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Indiana State Parks — South

While you can make memories naturally at all of the Indiana State Parks, each one provides unique experiences, making it a valid goal to visit all of them. This road trip guides you as you explore the State Parks gracing the southern half of the state.

About this Road Trip

Shakamak State Park, Jasonville

Shakamak State Park

Located near Jasonville, Shakamak State Park is known for its great fishing as it’s home to three serene lakes. There’s also a large area for outdoor games, as well as campsites, cabins and hiking trails.

Charlestown State Park, Charlestown

Charlestown State Park

Enjoy scenic vistas of the Fourteen Mile Creek Valley and Ohio River when you visit Charlestown State Park. Hiking trails traverse rugged hills and deep ravines, with elevation changes over 200 feet. One trail takes you to the abandoned Rose Island Theme Park, a once-booming spot that now lies in ruin with interesting signs describing what was there.

Brown County State Park, Nashville

Brown County State Park

Mountain bikers come from all over the country for the challenging trails at Brown County State Park. Indiana’s largest State Park is also great for hiking — be sure to check out the views from their log observation shelters — plus horseback riding and more. The Abe Martin Lodge is a great place to stay, where families enjoy the indoor aquatic center with a slide, lazy river and hot tub.

Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell

Spring Mill State Park

In addition to the hiking you’d expect, Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell also has a pioneer village with grist and sawmill as well as a memorial to Hoosier astronaut Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom. You can also take a boat tour through Twin Caves. With so much to do, it’s good you can stay overnight in the Spring Mill Inn.

Versailles State Park @mellowcat64 on Instagram

Versailles State Park

Indiana’s second-largest state park invites you to relax while fishing or kayaking on its 230-acre lake. Versailles State Park has a deep history rooted in both the Civil War and the Civilian Conservation Corps, so you’ll want to take a look at the CCC commemorative statue dedicated in 2010. The park’s many fossils tell the story of an ancient sea that once covered the region. You can also bring your horse or mountain bike to explore the trails.

Clifty Falls State Park, Madison

Clifty Falls State Park

Situated high above the Ohio River near Madison, Clifty Falls State Park provides breathtaking views, not just of the river but also of the many waterfalls for which it’s named. Depending on the season, the falls vary from roaring plunges to delicate mists. The stony bed of the creek has fossil remnants showing a vanished marine ecosystem. You’ll have a room with a view when you stay at Clifty Inn.

Falls of the Ohio State Park, Clarksville

Falls of the Ohio State Park

Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville connects the environment of the ancient past with the natural and cultural history of yesterday and today. Its spectacular interpretive center overlooks 390-million-year-old fossil beds — among the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world. The park’s impressive interpretive center invites you to learn about the area through state-of-the-art, immersive exhibits. Outside the interpretive center stands “When They Shook Hands,” a statue of Lewis and Clark mounted on Jeffersonville limestone commemorating the important part Indiana played in this duo’s epic expedition.

Lincoln State Park, Lincoln City

Lincoln State Park

Abraham Lincoln grew up on the very land that is now Lincoln State Park in Lincoln City. In addition to hiking, canoeing, fishing and swimming (the park has two lakes), you can see the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza, a showcase of the beloved 16th President. Take time to tour the Colonel James Home, the historic home of the merchant and Civil War officer who employed young Lincoln. There’s also a memorial to Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks.

Harmonie State Park, New Harmony

Harmonie State Park

You’ll be humming a happy tune when you visit Harmonie State Park, located on the banks of the Wabash at New Harmony about 25 miles northwest of Evansville. The park is a trail lover’s paradise as you see the pristine landscape and wind through ravines. There are log-style family cabins, mountain biking trails and a boat launch ramp onto the river.

Map Out Your Road Trip

See the road trip stops on the map below. To customize and save your itinerary, click the list button. Remember: you should contact the destinations for updates.

Check out the activities, destinations, restaurants and lodging options below. You can click to add or remove each stop from your itinerary. Remember to contact each place for the latest updates on openings and hours. Once you've planned your trip, you can print or download your selections.

The Canyon Inn Restaurant

The Canyon Inn Restaurant

The Canyon Inn Restaurant is located within McCormick's Creek State Park. 160 seat family dining restaurant that is open to the public. Including a family dining restaurant, open to the…

812-829-4881
www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/canyon/dining.html

Falls Restaurant at Clifty Inn

Falls Restaurant at Clifty Inn

Located within Clifty Falls State Park, enjoy this restaurant that overlooks the Ohio River. Restaurant Hours Breakfast & Lunch Daily: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Dinner Weekdays: 5:00 -…

812-265-4135
www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/clifty/dining.html

The Little Gem Restaurant

The Little Gem Restaurant

Located within Brown County State Park, the Little Gem Restaurant offers an outdoor patio with amazing views. The menu is full of home-cooked food or enjoy the buffet. Open daily for…

812-988-4418
in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/abe/dining.html

Millstone Dining Room at Spring Mill State Park

Millstone Dining Room at Spring Mill State Park

The 140-seat restaurant located within Spring Mill State Park offers a variety of homemade favorites, including cornbread made from the grist mill stone ground corn from Pioneer…

812-849-4508
in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/springmill/dining.html

Harmonie State Park

Harmonie State Park

Located on the banks of the Wabash River, this State Park offers: Swimming fishing hiking bicycle trails volleyball summer nature/history programs Log-style family cabins Mountain biking…

812-682-4821
stateparks.in.gov

Falls of the Ohio State Park

Falls of the Ohio State Park

World-class fossil beds to seasonally explore. Interactive programs. Come see our new exhibits. Open year-round.

