Things to Do in Indiana

Offering half-day, full-day and two-day canoe and kayak trips on the upper section of the spring-fed Blue River, designated Indiana’s first scenic river. The river features Class I rapids, except in the spring when Class I and II occur. Enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife - blue herons, river otters, salamanders, turtles and ducks.

Those looking to experience faster water and even rapids should schedule trips after spring rains or in early summer....

Offering half-day, full-day and two-day canoe and kayak trips on the upper section of the spring-fed Blue River, designated Indiana’s first scenic river. The river features Class I rapids, except in the spring when Class I and II occur. Enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife - blue herons, river otters, salamanders, turtles and ducks.

Those looking to experience faster water and even rapids should schedule trips after spring rains or in early summer.

One-person kayaks are available in sit-in and sit-on-top versions. Age requirements apply.

Licensed fishermen wanting to drop a line may be rewarded with bass or catfish.

Note: Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone.

Part of the Lincoln State Park*, the 100-acre home site features Colonel William Jones’ federal-style home, a restored barn and hiking trails - the .8-mile loop South Forty Trail and the one-mile Springs Trail. Jones was a merchant, farmer and politician and served as a colonel in the union army. Abraham Lincoln worked at Col. Jones’ general store. (*see separate listing)

Note: Central Standard Time (CST) zone.

Part of the Lincoln State Park*, the 100-acre home site features Colonel William Jones’ federal-style home, a restored barn and hiking trails - the .8-mile loop South Forty Trail and the one-mile Springs Trail. Jones was a merchant, farmer and politician and served as a colonel in the union army. Abraham Lincoln worked at Col. Jones’ general store. (*see separate listing)

Note: Central Standard Time (CST) zone.

While Vincennes had served as the territorial capital, Corydon in Southern Indiana was the first capitol of Indiana from 1813 to 1825. The two-story lime structure was built between 1814 and 1816, In June 1816 delegates met here to draft the state’s first constitution and in December 1816, Indiana was admitted as the 19th state in the union.

When the capitol was moved to Indianapolis, the building became the county courthouse until a new facility was built. The historic site...

While Vincennes had served as the territorial capital, Corydon in Southern Indiana was the first capitol of Indiana from 1813 to 1825. The two-story lime structure was built between 1814 and 1816, In June 1816 delegates met here to draft the state’s first constitution and in December 1816, Indiana was admitted as the 19th state in the union.

When the capitol was moved to Indianapolis, the building became the county courthouse until a new facility was built. The historic site sits in the downtown square surrounded by shops and restaurants.

Limestone is plentiful in Southern Indiana and Kentucky and as such fossil beds - dating to the Devonian geologic period, the fourth period of the Paleozoic era - are evidenced in the Ohio River.

The park strives to preserve and interpret the scientific, historical and cultural heritage of the area. Fossils from this time frame depict fish and amphibians and can be seen in the upper and lower fossil beds. Underwater for much of the year, it may be possible to view them during the summer...

Limestone is plentiful in Southern Indiana and Kentucky and as such fossil beds - dating to the Devonian geologic period, the fourth period of the Paleozoic era - are evidenced in the Ohio River.

The park strives to preserve and interpret the scientific, historical and cultural heritage of the area. Fossils from this time frame depict fish and amphibians and can be seen in the upper and lower fossil beds. Underwater for much of the year, it may be possible to view them during the summer and early winter depending on river levels. During September and October these large flat areas are more visible. Note: fossils are protected by law; it is illegal to remove them.

Part of the state park (lower end), the nine-acre George Rogers Clark home site (1102 West Harrison Avenue, Clarksville) overlooks the Ohio River. Visitors can view a reconstructed cabin similar to the one lived in by Clark, a Revolutionary War general, from 1803 to 1809, along with a large collection of period furnishings. Learn about Clark’s life, the town of Clarksville and the role the cabin played in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

A picnic area and boat ramps are also part of the facility. Two trails are available for exploring: The Woodland Loop Trail, known to flood seasonally, is an easy three-quarter mile walk, while the Greenway and Levee Trail connects to the Ohio River Greenway between Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany, all in Indiana.

The park offers programs including fossil bed and canoe hikes.

