Wallace Falls State Park

Interesting terrain like this, is a must for an excellent vacation!

The Wallace Falls State Park is located in Gold Bar, Washington and is about 45 miles from Seattle.

The park features a 265 foot waterfall and is on the west side of the Cascade Mountains.  The park is 4,735 acres and full of rock cliffs, numerous waterfalls and wildlife.

Hiking trails in the park range from easy to experienced, and there is also a 5 mile bike trail.  In addition there is also a rock climbing wall in the park.

Animals in the park range from harmless animals like rabbits, squirrels and ducks to the more dangerous fox and coyote.  You might also see hawks, eagles, deer, elk and many more!

Onsite:

• camping
• snowshoeing
• rock climbing
• kayaking
• mountain biking
• hiking
• boating
• fishing

Nearby:

• Seattle
• Big Eddy County Park
• Space Needle

What's Free to See!
Stanwood Area History Museum & D.O. Pearson House
MILW Skykomish River Covered Bridge
Cascade Mountains

Free to See Washington D.C.

Washington D.C., our nation's capitol, is full of many things that are free to see.

If you are looking for an outdoor stroll, check out the Landmarks along The National Mall and Washington D.C. Monuments:

• The Jefferson Memorial
• The Lincoln Memorial
• World War II Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Vietnam Memorial Wall
• Grant Memorial
• the Washington Monument
• and the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Or how about the Smithsonian's National Zoo!  Set on 163 acres, the zoo features 2,000 animals of 400 different species and is open 364 days a year!  And did I mention, admission is FREE!

Any visit to Washington D.C. would be amiss, without a trip to The Smithsonian Institution.  The complex includes 19 museums and galleries, all of which offer free admission.  Don't forget to visit The Smithsonian Gardens, while you're there.

A number of Washington D.C.'s other attractions are also free to see:

• The White House
• National Archives
• Library of Congress
• Arlington National Cemetery
• The National Portrait Gallery
• National Postal Museum
• The Old Stone House in Rock Creek Park
• National Air and Space Museum
• Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens 

If you enjoy theater and the arts, a few places in D.C. offer free entertainment:

• The Kennedy Center - free performances every evening at 6 o'clock
• The National Theatre - free family-oriented shows Saturday mornings
• National Art Gallery - free gallery admission and concerts Sundays at 6:30pm
• George Washington University's Orchestra - free concerts
• The Phillips Collection Modern Art Museum - free admission Tues - Fri

Meridian Park has a thirteen-basin cascade fountain and a number of finely crafted statues and memorials.  In addition, it is the home of the famous drum circle every Sunday from 3 to 9 pm.

Ford's Theatre and the Petersen House offer free admission as well, however, you'll need to plan your visit in advance as they do require a timed entry ticket.

Washington DC has a number of free festivals throughout the year, including:

• the National Cherry Blossom Festival
• the Source Festival
• and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Visit Washington DC's Visitor Resource Center to find what's free to see during your visit!

Check out the Washington Metro for transportation costs.  It may be cheaper to put a Smartrip card into your travel budget, rather than paying for parking and taxi fares.


View Free Travel Washington D.C. in a larger map


Take note, if you are planning a trip to Washington DC, expect to spend a lot of time, or to take more than one trip if you would like to see all there is to see.  One could easily spend a full day in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, alone!

Cartersville, Georgia

Planning my trip to Atlanta, Georgia this winter, just got a little bit more interesting when I added Cartersville to my agenda!

Recognized as one of the top Friendliest Towns, Cartersville, Georgia is in Bartow County and located less than 45 miles northwest of Atlanta.

This friendly town has a population of just under 20,000 people. 

The average temperature reaches the high 80s during the summer and the low is just below freezing in the winter.

Some famous people from Bartow County include:  Gangster Pretty Boy Floyd, Rudy York, and Bill Arp.

Things to See for Free:
Euharlee Covered Bridge and the Euharlee History Museum - free admission
Cooper's Furnace - the only remains of Mark A. Cooper's Iron Empire and the town of Etowah, destroyed in 1864 during the Civil War.
World's First Coca-Cola Wall Sign - 2 West Main Street
Cassville Confederate Cemetery
Noble Hill-Wheeler Memorial Center - free admission


What to See Nearby on a Budget:
Allatoona Pass Battlefield in Red Top Mountain State Park - $5 vehicle fee
Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site - admission $5.50
Bartow History Museum - admission $5.50


View Atlanta, Georgia Free to See in a larger map

What's Nearby:
Atlanta, GA

Euharlee Covered Bridge

The Euharlee Covered Bridge is located at 118 Covered Bridge Rd, Euharlee GA 30120 in Bartow County, Georgia.

