Outdoor Recreation

Enjoy the rugged, but scenic beauty of our rolling hills, rocky ravines, limestone bluffs, and winding rivers.

Acres and acres of forestry, several area caves, and a large recreational lake create unlimited opportunites for excitement and fun.

Regardless of your age or skill level, we have an outdoor adventure that is just right for you and your family!


Outdoor Recreation

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Cave Country Canoes

Vacation Ideas: Splashing Around, Family Fun

Flowing through the heart of Indiana's newest state park, Blue River is a great Class 1 stream (perfect for groups and families). Half-day, full day, and overnight trips are available from April through October. Come and experience the thrill of canoeing Indiana's first Designated Scenic Waterway.

toll-free:
888-702-2837

website:
Cave Country Canoes

Canoeing Blue River on a beautiful day



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Gilligan's Boats

Vacation Ideas: Splashing Around

BOAT RENTAL on PATOKA LAKE; Crappie FISH, Go Tubin or explore Patoka on a cruise pontoon from Gilligan's friendly staff. Fishing boats, waterslide Pontoons, Ski barges ready in-water for your family at Gilligan's Lagoon. Rent skis, kneeboards, & Jet Skis. Fuel included !

toll-free:
888-650-98

website:
Gilligan's Boats

Taking a break from jet skiing



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Golf Shores Fun Center


Two exciting 18-hole courses, one outdoor and one indoor with black-lighting provide challenging and entertaining miniature golf adventures for all ages.

phone:
812-738-0802

website:
Golf Shores Fun Center

Miniature golf adventures for all ages.



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Hoosier Hills Marina

Vacation Ideas: Splashing Around

This full service marina is tucked away in a quiet cove of Patoka Lake. With slips and moorings for 170 boats, Hoosier Hills can accommodate everything from 20' pontoons and cruisers to 70' houseboats. A rental fleet and conveniently stocked store are also available.

toll-free:
866-678-3313

website:
Hoosier Hills Marina

Boats docked at the marina on Patoka Lake



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Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging

Vacation Ideas: Splashing Around

Water enthusiasts can choose from small fishing boats to party barges and large houseboats. Landlubbers can pick from a variety of fully-equipped rooms, suites, and cabins. Two convenient stores and a grill & laundrymat will help make your stay at Patoka Lake pleasurable and fun.

toll-free:
888-819-6916

website:
Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging

A family enjoying Patoka Lake at the marina



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Ski Paoli Peaks

Vacation Ideas: Winter Fun

Skiers and snowboarders of ALL AGES are welcome! A Kids' Snow Kamp provides all day supervision for ages 5-12. Fifteen slopes, equipment rentals, ski school, pro shop, certified instructors, food service, and ski lodge add up to winter fun at its best.

phone:
812-723-4696

website:
Ski Paoli Peaks

Friends enjoying the snowy slopes



The Fun Farm


Laser tag, go-kart, rock-climbing wall, paintball games and store, (1 indoor and 7 outdoor fields for paintball and laser tag), arcade, bean bag game, 22-hole championship disk (frisbee) golf course, corn maze, hayrides, karaoke, large pavilion for weddings / reunions / company outings / birthday parties, and hiking trails. 5$ admission charge. Open Jan-Dec. Hours: Wed-Sun 10am - 6pm. Other hours by reservation. (handicapped acc)

toll-free:
800-952-3580

website:
The Fun Farm

1 indoor and 7 outdoor fields for paintball and la



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Wilstem Guest Ranch

Vacation Ideas: Family Fun

Situated on 1,100 acres of rolling hills and green pastures, this working ranch has 30 miles of riding trails, a swimming pool, volleyball, fishing, hiking, hayrides, and more. Accommodations include a lodge, ranch house, and cabins. Group events can be held in the Big Red Barn.

phone:
812-936-4484

website:
Wilstem Guest Ranch

Leisure activities abound at Wilstem Guest Ranch



Public Land

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Blue River

Vacation Ideas: Splashing Around

This spring fed stream, one of the purest in the state, has alternating fast water riffles and slower moving pools. Rugged limestone bluffs, dotted with caves, often tower high above the river. Great opportunity for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

website:
Blue River

additionally:
More Blue River Info

Designated 1st State Scenic Natural River (1975)



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Hemlock Cliffs


This ruggedly beautiful cliff area is secluded in Crawford County and can only be accessed by a 1.2 mile long hiking trail. As visitors hike the trails along the cliffs, they will behold rock shelters, seasonal waterfalls, jagged bluffs, and dense forest canopy.

website:
Hemlock Cliffs

additionally:
More Hemlock Cliffs Info

A secluded cliff area in Crawford County



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Hoosier National Forest

Vacation Ideas: Ohio River

200,000 acres of forrested hills, rocky ravines, limestone cliffs, winding streams, and picturesque lakes create a nature lover's paradise. The area abounds with opportunites for hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, boating, swimming, and much more.

phone:
812-547-7051

website:
Hoosier National Forest

additionally:
More Hoosier National Forest Info

Two hikers enjoying the great outdoors



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Hoosier National Forest Lakes

Vacation Ideas: Ohio River

Nestled within 60,000 acres of the Hoosier National Forest are five picturesque lakes: Celina, Indian, Tipsaw, Saddle, and German Ridge. Nature lovers can enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, swimming, and other water recreation. Come savor the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors!

phone:
812-547-7051

website:
Hoosier National Forest Lakes

additionally:
More Hoosier National Forest Lakes Info

Peace and tranquility in the great outdoors



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Perry County Parks and Recreation


Several boat ramps offer boaters and other water enthusiasts access to miles and miles of the scenic Ohio River. The Rome Boat Ramp is even handicapped accessible. Mulzer Park at Derby features a playground, picnic shelters, and dock. The Overlook Park showcases a panoramic view of the mighty Ohio.

phone:
812-547-3453

Perry County picnickers relax in the shade



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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



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Rise of the Lost River


Designated a Natural National Monument, Orange County's mysterious river "rises" to become the headwaters for the entire Lost River system. Located within Indiana's karst/limestone region, this rise is the state's second largest spring.

phone:
317-951-8818

Indiana's second largest spring



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Springs Valley Lake and Trail


Six miles south of French Lick, this scenic 140 acre lake is surrounded by native hardwoods. Facilities include a hiking trail, primitive camping, boat ramp, and picnicing. The lake has good populations of bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Electric motor boats only.

phone:
812-275-5987

website:
Springs Valley Lake and Trail

A scenic 140 acre lake with great fishing



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Wesley Chapel Gulf


This impressive 8.3 acre sinkhole is located two miles east of Orangeville on a 187 acre tract of land within the Hoosier National Forest. The sinkhole is approximately 1,000 feet long and 350 feet wide. Its sides range from 25 to 95 feet deep.

phone:
317-951-8818

website:
Wesley Chapel Gulf

An impressive gigantic 8.3 acre sinkhole



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Yellow Birch Ravine


Noted for its rugged beauty, this 441 acre nature preserve will delight the nature lover. The moist ravine bottoms are dominated by beeches and maples. Yellow birches and hemlocks grow along the edges of the limestone bluffs. Mountain laurel, typical of the Appalachian region, also grows here.

Most southern spot for Yellow Birch Trees