Indiana State Parks for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Location:

Liberty, IN

Highlights:

If you're seeking a scenic destination where ancient history meets lakeside adventure, Brookville Lake – Whitewater Memorial State Park is a must-visit. From fossil-filled terrain to modern camping and water recreation, it’s a well-rounded escape for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

We Recommend This For:

Campers, hikers, boaters, fossil hunters, families, and anyone exploring the Whitewater River Valley region.

What we Love:

Two beaches, over 25 miles of trails, ancient mounds and Ordovician fossils, and access to Brookville Lake’s excellent boating and fishing scene.

• Explore over 25 miles of trails across Quakertown and Mounds State Recreation Areas, offering a mix of wooded paths, lakeside loops, and scenic views.
• Swim or relax on two designated beaches perfect for cooling off in summer or picnicking lakeside.
• Camp at one of over 400 available campsites, ranging from primitive to electric, across various scenic sites around the reservoir.
• Fish, boat, or paddle across the expansive Brookville Reservoir, renowned for bass, walleye, and recreational water sports.

Distance from Cincinnati, OH:

About a 1 hour drive northwest via US-27 N and IN-101 N.

How to Get to Brookville Lake – Whitewater Memorial State Park:

From Cincinnati, take US-27 N to Liberty, IN. Follow signs to Brookville Lake via IN-101 N, and access the park at 3056 Quakertown Ramp Rd.

Location:

Nashville, IN

Highlights:

If you're looking for sweeping views, brilliant fall colors, and a slice of the Smokies in Indiana, Brown County State Park is the place to be. With almost 16,000 acres of forested hills, ravines, and ridgelines, it’s a four-season haven for hikers, horseback riders, and nature lovers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Fall foliage seekers, equestrians, mountain bikers, families, and anyone who wants to experience Indiana’s largest and most scenic state park.

What we Love:

Nearly 70 miles of horse trails, stunning fall drives, a historic lodge, and peaceful hiking paths that wind through “Little Smokies” terrain.

• Drive nearly 20 miles of scenic roads—especially during autumn—for some of the Midwest’s most beautiful fall foliage vistas.
• Ride through 70 miles of designated horse trails or visit the saddle barn for guided horseback adventures in the hills.
• Hike or bike on miles of rugged trails suited for all experience levels, from ridge hikes to forest floor rambles.
• Stay overnight in the Abe Martin Lodge or enjoy large campgrounds perfect for tent and RV camping amid forested beauty.

Distance from Indianapolis:

About a 1 hour 15-minute drive south via I-65 and IN-46 W.

How to Get to Brown County State Park:

From Indianapolis, take I-65 S to IN-46 W toward Nashville. Follow park signs to the main entrance near the town of Nashville, Indiana.

Location:

Cloverdale, IN

Highlights:

If you're after waterfalls, swimming, and a peaceful lake escape with historical roots, Cagles Mill Lake delivers it all. Home to the breathtaking Cataract Falls and Indiana’s first flood control reservoir, this destination blends scenic charm with family fun.

We Recommend This For:

Families, waterfall chasers, swimmers, paddlers, and history enthusiasts exploring Indiana’s natural and cultural heritage.

What we Love:

Stunning Cataract Falls, seasonal fun at the Aquatic Center, Native American heritage, and the immersive Nature Center.

• Visit Cataract Falls, one of Indiana’s most photogenic natural sites, fed by Mill Creek and surrounded by tranquil woodland.
• Cool off at the Aquatic Center from Memorial Day to Labor Day—featuring a water slide, bubblers, and a zero-entry swimming pool.
• Learn about the area's Potawatomi, Shawnee, and Miami roots and watershed history at the on-site Nature Center.
• Enjoy picnicking, paddling, and shoreline strolls around the scenic 1,400-acre Cagles Mill Lake.

Distance from Terre Haute:

About a 45-minute drive east via I-70 and US-231 N.

How to Get to Cagles Mill Lake:

From Terre Haute, take I-70 E to US-231 N. Turn onto Lieber Road and follow signs to the entrance at 1317 W. Lieber Rd in Cloverdale.

Romantic Indiana State Parks

Location:

Rockville, IN

Highlights:

If you’re looking to combine outdoor adventure with a hands-on history lesson, Cecil M. Harden Lake and Raccoon State Recreation Area offer the best of both worlds. From the preserved 1880s Mansfield Roller Mill to the scenic lakeside trails and picnic spots, there’s something here for everyone.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, families, anglers, hikers, and anyone who enjoys combining cultural heritage with outdoor fun.