This covered bridge was built in 1886 and is of a town lattice through truss design.

The bridge is currently open to pedestrians only.

Nearby:
Cartersville, Georgia

Free to See Atlanta

When most Americans think of Atlanta, they think of the top U.S. cities.  However, as of July 2012, it was ranked only 40th in population, with less than half a million people.  Although, a drive through Atlanta during traffic hour, will make it feel like it is definitely in the top 10!

Regardless of size, Atlanta is definitely on the Top 10 list of Cities to Travel in the U.S.

Here are some free things to see as you travel to Atlanta.

Central Park in Atlantic Station has a free concert series on Friday nights, once a month.

Centennial Olympic Park has regularly scheduled free concerts, free family activities and features the world's largest interactive fountain.  The park was originally built for the 1996 Olympic games and has since been the site for anything from a 8 ton ice sculpture to a picnic for Barnum and Bailey elephants.

Other parks in Atlanta include Piedmont Park, Grant Park and Chastain Park. Each with their own unique free entertainment throughout the year.

Two miles east of downtown Atlanta, take a walking tour of the Inman Park neighborhood.  This neighborhood was home to some of Atlanta's most prominent citizens in the 19th century.  If you happen to be in Atlanta in the Spring, some will open their doors for tours.

Some of Atlanta's museums and sites offer free admission:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Birthplace
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
• Oakland Cemetery established in 1850
• Atlanta Contemporary Art Center - free on Thursdays

Just outside the city, is Stone Mountain, one of the area's best attractions.  Admission is free with a daily parking pass.


This photo of Stone Mountain is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a definite must see for any history buff.  There are three Civil War battlefield areas at the park.  Admission is free.

You might like to visit Underground Atlanta while you are there.  View art displays, historic sites and take in a little shopping too.  If you are in Atlanta over New Year's Eve, you can watch the 800 lb. Peach Drop!

Don't forget to visit the Georgia State Capitol and Museum.  Admission is free and exhibits date back to the early 1800's!

Interesting fact about Atlanta's Asa Candler, who is credited with marketing and expanding the Coca-Cola soda pop, Candler had so much faith in the product, he spent his life savings on a brass pot, a paddle for stirring and the recipe for Coca-Cola.

Here's a map of things to see and do in Atlanta, on any budget!

View Atlanta, Georgia Free to See in a larger map

What's Nearby:
Cartersville, Georgia

Free to See Chicago

Budget Travel to Chicago

 

As of July, 2012, Chicago had a population of over 2.7 million people. The third largest city in the United States.

 

Some famous people born in Chicago include: Ray Kroc, Walt Disney, Hillary Clinton and Bill Murray.

 

Chicago is known as the Windy City, and rightfully so.  If you plan your trip from late Autumn to mid Spring, you'll see why!

 

While in Chicago, you’ll pay enough for hotel accommodations and parking, so why not visit some of the city’s attractions that are free to see!

 

Three of the city’s top attractions offer free admission. Click on the link to visit their web site.

 

Lincoln Park Zoo - The zoo has special activities surrounding each holiday, including Trick or Treating close to Halloween, and ZooLights before and after Christmas.  If you drive around a little, you can also find free parking nearby. 

 

Millennium Park - Don't forget to take a classic photo in the reflection of Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean".  Check their schedule for free Concerts in the Park and shows.

 

Navy Pier - The Crystal Gardens and Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows are just two of the free and unique sites you can see at Navy Pier.  Also, check out the free entertainment  in the Family Pavilion or the Bud Light Stage.

 

This is a list of Chicago's sites and museums, which also offer free admission.  Put one or more of these museums on your list when planning your vacation.

 

• Busy Beaver Button Co. Museum
• Chicago Architecture Foundation
• Chicago Cultural Center
• Chicago Sports Museum
• City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower
• DePaul Art Museum
• Eden Place Nature Center
• Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum
• Hyde Park Art Center
• Museum of Contemporary Photography
• National Museum of Mexican Art
• Oriental Institute Museum
• Smart Museum of Art

If you are an Illinois Resident, you can receive Free or Discounted admission to the following museums on their Illinois Resident Discount Days.

