Things to do IN Southeast Indiana

History and architecture meet the beautiful outdoors in Dearborn County! For a peek at the Mid-nineteenth-century Italian Renaissance style, the Hillforest Victorian House Museum is a must. The Archeological Research Institute offers unique, hands-on experiences via its field, laboratory, and onsite tours. With the Tri-State’s largest concentrations of ducks and herons, The Oxbow is a must-see wetland in the Ohio Valley area.

Known for a gorgeous tree growing out of the courthouse’s tower, Decatur County offers something for everyone. For art lovers, small town Greensburg offers impressively big murals flanking the sides of buildings. The Decatur County Skate Park is a fun place to visit for both adults and children who want some exercise and to test their limits on wheels. Looking for the county’s backstory? Make sure you head to the Historical Society of Decatur County before you leave.

Known as a southern Indiana recreation destination, Franklin County is an outdoor enthusiast's dream! Both Brookville Lake Recreation Area and the Whitewater River provide thrilling watersports, hiking, and walking. For animal lovers, Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue provides insight into the beautiful creatures. Before you make your way to additional county destinations, don’t pass up a peek at Duck Creek Aqueduct, the only known covered wooden aqueduct in the nation that’s still in use. 

Ready to explore the perfect melding of history and the outdoors? Jefferson County will not disappoint! With the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the country, the entire area of Downtown Madison offers architectural styles from both the nineteenth and twentieth centuries along with fun, educational annual festivals, including the Chautauqua Festival of Arts and the RiverRoots Music and Folk Art Festival. As for nature lovers, a visit to Clifty Falls State Park is a must-do for hiking, walking, and birding. 

A hidden gem of Indiana, Jennings County is filled with outdoor fun. Make a beeline for Muscatatuck Park, especially if you love thrilling mountain bike rides or taking a stroll through its National Wildlife Refuge. With beautiful rolling hills and calm ponds, the Crosley State Fish and Wildlife Area is ideal for fishing and hunting with some light hiking as well. Once you’ve spent the day adventuring, head to Stream Cliff Winery for some sampling or grab a glass of your favorite drink and enjoy the scenery.

Outdoor adventure is just the tip of the iceberg for Ohio County! Red Wolf Sanctuary cares for and releases hundreds of native animals yearly and makes for a fun, educational outing. Rising Sun Riverpark is gorgeous no matter what time of the day (or year!) you visit. Want to learn about the tales and history of the county? Ohio County Historical Museum is the place to go. If you love golf, try The Links at Rising Sun Casino and Resort, which is Southern Indiana's only true Scottish-links-style golf course.

With 24 miles of the best mountain biking trails in Indiana, Versailles State Park was made for two-wheeled thrill seekers. For some serenity combined with beauty, head to Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge and its 50,000 acres of hiking, walking, and watersports. If historical architecture piques your interest, make sure you check out the Busching and Otter Creek Covered Bridges—ideal for photography lovers.

Small-town charm and a love of the outdoors make for a fun, rural-style visit to Switzerland County. The Ohio River Scenic Byway passes right through the county, so give yourself time for a leisurely drive. Designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Experience, the quaint city of Vevay is where you begin your journey through American history. As for outdoor fun, Splinter Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area is the place to go in the county for gorgeous scenery, fishing, and hunting, no matter what time of the year. 

Right on the Ohio border, Union County offers beautiful water views, educational hot spots, and a laidback vibe thanks to welcoming locals. The Treaty Line Pioneer Village and Museum is a fun way to learn about the county’s history and what life was like centuries ago. With its 200-acre lake and access to the Brookville Reservoir, Whitewater Memorial State Park offers fishing, camping, flat-bottom boating, swimming, and hiking—perfect for getting into the great outdoors. If you’re looking for a unique aerial view of the county, High Drifter Balloon Rides are a perfect sunrise or sunset trip!