Pumpkins Spice Lattes at Starbucks might be out early this year, but it’s technically still summer according to your calendar. So, before you start committing to sweaters and ripped jeans, you need one last good “hoorah” of summer to get you through the cooler months to come.
New Harmony
Get your fit on at New Harmonie State Park before you slowly withdraw yourself into hibernation for the winter. Unfortunately, the water park here is apparently already closed for the year, BUT it is still a great place for camping and hiking. Or if you’re looking for something a little slower paced, perhaps a stroll through the Labyrinth is the right fit for you!
Holiday World/Splashin’ Safari
There’s only a limited number of weekends left to get your Holiday World fix in. Splashin’ Safari in particular will be closing down for the year before you know it, so pack up that swimsuit and hop on those water coasters one last time before it’s too late.
Bonus: Santa’s Candy Castle right down the road from Holiday World is an underrated gem. Do yourself/kids/friends/significant other a favor and get yourself some Frozen Hot Chocolate while you’re in the area.
Patoka Lake
Since most of the local swim spots are already closed for the year, it’s still warm enough to need some swimsuit time. Patoka Lake is the perfect solution as it’s only a little over an hour away and a great place to spend a warm summer day. Don’t have a boat? No problem! You can rent one there OR they even have a beach where you can just hang out and soak up the sun!
Cave County Canoes
Rent yourself a kayak or canoe (or bring your own) and enjoy a day on Blue River at Cave County Canoes! The scenery is beautiful and it’s only an hour and a half drive from Evansville.
Garden of the Gods
To be honest, the weather lately has been worthy of throwing two thumbs way up in the air which, in my opinion, is perfect weather for some hiking at Garden of the Gods. Get some exercise, sun, admire some rocks, and become one with nature all in a short-day trip. Take some pictures (in a safe location) while the greenery is still green, and then return a few months later when the leaves are changing to take a picture in the same spot.
Compared to the rest of this list, you’re probably thinking…oh okay, like, why is this here? Can I swim here or something? No, even better, you can eat ice here. Shaved ice and summer go hand in hand and if you haven’t exhausted yourself in the heat then rewarded yourself with St. Joe’s Shaved Ice at their cute little stand, then what are you even doing?
