OUTDOOR RECREATION
Let’s Get Outside and Have Some Fun!
Outdoor recreation in Southern Indiana is simply the best! Nestled in rolling, tree-covered hills, our lakes, rivers, golf courses, campgrounds, and caves offer the perfect backdrop to refresh your body and soul like nowhere else.
We’ve curated some of our favorite outdoor activities to help you build your own adventure and unplug. Love golf? Sultan’s Run is a breathtaking 18-hole, par-72 championship course with a 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest. Prefer to hike or bike? Many of the destinations below are ideal for exploring on two feet—or two wheels.
The best part? You don’t have to choose just one activity. Southern Indiana is naturally designed for outdoor fun, and everything is just a short drive away. Browse below to find your starting point for a memorable outdoor getaway.
Patoka 4 Seasons Resort in Indiana offers a variety of charming cabins, lakeside cottages, and cozy vacation homes to suit every group size and getaway style, all just minutes from Patoka Lake. With family-friendly fun like swimming, boating and hiking, plus plenty of peaceful spots for relaxation, it’s the perfect destination for both adventure and unwinding.
Address
7886 W. State Rd. 164, Eckerty, IN 47116
Phone
812-685-2488
Paddle Perry, Inc. makes a splash with its mission to paddle the waterways of Southern Indiana for fitness and fun, while educating about water safety and conservation. Paddle Perry provides proper safety equipment and a fleet of paddle-craft for classes and excursions. It offers guided tours in two-person canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddle boards.
Address
3270 E 66, Cannelton, IN 47520
Phone
812-608-0626
O’Bannon Woods State Park lies in the central and extreme southern part of the state, bordering the Ohio River. It has a uniquely restored, working haypress barn, complete with oxen for power and a pioneer farmstead, and Wyandotte Cave tours. Indiana’s first natural and scenic river, Blue River, flows through the state park and forest.
Address
7234 Old Forest Rd., Corydon, IN 47112
Phone
812-738-8232
Discover the underground wonder of Marengo Cave, one of Indiana’s most exciting natural attraction adventurers of all ages! Travel 2 easy walking tours through this U.S. National Landmark. It’s stunning otherworldly passageways are filled with amazing formations Whether you’re joining a guided walking tour.
Address
400 East State Road 64,Marengo, IN 47140
Phone
812-365-2705
Not Your Ordinary Place! Indiana’s Longest Cave.Take a walking tour or explore the Deep Darkness, our guides are ready to help you experience the world underground! With an underground boat ride, waterfall, and Ice Age bones, Indiana Caverns is a different cave experience than anywhere else! And the adventure continues on the surface.
Address
1267 Green Acres Dr SW, Corydon, IN, 47112
Phone
812-308-8041
Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area has two camping loops, two hiking trails and two lakes for paddling, fishing and boating (electric motors only). Modern flush restrooms available during camping season. Vault toilets and fresh drinking water are available year-round.
Address
IN-37, Saint Croix, IN 47576
Phone
812-275-5987
Discover the rolling hills, hidden trails, and backroad charm of Hoosier National Forest — a 204,000-acre playground for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more. Fun fact: the iconic bike film Breaking Away was filmed here! Pack a map, grab your gear, and make your own adventure in Indiana’s local treasure.
Address
811 Constitution Ave., Bedford, IN 47421
Phone
812-275-5987
Discover endless fun at Hoosier Hills Marina, a stunning 8,800-acre oasis surrounded by 25,000 acres of lush forest on Patoka Lake. Whether you’re reeling in a trophy fish, cruising the quiet waters, or relaxing at The Idle Zone Restaurant/Bar, Hoosier Hills Marina makes it easy to embrace the boating lifestyle.
Address
10306 E. Lick Fork Marina Rd., Celestine, IN 47521
Phone
812-678-3313
Hemlock Cliffs, a box canyon of special beauty, features a cool climate, sandstone rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls that are responsible for the unique trees and plants. See archaeological excavations, sandstone rock outcrops, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters, and ravines. Springs, small caves, and subterranean drainage conduits are in the underlying Glen Dean Limestone.
Address
811 Constitution Ave., Bedford, IN 47421
Phone
812-275-5987
Established in 1932, the Harrison-Crawford State Foresty contains about 24,000 acres of rugged hardwood forest in western Harrison and eastern Crawford counties. This working forest is a favorite destination for sightseers, birdwatchers, hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders, anglers, and hunters.
Address
7240 Old Forest Road SW, Corydon, IN 47112
Phone
812-738-7694