You Must See These 8 Stunning State Parks In Southern Indiana
Paul Wonning
Author
Indiana has many fabulous parks to visit, especially in the southern portion of the state. These parks feature fabulous hiking, camping, and picnicking possibilities. Many offer boating, fishing, and equestrian activities as well. Many, like Spring Mill, Lincoln, and Harmonie State Park feature historic as well as recreational opportunities. Brown County, Spring Mill, and Clifty Falls have inns for visitors to stay at in style while enjoying the activities of the park, which allows wintertime visitors to relax in a restful atmosphere. Indiana State Parks provide a great experience for families to spend time together enjoying the outdoors or learning about history. Whether it is hiking, biking, horseback riding, or boating, visitors are sure to find a great place to enjoy themselves at one or more of these fabulous state parks.
Numerous picnic areas and shelters allow families a good spot to relax while enjoying a picnic meal. Visitors wanting to stay in comfort can book a room at the Clifty Inn. The Inn has a restaurant, swimming pool and sitting area that overlooks the river.
Hikers can traverse a historic railroad tunnel on one of the trails. The tunnel formed a part of the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad, which went bankrupt before the tunnel saw use. The park has four waterfalls; most are accessible only by trail. The main falls, a sixty foot cascade, is near Clifty Shelter and accessible to picnickers. Read more on the official website.
All three plants in the park ceased operation by 1992. The company ceded 4,500 acres of the property to the State of Indiana for use as a state park. The park also contains the remnant of the Fern Grove and Rose Island Resorts. In 2011, the Portersville Bridge (moved from Dubois County) allows visitors foot access to the old amusement park site via Trail 3 and 7. Still standing... or at least partially standing... is the old stone fountain, a retaining wall, and some stone steps from the hotel, the ticket booth that admitted people from the boat landing, and a few other relics of the past. Read more on the official website.
Harmonie State Park also has a campground with electric sites and family cabins for visitors to extend their stay. Several of the 200 campsites are ADA accessible, as are two of the cabins. Hikers have a multitude of trails to hike that offer a variety of hiking experiences. Mountain biking trails and horseback-friendly trails add to the diversity of the outdoor experience.
An Interpretive Naturalist Service and Nature Center round out the amenities found at Harmonie State Park. History buffs will enjoy nearby Historic New Harmony. This fascinating village provides a unique look into two experiments in communal living in New Harmony. The Rappites and Harmonites both tried to establish communal living here, but ultimately neither community succeeded; however, they left behind a fascinating story, architecture, and community that survives for people to study and enjoy. Read more on the official website.
Lincoln State Park provides visitors with a place to walk in the places Lincoln walked. They can also enjoy a play, hike trails, or enjoy lake activities on Lincoln Lake. The park is 2026 acres in size, heavily wooded, and a beautiful place to spend a vacation. Read more on the official website.
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Fall is the most popular time to visit, as the forested hills create stunning autumn scenes. Summer, spring, and fall are good times to visit, as the park offers fabulous hiking over the 12 miles of trails. During wintertime, visitors spend time reading quietly in front of the huge stone wood burning fireplace in the great room of the inn.
Abe Martin Inn features an aquatic center, which makes it a popular draw for families all through the year, but especially during the cold winter months. The dining room at the Inn has delicious food at family affordable prices. Read more on the official website.
The park falls within the 1,400 acre Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area. The State of Indiana established the Falls of the Ohio State Park in 1990 to preserve the fossil beds that lay exposed on the riverbed. As the 20th Indiana State Park, The Falls of the Ohio specializes in public interpretation and education about the fossils. Read more on the official website.
Hikers will find over 11 miles of trails, many overlooking the majestic Ohio River. Equestrians may ride their mounts on over 80 miles of trails. Cave enthusiasts can explore the dark regions of Wyandotte Caves. This cave complex includes two separate cave systems: Sibert and The Big Cave. The Nature Center is features a restored pioneer homestead. The campground contains 234 campsites. Picnic facilities, which are scattered throughout the park, feature nine shelters. The Blue River provides access to the Ohio River and serves as a route for canoeists and other boaters.
Relive history with a visit to the Pioneer Farmstead, which features a working hay press barn. The historic first Indiana State Capitol Corydon and Squire Boone's homestead are just short drive away. Canoeists can play in the waters of the Blue River, while speedboats have easy access to the Ohio River. Anglers may try their luck in the Blue River. Visitors can also enjoy two nearby cave systems outside the park. Read more on the official website.
Hoosiers who wish to learn more about Indiana’s state parks and other attractions must visit Columbus, Indiana. Visit Indiana Places for more information about Columbus and Indiana.
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More to Explore
State Parks to Visit in Indiana
What are some fun things to do outside in Indiana?
Indiana is a wonderful state for those who love the great outdoors! Almost anything you can dream of that you’d want to do outside is possible in the Hoosier State. Each season brings with it many unique opportunities and things to do and see. For example, in spring, the wildflowers go crazy as the world springs back to life after a white winter. It’s the perfect time for amazing hikes, especially hikes involving waterfalls. In summer, it’s time to go kayaking, swimming, camping, boating, or fishing: it’s perfect outside to do all of those things in (plus the things you did during spring, too). Autumn brings with it the incredible changing of the leaves, and it’s probably our favorite time for camping next to summer. Winter is a special time of year; it’s chilly, but it’s beautiful, and it’s the perfect time for sledding, tobogganing, skiing, and cold-weather hiking. You can also visit any of Indiana’s amazing state or natural parks for outdoor adventures year-round. There is no shortage of things to do no matter what time of year it is – Indiana is awesome!
What are the best state parks in Indiana?
Indiana is home to many state parks; it’s got 24 altogether, and that’s enough to feel a little overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Of course, the “best” park is subjective, but there are some that do stick out above the rest in terms of sheer belovedness. For example, McCormick’s Creek State Park is absolutely amazing if you’re a fan of waterfall hikes. You’ll love Turkey Run State Park if you’re interested in the Midwest's very own mini “Grand Canyon”, as well as lush, green hikes that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into Middle Earth. Indiana Dunes State/National Parks are both equally incredible and feature some of the most ridiculously unique landscapes in the entire state (it might be our personal favorite). For more information about state parks in Indiana, check this article out!