, and rustic luxury in absolute privacy. Perfect for anniversaries and honeymoons! Luxury accommodations in an intimate setting. Two miles of private hiking trails on site. Smoke free. Adults only.

phone:
812-936-3000

website:
Big Log Cabin in the Clouds

additionally:
More Big Log Cabin in the Clouds Info

A Big Log Cabin in the Clouds



e-mail
map

Dubois County Museum


Settled by German immigrants, their heritage and history is showcased in the many exhibits at the Dubois County Museum. Visit an authentic 2-story German log house. Crawl inside a reproduction of an 1850s immigrant ship's bunk. Learn about Buffalo Trace. All this and more!

phone:
812-634-7733

additionally:
More Dubois County Museum Info

German history and heritage come alive



e-mail
map

Grissom Memorial

Vacation Ideas: State Parks, History 2

Located within Spring Mill State Park, this memorial celebrates the life and accomplishments of Virgil "Gus" Grissom. This outstanding Hoosier, America's second man in space, died in a launch pad fire in 1967. Exhibits include his spacesuit and his space capsule, Gemini III.

phone:
812-849-4129

A tribute to a brave Hoosier and national hero



e-mail

Historic Landmark Tours


Take guided tours of the historic French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels, two of Indiana's most outstanding and stunningly restored landmarks. Call for tour times.

toll-free:
866-571-8687

website:
Historic Landmark Tours



e-mail

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial


Commemorating the Hoosier legacy of Abraham Lincoln, this memorial features a Visitor Center with museum and hourly film, the Lincoln Cabin Site, the gravesite of Lincoln's mother, the historic Trail of Twelve Stones, and the Lincoln Living Historical Farm. Don't miss this moving tribute to our 16th president!

phone:
812-937-4541

website:
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Replica of Abe LIncoln's boyhood home



e-mail
map

Little Log Cabin in the Woods

Vacation Ideas: Splashing Around

Secluded on a private, 40 acre nature preserve, this hand-hewn cabin offers solitude, privacy, and relaxation. Features include a fully equipped kitchen, bath, hot tub, stone fireplace, central heat/AC, a sleeping loft with queen size bed, and a double hideaway in the living room. No Smoking. Adults Only.

phone:
812-936-3000

website:
Little Log Cabin in the Woods

Perfect place to relax and get away from it all



e-mail
map

Monastery Immaculate Conception


The striking beauty of Ferninand's Castle on the Hill is a testament to the faith and dedication of the sisters of St. Benedict. The heart of the monastery is the domed chapel with its magnificent stained glass windows. A retreat center, chapel, and bookstore nuture the spirituality of all faiths.

phone:
812-367-1411

website:
Monastery Immaculate Conception

A must-see true historic beauty



map

Nature Center and PIoneer Farmstead

Vacation Ideas: State Parks, History 1

The O'Bannon Woods Nature Center offers naturalist programs and various exhibits throughout the year. A mid 19th century farmstead, located behind the nature center, includes a restored, 3-story hay press that drops a 1,000 pound block of wood onto a pile of hay. Educational and fun!

Pioneer interpreter spinning wool



map

Orange County Courthouse

Vacation Ideas: History 2

Completed in 1850, the white exterior brick and large columns of this Greek Revival building are reminiscent of ancient Greek structures. The roof has a clock cupola, weather vane, and four brick chimneys. Its interior has been restored. Tours are available.

phone:
812-723-4769

Restored 19th century county courthouse



Perry County Museum


Dedicated to the preservation of Perry County history, the museum is located in the historic river town of Cannelton. Its yellow brick building housed the county courthouse from 1897 to 1994. Open on Sundays from 1-4 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is free.

phone:
812-547-3140



map

Pioneer Mother's Forest


This 88 acre tract is the last old-growth forest of its size in Indiana. Left untouched since 1816, the forest includes a hiking trail and a rock wall memorial. It is a tribute to the brave spirit of Indiana's pioneer mothers.