What we Love:

The operational Historic Mansfield Roller Mill, peaceful fishing spots, wide-ranging recreation options, and the lake’s rich biodiversity.

• Tour the Historic Mansfield Roller Mill, a preserved 1880s flour mill still equipped with its original milling machinery and demonstrations.
• Fish in the calm waters of Cecil M. Harden Lake, known for bass, catfish, and bluegill.
• Explore the trails and enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, or a relaxing afternoon on the basketball courts or archery range.
• Camp or picnic with friends and family at the Raccoon State Recreation Area, which offers shaded campgrounds and lakeside views.

Distance from Indianapolis:

About a 1 hour 15-minute drive west via I-70 and US-231 N.

How to Get to Cecil M. Harden Lake:

From Indianapolis, take I-70 W to US-231 N, then follow IN-236 W and signs to Raccoon Parkway. The entrance is located at 1588 S. Raccoon Pkwy in Rockville.

Location:

Charlestown, IN

Highlights:

If you’re looking for dramatic river views, steep ravines, and a peaceful bird-watching haven, Charlestown State Park offers a quiet escape with plenty of room to roam. Once part of a military site, it now invites nature lovers to explore its rugged terrain and riverside trails.

We Recommend This For:

Bird watchers, hikers, campers, anglers, and anyone looking for scenic Ohio River vistas and a less-crowded park experience.

What we Love:

Over 70 bird species, deep forested ravines, full-hookup campsites, and sweeping overlooks of Fourteen-Mile Creek Valley and the Ohio River.

• Hike through six trails ranging from easy walks to rugged ridge routes, all offering peaceful forest and river views.
• Birdwatch for bald eagles, black vultures, bluebirds, and other species—Charlestown is a hidden gem for avian observation.
• Camp comfortably at one of the full-hookup sites, making it ideal for RV travelers and extended stays.
• Fish or picnic along the quiet stretches of Fourteen-Mile Creek or take kids to enjoy the on-site playground.

Distance from Louisville, KY:

About a 30-minute drive north via I-65 and IN-62 E.

How to Get to Charlestown State Park:

From Louisville, head north on I-65 to Exit 9 for IN-62 E. Continue east on IN-62 for about 10 miles, and look for the park entrance at 12500 Indiana 62.

Location:

Madison, IN

Highlights:

If you're in the mood for waterfalls that shift with the seasons, steep canyons, and rich geological history, Clifty Falls State Park is a breathtaking escape. With scenic trails and dramatic views at every turn, it's a must-visit for hikers and nature lovers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Waterfall chasers, geology enthusiasts, photographers, experienced hikers, and those seeking rugged natural beauty in all seasons.

What we Love:

Ever-changing waterfalls, the deep and scenic Clifty Canyon, fossil-filled creek beds, and some of the most thrilling hikes in Indiana.

• Explore Clifty Canyon’s rugged trails, perfect for adventurous hikers looking for dramatic elevation and spectacular views.
• Watch the waterfalls transform with the weather—spring melt and winter freezes offer the most powerful and photogenic displays.
• Discover fossil remnants along Clifty Creek’s stone bed (view only—fossil collecting is prohibited in the park, but allowed at nearby locations).
• Visit year-round for hiking, wildlife watching, and a chance to see one of Indiana’s most geologically rich and visually dramatic landscapes.

Distance from Louisville, KY:

About a 1 hour 15-minute drive northwest via I-71 N and IN-56 W.

How to Get to Clifty Falls State Park:

From Louisville, take I-71 N to Exit 34 for KY-421 N. Continue across the river into Indiana and follow IN-56 W or IN-62 W to the park entrance at 2221 Clifty Dr in Madison.

Indiana State Parks for Families

Location:

Clarksville, IN

Highlights:

If you’re fascinated by fossils and ancient geology, Falls of the Ohio State Park is a must-visit. Set along the banks of the Ohio River, this park offers a rare chance to walk among 385-million-year-old fossil beds—some of the largest and most accessible in the world.

We Recommend This For:

Geology enthusiasts, families, bird watchers, hikers, and anyone curious about prehistoric life and riverfront beauty.

What we Love:

Immersive exhibits at the interpretive center, world-renowned Devonian fossil beds, river views, and the quiet magic of fossil-hunting in late summer and fall.

