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
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
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
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
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
Sycamore Springs
Vacation Ideas: Family Fun
This beautiful park, privately owned and funded by the Clayton Roberson family, consists of 250 scenic acres on Little Blue River. Facilities include a wooded picnic and play area, shelterhouses, hiking, and fishing---all free of charge. Overnight camping is available by reservation.
phone:
812-338-3846
website:
Sycamore Springs![]()
Playground equipment at Sycamore Springs
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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