With Nearly 16,000 Acres To Explore, Indiana's Largest State Park Is Worthy Of A Multi-Day Adventure
By Tori Jane|Published July 11, 2022
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
It’s no secret that Brown County State Park is thought to be the single most beautiful state park in Indiana – if not the most beautiful place in the entire state, period. Not only is it the largest state park in Indiana, coming in at an impressive 16,000 acres in size, but it’s also one of the most beloved, and it’s easy to understand why: it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring, and it’s so gigantic that you’ll absolutely need a day or two (or 14) to explore it all. Come check out the legendary Brown County State Park and investigate every inch of it for… well… as long as it takes:
Situated in Nashville, Indiana, in the heart of Brown County (which is often called the "most beautiful" part of Indiana) is Brown County State Park.
With 15,696 acres total, it's the largest state park in Indiana, and one of the largest state parks in the entire United States. Every acre is pure magic that's absolutely worthy of adventure.
Brown County State Park first opened to the world in 1929, and as the number of visitors steadily rose every year, amenities and goodies were added.
Today, it's home to 18 miles of epic hiking trails (seriously some of the best trails in Indiana), the historic Abe Martin Lodge (which is where we suggest you stay!), countless native critters, birds, and other wildlife to observe and admire, and so, SO much more.
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Among the must-do hiking trails at Brown County State Park are Trail 7, which loops around Ogle Lake, Trail 8, which features some truly epic views from a nifty, climbable tower, and Trail 6, which may or may not have a waterfall along the way depending on recent rainfall totals.
Another notable hike you should do is Trail 2 at Brown County State Park, which is quite famous for its beauty, and any trail that leads you around or past the various lakes at the park as well. Good luck picking which one to do first!
When you're completely exhausted and it's time to retire for the evening, stay the night in the park (you read that right - in!) via any of its amazing campsites or by staying at the luxurious Abe Martin Lodge, which comes with as many amazing features as the park itself.
There are more than 80 gorgeous rooms, several cabins available for booking, and, of course, we can't mention the Abe Martin Lodge without mentioning the INCREDIBLE 12,000-square-foot water park it's got. Enjoy slides, water sports, swimming pools, and even a waterfall - and be sure to take your time. After all, you really do have all night this time.
Other must-do attractions within Brown County State Park (and in Brown County in general) include the two gorgeous, historic covered bridges you'll find if you know where to look, like North Gate Covered Bridge.
Enjoy a saddle barn, endless picnic areas, crystal-clear lakes, scenic vistas, and so, SO much more. You may not know where to begin at first, and that's okay. It's perfectly normal considering the enormity of the park.
Perhaps the best news of all is that a multi-day stay at Brown County State Park in Indiana is AFFORDABLE.
Have you ever stayed at Brown County State Park for more than just one day? Tell us about your experience – including your favorite parts of the park – in the comments!
