Cave Country Canoes

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.

Canoeing Blue River on a beautiful day

Hoosier Hills Marina

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.

Boats docked at the marina on Patoka Lake

Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging

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.

A family enjoying Patoka Lake at the marina

Ski Paoli Peaks

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.

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)

1 indoor and 7 outdoor fields for paintball and la

Wilstem Guest Ranch

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.

Leisure activities abound at Wilstem Guest Ranch

Blue River

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.

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.

A secluded cliff area in Crawford County

Hoosier National Forest

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.

Two hikers enjoying 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.

Perry County picnickers relax in the shade

Pioneer Mothers 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.

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.

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.

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.

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