The mission of Historic New Harmony, once a sanctuary for scholars, scientists and educators, is to preserve New Harmony’s utopian legacy.

Its history is divided into three distinct periods:

• 1814 to 1824, the Harmonie Society, in search of religious freedom a group from Germany came to create a self-sufficient community;

• 1825 to 1827, the...

The mission of Historic New Harmony, once a sanctuary for scholars, scientists and educators, is to preserve New Harmony’s utopian legacy.

Its history is divided into three distinct periods:
• 1814 to 1824, the Harmonie Society, in search of religious freedom a group from Germany came to create a self-sufficient community;
• 1825 to 1827, the Owen/Maclure Experiment was the period when new owners of the land brought in scholars and educators, while aspiring to create a model community;
• 1827 to 1860, during the post communal period some of the individuals stayed in the community and continued to contribute.

Historic sites include: Community House No. 2, a dormitory; Thrall’s Opera House, a dormitory and later a theater; Fauntleroy House, a dwelling; Harmonist Cemetery; Harmonist Labyrinth; and Scholle House, built by a shoemaker and now a gallery.

Historic New Harmony is a unified program of the University of Southern Indiana and the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.

Note: Central Standard Time (CST) zone.

Begun in 1941 as Santa Claus Land, this is reputed to be the world’s first theme park. Guests will still find Santa in the Christmas themed section of the park.

The Raven and The Legend, both rated among the top 10 wooden rollers, are in the Halloween section. The Voyage, also an award-winning roller coaster, Turkey Whirl and Gobbler Getaway - an interactive dark ride, are situated in Thanksgiving, along with what is reportedly the world's tallest water ride, Pilgrims Plunge....

Begun in 1941 as Santa Claus Land, this is reputed to be the world’s first theme park. Guests will still find Santa in the Christmas themed section of the park.

The Raven and The Legend, both rated among the top 10 wooden rollers, are in the Halloween section. The Voyage, also an award-winning roller coaster, Turkey Whirl and Gobbler Getaway - an interactive dark ride, are situated in Thanksgiving, along with what is reportedly the world's tallest water ride, Pilgrims Plunge. This shoot-the-chute ride takes riders up an open-air elevator to a watery 131-foot drop.

A park favorite is the Wildebeest, said to be the world's longest water coaster.

Rides for children include: Rudolph’s Round-Up - a sleigh ride, Comet’s Rockets, Dancer’s Thunder Bumper’s Junior, Dasher’s Seahorses, Reindeer Games, Prancer’s Merry-Go-Round, Doggone Trail, Holidog’s Treehouse, Indian River Canoes, Lewis and Clark Trail, Magic Waters, Salmon Run and The Freedom Train.

To get really wet, head to Splashin’ Safari. Here discover Bahari wave pool, Bahari River and Congo River - lazy river rides, eight-story Zinga - a family water ride, ZOOMbabwe - reputed to be the world's largest enclosed waterslide, Kima Bay - a four-story monkey-themed water play attraction featuring seven water slides and more than 100 water play elements, and Monsoon Lagoon. Don’t miss seven-story Bakuli, a water slide.

Children can enjoy AmaZOOM, Bamboo Chute and Jungle Racer with 10 lanes. Safari Sam's SplashLand, with eight-body slide and dozens of water-play elements, is perfect for smaller children.

Note: Central Standard Time (CST) zone.

Take a scenic ride on the French Lick Scenic Railway and during this 20-mile, round-trip excursion discover Southern Indiana - Hoosier National Forest, the geology of the state and the challenges it creates. Midway in the journey, the diesel powered train stops in Cuzco, southwest of French Lick.

While riding the rails, don’t be surprised if you’re part of a daytime train robbery. Special excursions are scheduled - the Easter bunny and haunted train rides and the Polar Express....

Take a scenic ride on the French Lick Scenic Railway and during this 20-mile, round-trip excursion discover Southern Indiana - Hoosier National Forest, the geology of the state and the challenges it creates. Midway in the journey, the diesel powered train stops in Cuzco, southwest of French Lick.

While riding the rails, don’t be surprised if you’re part of a daytime train robbery. Special excursions are scheduled - the Easter bunny and haunted train rides and the Polar Express.

