Who doesn’t need a change of scenery these days? A few weeks ago, we blogged about camping adventures that are within an easy drive of Southwest Indiana. Admittedly, not all of us are enthusiastic about sleeping in the wild and prefer the comfort of our own bed. The good news is that there are plenty of natural wonders, historical monuments, and other man made diversions around the state that you can visit and still come home at the end of the day. We’ve left off some of the things Evansvillians take for granted like Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Garden and the LST, but have included some places that our friends in Vincennes and Jasper might be more familiar with. Most of the places on this list are within a 3 hour drive. If you want to go farther-a-field, there is a treasure trove of opportunities in more distant parts of Indiana. VisitIndiana.com is an excellent resource for finding diversions throughout the state, and here are a few of our top choices:
Jasper Area
Photo by @todd.mathis on Instagram
Jug Rock, Shoals: Just outside of Shoals, the sandstone’ Jug Rock’ is the largest tea-table rock formation east of the Mississippi River. Don’t worry about it tipping over, as it has stood tall and proud for approximately 300 million years! Jug Rock is preserved in the Jug Rock Nature Preserve, with a small parking lot just off Albright Lane. Marvel and maybe even take a photo in front of this genuine natural wonder.
Photo by Frank Oliver
Hemlock Cliffs at Hoosier National Forest: Hemlock Cliffs is a box canyon showcasing unique beauty in southern Indiana. A cool climate, sandstone rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls are responsible for the unique trees and plants that grow here. The area features sandstone rock outcrops, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters, and ravines. Much of the sandstone is “Honeycombed” by weathering of iron ores. Springs, small caves, and subterranean drainage conduits are in the underlying Glen Dean Limestone.
Wilstem Wildlife Park, Paoli: Whether you are looking for an encounter with an elephant, giraffes, kangaroos, sloths, or even grizzly bears, Wilstem Wildlife Park is sure to provide an experience you won’t soon forget. The new drive-thru safari park is another must-experience attraction. Don’t forget to check out their Exclusive Encounters for VIP access to these incredible animals.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Lincoln City: “There I Grew Up…” Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States and one of the most influential people in American history, spent 14 of his formative childhood years in Indiana. The National Memorial offers a glimpse into the young pioneer life of the future president. A quaint hike through the woods will take you to the Cabin Site Memorial and the gravesite of Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln. Learn More.
Terre Haute Highlights
Cataract Falls at Lieber State Recreation Area: Comprised of two waterfalls about a mile apart, Cataract Falls is the largest waterfall by volume in the state. It’s Upper and Lower Falls have heights around 45 and 30 feet, respectively. Two pre-glacial bedrock ridges buried beneath ancient lake sediments of the Illinoisan glacier developed the falls, making them true natural wonders. Thus, it’s no surprise that voters chose Cataract Falls as Indiana’s best waterfall! Note that the falls are located near in Cataract Falls SRA which is part of Cagles Mill Lake and near Lieber State Recreation Area.
Photo by @the_walkabout_t4r on Instagram
Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve at Turkey Run State Park: Our readers decided Turkey Run is the best state park in Indiana, and there is no secret why. A walk north on the suspension bridge of Sugar Creek takes visitors to Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve. The first step into the preserve feels as if you’ve been transported into another Avatar-like world. Deep mossy sandstone ravines, waterfalls, monstrous cliffs, ladders, and streams will amaze even the most well-traveled visitors. This section of 1,609 acres might be Indiana’s most beautiful topography.
Seashell Chapel, Terre Haute: This shrine to St. Anne on the grounds of Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College is likely smaller than your bedroom. Completely covered in beautiful shells, the St. Anne Shell Chapel was directed to be built by Mother Theodore Guerin in the mid-1800s. Most of its shells were collected from the Wabash River by the Sisters of the Providence.
Champ of Great Dane, Brazil: Champ stands tall and proud in front of US-40 in Brazil. The 70-year-old statue resided in Florida and Georgia before coming home to the Great Dane Trailers plant in Indiana. The recently restored dog is 17 feet paw to tip of his ears, stands on a 3-foot base, and weighs a total of 800 pounds.
Bloomington and Beyond
Photo by @the_timetravellers_memories on Instagram
Thistlethwaite Falls, Richmond: Thistlethwaite Falls was voted one of the top 10 waterfalls in Indiana and there’s no secret why! Timothy Thistlethwaite blasted a new channel in the West Fork of the Whitewater River to direct water over the rock formation in the 1800s. Even though the falls itself is humanmade, it’s an excellent spot to search for ancient fossils! Collect loose fossils along the trail or in the stream bank at the base of Thistlethwaite Falls.