• Adler Museum
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Shedd Aquarium

For free transportation in Chicago, check out the Navy Pier free trolley.  The trolley goes to:

• State Street
• Rush Street
• Michigan Avenue
• St. Clair Street
• Columbus Drive
• McClury Court
• Pesttigo Court
• and Navy Pier

Chicago has a number of festivals which offer free admission. 

• The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world.
• The Taste of Chicago, in Grant Park, is the nation's premier outdoor food festival.
• The Chicago Jazz Festival is held in Millennium Park each Labor Day.

Check out Chicago's Calendar of Events Page to find what's free to see during your vacation in Chicago!

Indiana State Parks

Indiana is full of great state parks, from the limestone of Clifty Falls in Southern Indiana to the beaches of the Indiana Dunes State Park in Northern Indiana.  There is something here for everyone!

Indiana State Park Entrance Fees: In-State $7.00 per vehicle Out of State $9.00

Tip: During the off season, typically Labor Day thru Memorial Day, if the gatehouse is closed, admission to the park is free.

Brown County State Park

Clifty Falls State Park

Falls of the Ohio State Park

Harmonie State Park

Indiana Dunes State Park

Lincoln State Park

McCormick's Creek State Park

Mounds State Park
O'Bannon Woods State Park

Ouabache State Park
Patoka Lake
Potato Creek State Park

Shades State Park

Shakanak State Park

Spring Mill State Park

Summit Lake State Park

Tippecanoe River State Park

Turkey Run State Park

Versailles State Park

White River State Park

Whitewater Memorial State Park

View Indiana State Parks in a larger map

Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park is located at 1405 S.R. 46 W, Nashville, IN 47448.

Visit Brown County State Park in the fall, and you will find the roads jam packed with people who have come to look at the beautiful fall foliage.

The park is 16,000 acres and full of hills, valleys and ravines.  The roads are tree-lined with many overlooks to stop and enjoy the hills of southern Indiana, which make you feel as if you are just a little farther south.

The hiking trails in the park range from .5 miles to 3.5 miles in length, and from easy to rugged.  There are also bridle trails and Brown County is known for it's mountain bike trails.

Animals in the park range from harmless animals like deer, rabbit and turtles.  But take caution, as copperhead have been known to pop their heads out here as well.

If you enter or exit the park at the North Gate, you'll get the opportunity to cross the Ramp Creek Covered Bridge.  One of the few double lane covered bridges left today!

Onsite:

• fire tower
• hiking trails
• swimming pool
• fishing

Nearby:

• T.C. Steele State Historic Site - $5 admission
• Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana

What's FREE to See!

• Bill Monroe Bluegrass Festival
• Architecture of Columbus, IN - free walking tour
• Brown County Winery - free tours and tastings

Visit the Brown County Events Calendar to see what's FREE to See during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

O'Bannon Woods State Park

O'Bannon Woods State Park is located at 7234 Old Forest Road SW, Corydon, IN 47112.

The O'Bannon Woods State Park features a Pioneer Village including a 19th century working haypress.

The hiking trails in the park range from .8 miles to 2 miles, and range from easy to rugged.

Onsite:

• firetower
• camping
• boating
• fishing
• hiking

Nearby:
Marengo Cave
Corydon Capitol State Historic Site - Admission $5
Butt Drugs Soda Fountain

What's FREE to See!
Turtle Run Winery - Free tours and tastings
Smith Creek Covered Bridge
Southern Indiana Fiber Arts Festival

Visit the Corydon Calendar of Events to see what's FREE to See during your stay!

Indiana State Parks

Smith Creek Covered Bridge

The Smith Creek Covered Bridge is located near Lanesville, Indiana in Harrison County.

This covered bridge is a stringer bridge, with a cover. 

The bridge is 79 feet long and 11 feet wide. 

It is still in operation for vehicle traffic today.

Nearby:
O'Bannon Woods State Park

Whitewater Memorial State Park

Whitewater Memorial State Park is located at 1418 S. State Road 101, Liberty, IN 47353.

Situated inside Whitewater Memorial State Park is Whitewater Lake.  A 200-acre lake with access to Brookville Reservoir.

The park has a 9 mile bridle trail and several hiking trails.  The trails range from 1 mile to 2.7 miles in length, and are ranked as moderate.

onsite:

• boating
• fishing
• swimming beach
• hiking
• cabins

Nearby:
Metamora, Indiana
Whitewater Canal Boat Rides - only $5
Whitewater Valley Railroad

What's FREE to See!
Metamora Grist Mill
Whitewater Canal Trail
Stockheughter Covered Bridge

Visit the Franklin County Calendar of Events to see what's FREE to See during your visit!