Note: Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone.

The 1500-seat open-air, roofed theater features musicals, plays and a classic family film series. The signature play, “LINCOLN,” tells the theatrical and historical story of Abraham Lincoln. During his boyhood Lincoln lived here in Southern Indiana in an area now known as Lincoln State Park*. (*see separate listing)

Note: Central Standard Time (CST) zone.

The 1500-seat open-air, roofed theater features musicals, plays and a classic family film series. The signature play, “LINCOLN,” tells the theatrical and historical story of Abraham Lincoln. During his boyhood Lincoln lived here in Southern Indiana in an area now known as Lincoln State Park*. (*see separate listing)

Note: Central Standard Time (CST) zone.

Begin at the visitor center by watching the orientation film and viewing the five sculptured panels carved from Indiana limestone that portray Lincoln’s life. Then walk northward through the allée to the tallest flagpole in the state of Indiana.

At Pioneer Cemetery view the memorial grave marker of Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, who died in the fall of 1818 at age 34. Follow the Lincoln Boyhood Trail to the former site of the family’s cabin. A nearby spring would...

Begin at the visitor center by watching the orientation film and viewing the five sculptured panels carved from Indiana limestone that portray Lincoln’s life. Then walk northward through the allée to the tallest flagpole in the state of Indiana.

At Pioneer Cemetery view the memorial grave marker of Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, who died in the fall of 1818 at age 34. Follow the Lincoln Boyhood Trail to the former site of the family’s cabin. A nearby spring would have been their source of water.

The Lincoln Living Historical Farm, preserving four of the original 160 acres owned by Abe’s father, is open from spring to early fall and features heirloom plants unique to the time when the Lincolns lived here. Abe Lincoln was born in 1809 to Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln.

The family moved to Southern Indiana in 1816 when Abe was about seven years old and remained until 1930 when Thomas and his then wife Sarah Bush Johnston and family moved to Illinois. These were Lincoln’s formative years.

Explore more than two miles of hiking trails including the Lincoln Boyhood Trail that connects the Pioneer Cemetery to the Living Historical Farm. Nearby is the Boyhood Nature Trail, a loop. The Trail of Twelve Stones begins at the Living Historical Farm and ends near the cemetery.

Note: Central Standard Time (CST) zone.

The 1,747-acre park was created in memory of Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, who died while living with her family in Southern Indiana. Near the park entrance, find the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza with limestone markers depicting Lincoln’s transition from a child to a man, and a larger than life-size bust of the 16th president of the United States.

Many of the park’s activities are centered on man-made Lincoln Lake: rent canoes and rowboats by the full...

The 1,747-acre park was created in memory of Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, who died while living with her family in Southern Indiana. Near the park entrance, find the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza with limestone markers depicting Lincoln’s transition from a child to a man, and a larger than life-size bust of the 16th president of the United States.

Many of the park’s activities are centered on man-made Lincoln Lake: rent canoes and rowboats by the full day or half-day and paddleboat by the hour or half-hour. Sunbathe at the seasonal beach.

Fish from the pier (state license required) or boat (electric trolling motors only). Catch bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish, yellow perch, white crappie and brown bullhead.

Guests can enjoy multiple picnic areas, productions at the Lincoln Amphitheater*, a nature center with hands-on exhibits and a butterfly garden, basketball and Sarah Lincoln’s Woods Nature Preserve.

Historic attractions include the Little Pigeon Baptist Church and an adjacent cemetery with the grave of Lincoln’s sister Sara Lincoln Grigsby, the James Gentry home site and the Noah Gordon mill site and his nearby home site. Part of the park, the Colonel William Jones home* is located in Gentryville.

Within the park, find six hiking trails rated from easy to moderate:
• 1.5-mile lake trail
• 2.1-mile John Carter trail, named for a Lincoln family neighbor
• 1.7-mile Sara Lincoln Grigsby traverses the nature preserve
• the 3.7-mile James Gentry crosses State Highway 162 to reach the Gentry home site
• the 1.7-mile Mr. Lincoln’s neighborhood walk
• 1.8-mile Weber Lake trail
(*see separate listings)

Note: Central Standard Time (CST) zone.