• View some of the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds on Earth—best accessed during the low-water months of August through October.
• Explore the Interpretive Center, which features hands-on exhibits, river history, and panoramic views of the Ohio River and fossil beds.
• Picnic or hike along riverside trails, with scenic views and frequent sightings of migratory and native bird species.
• Fish along the riverbanks or enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the water—ideal for visitors of all ages.

Distance from Louisville, KY:

About a 10-minute drive northwest via I-65 N and US-31.

How to Get to Falls of the Ohio State Park:

From Louisville, cross the I-65 bridge into Indiana and take US-31 N to Riverside Drive. The park entrance is located at 201 W. Riverside Dr in Clarksville.

Location:

Indianapolis, IN

Highlights:

Looking for a green retreat without leaving the city? Fort Harrison State Park is a year-round haven right in Indianapolis, offering everything from scenic trails and military history to winter sledding on some of the area’s best hills.

We Recommend This For:

Urban explorers, history buffs, families, joggers, anglers, and winter fun seekers.

What we Love:

Two historic districts, peaceful Fall Creek fishing, top-tier sledding hills, and the insightful Museum of 20th Century Warfare.

• Sled down some of Indianapolis’s best hills each winter—Fort Harrison is a local favorite for cold-weather adventure.
• Explore the Museum of 20th Century Warfare to learn about the lives of soldiers once stationed at the historic Fort Harrison site.
• Fish, walk, or jog along Fall Creek or the park’s scenic trails, offering a quiet escape amid urban surroundings.
• Enjoy picnic areas, nature walks, and open green spaces—perfect for families or solo city getaways throughout the year.

Distance from Downtown Indianapolis:

About a 25-minute drive northeast via I-70 E and Post Road.

How to Get to Fort Harrison State Park:

From downtown Indianapolis, take I-70 E to Exit 91 for Post Road. Head north and follow signs to the park entrance at 6000 N. Post Rd.

Location:

Vincennes, IN

Highlights:

If you’re drawn to Revolutionary War history and powerful moments that shaped the nation, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is a must-see. This is where Colonel Clark secured the American frontier in 1779—an act that nearly doubled the size of the young United States.

We Recommend This For:

History enthusiasts, educators, families, and travelers exploring America’s early westward expansion.

What we Love:

The impactful 30-minute film, thought-provoking exhibits on Clark and Fort Sackville, and the monument's riverside setting that invites quiet reflection.

• Visit the monument where the British surrender took place, honoring one of the most pivotal Revolutionary War campaigns.
• Watch the visitor center’s 30-minute film for a compelling look at George Rogers Clark’s western campaign and its lasting impact.
• Explore interactive exhibits detailing Fort Sackville, the cultural players in the region, and the broader conquest of the Northwest Territory.
• Walk the grounds along the Wabash River, where you can connect to the landscape that shaped this moment in American history.

Distance from Terre Haute:

About a 1 hour drive south via US-41 S.

How to Get to George Rogers Clark National Historical Park:

From Terre Haute, take US-41 S directly to Vincennes. Turn onto S. 2nd Street, and the park entrance is located at 401 S. 2nd St.

Location:

Scottsburg, IN

Highlights:

If you're looking for a consistently scenic lake getaway with unique wildlife experiences, Hardy Lake is a standout. As Indiana’s only reservoir not built for flood control, its steady water level creates ideal conditions for shoreline recreation, fishing, and ecological stability.

We Recommend This For:

Campers, paddlers, wildlife lovers, fossil hunters, and families looking for both recreation and educational opportunities.

What we Love:

Stable water levels year-round, a raptor rehabilitation center, great limestone formations, and well-rounded facilities for land and water activities.

• Fish, swim, or boat on the steady waters of Hardy Lake—perfect for year-round recreation without fluctuating conditions.
• Explore rocky bluffs, limestone outcrops, caves, and fossil-rich terrain along the lake’s scenic shores and hiking trails.
• Visit Indiana’s only DNR-operated raptor rehabilitation center to learn about birds of prey and witness their care and recovery.
• Camp, hike, or ski in this all-season, multi-use facility that’s perfect for both active weekends and relaxing nature escapes.

Distance from Louisville, KY:

About a 1-hour drive north via I-65 N and IN-256 W.

How to Get to Hardy Lake:

From Louisville, take I-65 N to Exit 34 for IN-256 W. Continue west to Hardy Lake Road and follow signs to the park entrance at 5620 N. Hardy Lake Rd.