Indiana State Parks

Stockheughter Covered Bridge

The Stockheughter Covered Bridge is located at approximately 27077 Enochsburg Road, Batesville, Indiana in Franklin County, Indiana.

Built in 1887, the bridge is 102 feet long, 15 feet wide and 14 feet tall.

The bridge is a covered Howe through truss design and was built by the Smith Bridge Company.

Nearby:
Whitewater Memorial State Park

White River State Park

White River State Park is located at 801 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Inside 250 acres, White River State Park holds such great attractions as the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indiana and Western Art, Military Park and the National Institute for Fitness and Sport.

You'll also find The Pumphouse, a restored water pumping station built in 1870.

Additionally, the Park features:

• Historic Old Washington Street Pedestrian Bridge
• Sculptures in the Park
• Historic Central Canal
• The Lawn at White River State Park - the Park's concert venue
• Celebration Plaza in the Park
• NCAA Hall of Champions  and the NCAA World Headquarters
• Indiana's largest IMAX Theater

Nearby:

• Easley Winery - $5.00 Tastings
• Indiana State Fairgrounds
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway

What's FREE to See!

• The Scottish Rite Cathedral - free tours
• The Indianapolis Art Center
• Indiana State House Tour
• Emil A. Blackmore Museum

Visit the White River State Park Events Calendar to find what's FREE to see during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

801 W Washington St Indianapolis, IN 46204

Otter Creek Covered Bridge

The Otter Creek Covered Bridge is located at approximately 933 N County Road 850 W, Holton, IN 47023.  Holton is in Ripley County, Indiana.

The bridge is currently open to pedestrians only.

Built in 1884, the bridge is 113 feet long, 16 feet wide and 13.4 feet high.

The bridge is a Covered Howe Through Truss design.

Versailles State Park

Versailles State Park is located at 1004 U.S. 50, Versailles, IN 47042. 

With a 230 acre lake, Versailles State Park is the second largest state park in the state of Indiana.

Discover fossils from a time when the area was covered by waters.

Also, investigate the Civil War history that tells when the Confederate Army had control of the town of Versailles and the area that is now Versailles State Park.

Trails in the park range from easy to moderate and are from 1.5 to 2.75 miles in length.

Onsite:

• fishing
• boating
• swimming pool
• camping
• hiking
• bicycling
• horseback riding
• birdwatching

Nearby:

• Bluegrass Festival
• Ripley County Museum
• The Damm Theatre

What's FREE to See!

• Versailles Pumpkin Show
• Busching Covered Bridge and Otter Creek Covered Bridge
• Batesville Area Historical Society
• Powers' Winery

Visit the Ripley County Tourism Calendar of Events to find what's FREE to See during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Busching Covered Bridge

The Busching Covered Bridge is located at 999 E County Road 25 S, Versailles, IN 47042.

Built in 1885, the bridge is 182 feet long, 14 feet wide and 15 feet tall.

This covered bridge crosses Laughery Creek on County Road 25 near Versailles State Park.

Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run State Park is located at 8121 E. Park Road, Marshall, Indiana 47859.

Turkey Run State Park is full of ravines, canyons, gorges, and cliffs.

The Miami Indians walked trails that are still used today.

The park features Lusk Home, which is an early pioneer home and grist mill open to the public.

Also, in the park, a Log Church, constructed in 1871 and the Colonel Richard Lieber Memorial Cabin.

Trails in the park range from easy to very rugged, and from .5 miles to 3 miles in length.

The park features:

• live entertainment
• Turkey Run Holiday Breakaway
• Sweetheart Getaways
• Lusk Pioneer Festival
• Meteor Shower Watch

onsite:

• swimming pool
• horseback riding
• camping
• Inn
• cabins
• canoeing
• fishing
• birdwatching

Nearby:
Bridgeton 1878 House and Cabin
Mansfield Roller Mill


What's FREE to See!
Windy Ridge Winery
Amish Farms
Parke County Covered Bridge Tour - 31 covered bridges

Visit the Parke County Calendar of Events to see what's FREE to see during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Narrows Covered Bridge

Narrows Covered Bridge is located in Turkey Run State Park, in Parke County, Indiana.

The bridge is dated 1882 on the front, although some argue that it was built in 1883.

The bridge is 121 feet in length.

A covered burr arch-truss bridge.

Tippecanoe River State Park

The Tippecanoe River State Park is located at 4200 N. US 35, Winamac, Indiana 46996.

