Things to do IN South Central Indiana

Do you love outdoor travel? There’s no need to look further than Clark County! With an elevation change of nearly 200 feet, Charlestown State Park offers both hills and ravines for hiking and birding. There are many more adventures for your inner nature lover in Clark County. At Falls of the Ohio State Park, get ready to channel your inner paleontologist at its 390-million-year-old Devonian fossil beds. 

Dubbed a hiker enthusiast’s paradise, Crawford County is filled with outdoor adventure! Its trails weave through beautiful landscapes, including stunning waterfalls, quaint rivers and creeks, and even natural rock shelters created from sandstone. Is caving more your speed? Marengo Cave’s Crystal Palace is a jaw-dropping natural beauty. Once you've worked up a sweat, relax and cool off at Patoka Lake Marina and Winery.

For nature and architectural design lovers, Floyd County will not leave you empty-handed. Once considered the wealthiest man in the state, William Culbertson’s preserved mansion is a trip back through a luxurious time. A piece of county history, the Town Clock Church in New Albany has ties to the Underground Railroad as documented at the Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center.

Looking for some thrill in South Central Indiana? Harrison County is home to the Bat Chaser at Indiana Caverns, zip lines, and more. Get your adrenaline pumping by exploring the deep, dark caves, soaring through the natural beauty of Indiana along a zipline course, or rolling for the win at Caesar's Casino. This is also a place for history buffs as historic downtown Corydon was the first state capitol, and not far is the site of the Battle of Corydon— the only Civil War battle fought on Indiana soil. Find your historic adventure in Harrison County!

Orange County is in the heart of the Midwest, and it’s here you’ll find authentic Southern (Indiana) hospitality. If you’re looking for unique animal encounters, look no further than Wilstem Wildlife Park. Part drive-thru animal safari, part dream-come-true experience with loveable four-legged friends— you’ll find its otter, sloth, and elephant encounters unforgettable. For aquatic adventurers, Patoka Lake has 8,800 acres of watersports, hiking, biking, and camping. Love getting your feet off the ground? French Lick Zipline offers a 4,000-foot-long canopy tour that will leave you in awe!

Perry County has 60,000 acres of gorgeous Hoosier State Forest to call its own, so fans of the outdoors will adore spending time in the area either hiking or taking a Sunday drive to Winzerwald Winery for some German-inspired wine tasting. Love reeling in impressive catches? There’s plenty of year-round fishing at Oil, Poison, Bear, and Deer Creeks. With 50 miles of trails open to horseback riding, feel free to bring your four-legged friends for a leisurely stroll. For folks who want a county history lesson, be sure to check out the Shubael Little Pioneer Village, which shows what life was like in South Central Indiana in the 1850s.

Find some small-town charm in the beauty of South Central Indiana in Scott County. On Hardy Lake, get ready to be both impressed and astounded at Dwight R. Chamberlain Raptor Rehabilitation Center, where birds of prey are cared for until they’re able to be released back into the wild. Hardy Lake has plenty of camping, hiking, biking, birding, and fishing for outdoor fans. Fun fact— Hardy Lake is the only state reservoir not created for flood control. Celebrate community, art, and agriculture along the Scott County Barn Quilt Trail or sample the wonderous world of goat milk products at Goat Milk Stuff. Find your small town's natural charm in South Central Indiana.

Rich in natural beauty and exciting entertainment, Washington County is home to several amazing parks and the Salem Speedway. With its many lakes providing great spots for canoeing, fishing, swimming, and more, Washington County is a great place for people looking for a peaceful and fun getaway on the water. For those folks looking for the roar of engines, the Salem Speedway is home to amazing races, entertainment, and memories to be made with the whole family.