812-280-9970
stateparks.in.gov

Charlestown State Park

Charlestown State Park

Come and visit the Historic Portersville Bridge. Explore the trail and new exhibits at Rose Island. Boat ramp and river vista overlook on Ohio River.

812-256-5600
stateparks.in.gov

Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Park

Abraham Lincoln grew up on the very land in Lincoln State Park. While you visit you can see Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza, a showcase of the 16th president. You can even hike and…

812-937-4710
stateparks.in.gov

Versailles State Park

Versailles State Park

Swimming pool and waterplay area. Hiking, fishing, summer nature/history programs, mountain bike trails, kayak rentals. Reservable camping/group camp.

812-689-6424
stateparks.in.gov

Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park

Largest state park in IN boasts exceptional fall color. Hiking, swimming, bridle trails (BYOH) mountain bike trails, saddle barn with escorted rides.

812-988-6406
stateparks.in.gov

Spring Mill State Park

Spring Mill State Park

Enjoy traditional park activities plus: A pioneer village with grist and sawmill memorial to Hoosier astronaut Virgil I. ‘Gus’ Grissom On-site inn: Spring Mill Inn Hiking &…

812-849-3534
stateparks.in.gov

Clifty Falls State Park

Clifty Falls State Park

Seasonal waterfalls and view of downtown Madison. Swimming, hiking and staffed nature center with camping and lodging within the park.

812-273-8885
stateparks.in.gov

Shakamak State Park

Shakamak State Park

Shakamak State Park is known for its great fishing. Three serene lakes offer 400-acres of water. Also, a variety of other activities include: boating family aquatic center provides swimming…

812-665-2158
stateparks.in.gov

Abe Martin Lodge at Brown County State Park

Abe Martin Lodge at Brown County State Park

Scenic Brown County State Park welcomes all visitors with its rolling hills and scenic vistas. Abe Martin Lodge inside the park offers comfortable lodging in both lodge and cabins. All ages…

877-265-6343
IndianaInns.com

Clifty Inn at Clifty Falls State Park

Clifty Inn at Clifty Falls State Park

A short drive from historic Madison. Hiking & scenic waterfalls. Located on the Ohio River. Offers a full service dining room, gift shop, and indoor pool and activity area. For…

877-925-4389
IndianaInns.com

Spring Mill Inn at Spring Mill State Park

Spring Mill Inn at Spring Mill State Park

Beautiful surroundings and activities for all. Pioneer Village, boat-cave tours, bike/hike trails, free Wi-Fi and game room. Call 1.877.LODGES1.

877-977-7464
IndianaInns.com

Things To Do

3451 Harmonie State Park
New Harmony, IN 47631

812-682-4821 stateparks.in.gov

201 W. Riverside Drive
Clarksville, IN 47129

812-280-9970 stateparks.in.gov

12500 S.R. 62
Charlestown, IN 47111

812-256-5600 stateparks.in.gov

15476 N. C.R. 300 East
Lincoln City, IN 47552

812-937-4710 stateparks.in.gov

1387 E US 50
Versailles, IN 47042

812-689-6424 stateparks.in.gov

1405 S.R. 46 West
Nashville, IN 47448

812-988-6406 stateparks.in.gov

3333 S.R. 60 East
Mitchell, IN 47446

812-849-3534 stateparks.in.gov

2221 Clifty Drive
Madison, IN 47250

812-273-8885 stateparks.in.gov

6265 W. S.R. 48
Jasonville, IN 47438

812-665-2158 stateparks.in.gov

Food & Drink

451 McCormick Creek Park Road
Spencer, IN 47460

812-829-4881 www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/canyon/dining.html

1650 Clifty Hollow Rd
Madison, IN 47250

812-265-4135 www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/clifty/dining.html

State Road 46 East
Nashville, IN 47448

812-988-4418 in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/abe/dining.html

3333 State Road 60 E
Mitchell, IN 47446

812-849-4508 in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/springmill/dining.html

Lodging

1810 SR 46 E
Nashville, IN 47448

877-265-6343 IndianaInns.com

1650 Clifty Hollow Rd
Madison, IN 47250

877-925-4389 IndianaInns.com

3333 SR 60 E
Mitchell, IN 47446

877-977-7464 IndianaInns.com

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COVID-19 NOTICE: Indiana has entered the last stages of being back on track, but attractions, lodging, and food & drink destinations are opening back up at rates most conducive to the safety of their guests. Check the websites of the destinations you’re interested in visiting for their most up-to-date information. Please use personal discretion and follow the Indiana State Department of Health for COVID-19 related updates.

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