Whether you like to fish or just float along, the Tippecanoe River is popular for it's canoeing.

The park also has hiking trails, bridle trails and a recreation building, available to rent for special occasions.

The trails range from easy to moderate, and are from .8 miles to 3.5 miles in length.

Onsite:

• canoeing
• hiking
• horseback trails
• camping
• fishing
• boating
• cabins

Nearby:

• The World of Motorcycles Museum
• Area Dining
• Tippecanoe Place

What's FREE to See!

• Francesville Fall Festival
• Kankakee Valley Winery

Check out the Pulaski Journal Events Calendar to find what's FREE to See during your visit!

Indiana State Parks



 

 



Summit Lake State Park

Summit Lake State Park is located at 5993 N Messick, New Castle, Indiana 47362.

Known for it's fishing, Summit Lake State Park has three boat ramps and a large lake on it's 2680 acres.

The trails range from accessible to moderate, and .75 to 2 miles in length.

Onsite:

• swimming beach
• fishing
• cross country skiing
• camping
• hiking
• boating

Nearby:

• Hoosier Park Racing and Casino
• Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
• Boondocks Farms
• Wilbur Wright Birthplace and Museum

What's FREE to See!

• Veteran's Memorial "Garden of Memories" - Washington Street, Knightstown, Indiana
• The Hoosier Gym - unchanged from the 1950's, made famous by the movie "Hoosiers"
• Hoover Hall built in 1875

Visit the Henry County Events Page to find what's FREE to See during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Darlington Covered Bridge

Darlington Covered Bridge is a two-span covered bridge over Sugar Creek, in Montgomery County, Indiana.

The bridge was built in 1868.

The design is a Covered Howe through truss.

Darlington Covered Bridge is 169 feet in length.

The bridge is only open to pedestrian traffic.

What's Nearby:
Shades State Park
Myers Dinner Theatre
Rotary Jail Museum

What's FREE to See!
Ropkey Armor Museum
Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County
Deer's Mill Covered Bridge

Visit the Crawfordsville Current Events Page to see What's FREE to See during your visit!

Spring Mill State Park

Spring Mill State Park is located 3333 State Road 60 E., Mitchell, IN 47446.

The Grist Mill, pictured above, has been turned into a Museum of Artifacts, and still grinds cornmeal daily.

The Pioneer Village on site has 20 restored buildings from the mid-1800's to explore.  Interpreters can often be found in period costumes.

Within the park there are several caves that can be explored either on foot or by boat.  (There is a small fee for boat tours.)

Note:  At the writing of this article, Donaldson Cave has been closed to protect the bats from White-Nosed Syndrome.

Be sure and bring old shoes and a flashlight, if you intend to explore any of the other caves on foot.

Near the Visitor Center is the Virgil I. Grissom Memorial.  Virgil "Gus" Grissom was one of the original seven astronauts to go into space.  Inside the center his space suit and Gemini III space capsule are on display.

Trails in the park range from .25 mile accessible to 2.5 miles rugged.

Onsite:

• camping
• Inn
• boating
• fishing
• hiking
• swimming pool
• horseback riding
• hayrides

What's Nearby:

• Bluespring Caverns
• Little Theatre of Bedford, Inc.
• Lawrence County Museum of History

What's FREE to See!

• Walking and Driving Tours
• Indiana Uplands Wine Trail
• Indiana's Limestone Heritage Trail
• Williams Covered Bridge

Visit LimestoneCountry.com to see what else is Free to see during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Williams Covered Bridge

The Williams Covered Bridge is located in the Hoosier National Forest, in Williams, Indiana, in Lawrence County.

The bridge is 402 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 12 feet 6 inches high.

The bridge is part of the Lawrence County Driving Tour.

Built in 1884, the bridge is a covered Howe through truss design.

The Williams Covered Bridge crosses the East Fork of White River, on Huron and Williams Road.

Shakamak State Park

Shakamak State Park is located at 6265 W. State Road 48, Jasonville, Indiana 47438.

Donated abandoned mines, are now the result of 400 acres of water in the form of 3 manmade lakes in this park.

Four hiking trails exist in the park ranging from 1.4 miles to 3.95 miles in distance, and moderate in skill.

The park was named from Kickapoo Indians meaning "River of Long Fish".

Onsite:

• waterpark
• swimming pool
• camping
• boating
• fishing
• hiking
• horseback riding

What's Nearby:

• Terre Haute Children's Museum - admission $7
• Pioneer Village in Fowler Park
• Boot City Opry

What's FREE to See!