phone:
812-275-5987

website:
Pioneer Mother's Forest

additionally:
More Pioneer Mother's Forest Info

A tribute to Indiana's pioneer mothers



e-mail

Rickenbaugh House


In 1874 Jacob Rickenbaugh, a tanner and farmer, hired three Belgium stone masons to build the house constructed out of local sandstone and wood. The Rickenbaugh House not only served as the residence for Jacob, his wife Elizabeth, and 10 children; but as the local post office from 1878 until 1951; and temporarily as a church meeting house.

phone:
812-547-7051

website:
Rickenbaugh House

Nestled on the banks of Celina Lake.



e-mail
map

Saint Meinrad Archabbey


Visit one of only two archabbeys in the United States, and join the monks each day as they pray and celebrate Mass. Founded in 1854, the archabbey continues its mission of serving the Catholic community. Home to over 100 monks, it includes a Guest House and Retreat Center, Abbey Press, and Abbey Caskets.

toll-free:
800-682-0988

website:
Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Marvel at the sacred beauty of this 1854 archabbey



e-mail
map

Spring Mill Pioneer Village

Vacation Ideas: State Parks, History 2

Situated within Spring Mill State Park, this restored village depicts life in the early 1800s. Villagers, in period dress, perform their daily chores as they interact with visitors. Buildings include an apothecary, meeting house, tavern, blacksmith shop, water-powered 3 story grist mill, and more.

toll-free:
877-977-7464

Early 1800s restored pioneer village and gristmill



e-mail
map

Squire Boone Caverns

Vacation Ideas: Explore Caves, Winter Fun, History 1

Discovered by Daniel Boone's brother in 1790, this cavern has spectacular formations, rushing streams, and underground waterfalls. Families will enjoy the water powered grist mill, rock shop, petting zoo, gem mining, demonstrations of candle dipping & soap making, and more.

toll-free:
888-934-1804

website:
Squire Boone Caverns

Discovered by Daniel Boone's brother in 1790



map

West Baden Springs Resort

Vacation Ideas: History 2

History comes to life as the dome is now a world-class resort once again after nearly 80 years. West Baden Springs Resort features 246 guest rooms and suites, fine dining, a spa and natatorium as well as the spectacular dome atrium.

phone:
812-936-9300

website:
West Baden Springs Resort

One of the world's largest domes



Historic Corydon

map

Constitution Elm Tree

Vacation Ideas: History 1

Forty-three delegates met in 1816 to draft Indiana's first constitution. Due to the sweltering heat, the delegates moved outside and continued their work under the branches of an enormous elm. Although the tree died of Dutch Elm disease in 1925, its trunk is still preserved.

phone:
812-738-4890

website:
Constitution Elm Tree

Indiana's 1st constitution written under this elm



map

Corydon Civil War Memorial Park

Vacation Ideas: History 1

The only Civil War battle fought on Hoosier soil took place near Corydon on July 9, 1863. 450 members of the Harrison County Home Guard engaged the 2,400 Confederate soldiers led by General John Hunt Morgan. 18 local men lost their lives in the skirmish.

phone:
812-738-8236

website:
Corydon Civil War Memorial Park

Historic reenactment of Civil War battle



map

Governor Hendricks' Headquarters

Vacation Ideas: History 1

Built in 1817, this two-story Federal style brick house was home to William Hendricks, Indiana's second elected governor (1822-1825). One lower room was used for his headquarters, and his family lived in the rest of the house. Judge William A. Porter acquired the house in 1841.

phone:
812-738-4890

website:
Governor Hendricks' Headquarters

Historic home of Indiana's second governor



map

Indiana's First State Capitol

Vacation Ideas: History 1

This square, Federal style limestone building was completed in 1816. Constructed from locally quarried limestone, it served as Indiana's first capitol building until the seat of government was moved to Indianapolis on January 10, 1825.

phone:
812-738-4890

website:
Indiana's First State Capitol

Indiana's first state capitol built in 1816