Tulip Trestle, Bloomfield: The Tulip Trestle, a spectacular railroad bridge, was built in 1906 to haul coal out of Greene County. It was the largest trestle in the United States and third-largest in the world at one point. Visitors can experience the massive structure from below by walking along the stream or driving past the observation deck.
Columbus Architecture Tours: Holding rank alongside much bigger metropolitan areas as one of the most architecturally significant cities in the United States, Columbus, Indiana, is famous for its collection of modernist buildings and structures, serving as an open-air museum of sorts to explore and appreciate. The Columbus Visitors Center hosts several by-reservation guided tour options to lead visitors through the town’s compact assortment of outstanding architecture and public art installations. However, you can also grab or download a free map and stroll the streets yourself. Tours regularly reach capacity, and reservations are recommended. Book here.
Louisville Locale
Fossil Beds at Falls of the Ohio State Park: In Southern Indiana, the Falls of the Ohio presented the biggest natural challenge for early travelers on the Ohio River. But underneath the flowing water sits a 390-million-year-old Devonian-era fossil bed, one of the oldest of its kind in the world. These days, guests can stop by a state park interpretive center to learn more about the region’s topography and a treasure trove of findings through interactive displays and exhibits before walking out into and onto the bed itself at the edge of the river. Although you can’t take any fossils you find home with you (collecting is prohibited), visitors are certainly welcome to observe and admire the different types on display.
Falls of the Ohio State Park and Lewis & Clark Trail, Clarksville: During the summer of 1803, William Clark received a letter from Meriweather Lewis asking him to come along on an expedition to the Louisiana Territory. Lewis and Clark met at Falls of the Ohio later that year to begin their incredible journey out west. Their meeting is honored at Falls of the Ohio State Park, which is also home to some of the oldest fossil beds in the entire world.
Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, Corydon: Here, you can relive Indiana’s transformation from a territorial outpost to a modern state. As Indiana’s first state capitol, Corydon is rich in history. A tour at the original state Capitol building which served as Indiana’s government center in the early 1800’s will take you back in time. Also, the first state constitution is believed to have been drafted under the branches of Constitution Elm!
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, New Albany: After moving to Indiana in the middle of the 20th century, William Culbertson became one of the richest and most philanthropic men in Indiana. His incredible 20,000-square foot mansion boasts hand-painted ceilings, a remarkable carved staircase, and other intricate masterworks. Guided tours at the mansion last about one hour while visitors are entrenched in Victorian culture. You can even take part in real life CLUE during the holidays! Learn more.
Vincennes and Vicinity
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, Vincennes: Colonel George Rogers Clark and his army captured the British Fort Sackville in 1779 in one of the greatest feats of the Revolutionary War. Aided by French residents, the capture of Fort Sackville allowed the United States claim to the frontier. The George Rogers Clark Clark National Historical Park is home to the largest national monument outside of Washington, D.C. Learn More.
Vincennes State Historic Site, Vincennes: At the Vincennes State Historic Site, you will take a step back in time and see where Indiana’s foundations were formed. Founded in 1732, Vincennes is Indiana’s oldest city. As Indiana’s territorial capitol before it officially became a state, territory officials made decisions that changed the course of history. Tours of the territorial capitol building are offered. Learn more.
Grouseland – William Henry Harrison Mansion & Museum, Vincennes: Grouseland is the elegant home built in 1804 for William Henry Harrison when he was Governor of the Indiana Territory. It is the first brick home in Indiana and is a National Historic Landmark. That being said, Grouseland was more than just a home as it was the center of the Indiana Government for years. William Henry Harrison was elected President of United States in 1841 but died 31 days into his term after he contracted paratyphoid fever.
Miscellaneous Mischief
Indiana Birding Trail: Indiana’s diverse habitats are home to over 400 documented bird species, making it the perfect place for a birding adventure. The Indiana Audubon Society recently created the Indiana Birding Trail, featuring 64 great bird watching locations throughout the entire state. The experiences won’t disappoint, from the one-of-a-kind migration of Sandhill Cranes to rare bird sightings among the dune and swale habitats of Indiana Dunes National Park. For the complete Indiana Birding Trail Guide, click here.
Ohio River Scenic Byway in Southern Indiana: You’ll find adventures, history, and relaxation among 302 beautiful miles of the Ohio River Scenic Byway in Indiana. The byway explores the trademark rolling hills of southern Indiana that will make you feel like you are far, far away. Plus, the views are unforgettable. For more trip ideas along the Ohio River Scenic Byway, click here.
Content gleaned from visitindiana.com.