• Swope Art Museum
• Clabber Girl Museum
• Candles Holocaust Museum
• Irishman's Covered Bridge

Check out the city of Terre Haute's Calendar of Events to see what's FREE to see during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Irishman's Covered Bridge

The Irishman's Covered Bridge is located on Feree in Fowler Park, in Terre Haute, Indiana.  The park is located in Vigo County. 

The bridge is 80 feet long and 14 feet wide.

The style is Queen-post through truss.

The bridge was built in 1845.

In 1971 the bridge was relocated over Honey Creek on Feree Road, in Fowler Park.

Sunday River Covered Bridge

The Sunday River Covered Bridge is also known as the Artist's Covered Bridge, because it has been painted by so many artists.

The bridge is located on Sunday River Road, in Newry, Maine in Oxford County.

The bridge was built in 1872 and is 87 feet long.

The style is Paddleford truss.

It is located about 4 miles northwest of North Bethel.

Wawona Covered Bridge

Wawona Covered Bridge is located in Yosemite National Park, Wawona, California in Mariposa County.

This bridge was built in 1878 and restored in 1957.

The bridge is 130 feet long, 16.3 feet wide and 13' 6" high.

The style is a covered Queen-post truss bridge.

The bridge crosses over the south fork of Merced River.

Roseman Covered Bridge

The Roseman Covered Bridge in Winterset township, Webster, Iowa received it's popularity in the love story "The Bridges of Madison County".

Roseman covered bridge was built in 1883.

The bridge is 104 feet long and 15.4 feet wide.

The bridge crosses Middle River next to CR G47.

Bridge #15-61-07

The bridge is only open to pedestrian traffic.

What's nearby:
John Wayne's Birthplace

Shades State Park

Shades State Park is located at 7751 South 890 West, Waveland, Indiana 47989.

The park is known for it's sandstone cliffs that overlook Sugar Creek, incredible ravines, rock formations and gorges.

Shades State Park is a favorite for hikers as it has several trails ranging from easy to rugged, and from .5 miles to 2.5 miles in length.

Pine Hills Nature Preserve - self-guided nature trail thru amazing rock formations known as backbones - gigantic rock walls with narrow trails along the tops.

Park Features:

• Devil's Punchbowl - hollowed-out bowl in the rock formations
• Silver Cascade Falls - waterfalls
• Lover's Leap, Steamboat Rock, Maidenhair Falls - located on Trail 2
• Turkey Backbone and Devil's Backbone - two of the popular backbone formations

Onsite:

• hiking
• canoeing
• camping - non-electric sites
• birdwatching
• fishing

Nearby:

• Rotary Jail Museum - One of 7 in the country
• Linden Depot Museum - Admission only $4
• Myers Dinner Theatre

What's FREE to See!

• Ropkey Armor Museum
• Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County
• Deer's Mill Covered Bridge and Darlington Covered Bridge

To find out what's FREE to See during your visit, check out the Montgomery County Calendar of Events!

Indiana State Parks

Deer's Mill Covered Bridge

Deer's Mill Covered Bridge is located in Montgomery County, Indiana, north of Waveland, next to Shades State Park.

This bridge is 275 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 12 feet 6 inches high. 

Built in 1878 by Joseph J. Daniels, the bridge crosses Sugar Creek.

The bridge is a Burr Arch Truss structure.

Listed as #14-54-03 in the 1977 World Guide.

Potato Creek State Park

Potato Creek State Park is located at 25601 State Road 4, North Liberty, IN 46554, just 12 miles southwest of South Bend, Indiana.

Located in Potato Creek State Park is the 327 acre Worster Lake. 

Hiking trails in the park range from easy to rugged, and from .5 miles to 2.5 miles.  There are also two biking trails in the park, one 3.3 miles moderate trail and one 6.6 beginner mountain bike trail.

Events in the park include everything from an Egg Hunt in the Spring to a Prairie Grass Maze in the Fall.  Check out the Calendar of Events page for more information.

Onsite:

• fishing
• swimming beach
• camping
• hiking
• horseback riding
• bicycling
• cabins
• boating
• cross-country skiing
• birdwatching

Nearby:

• Ride The Dixie - Dixie Sternwheeler 75 minute Cruises only $7!
• The Studebaker Museum
• University of Notre Dame
• South Bend Chocolate Company - only $1 for kids $4 for adults

What's FREE to See!
Snite Museum of Art
Civil Rights Heritage Center
Shiojiriniwa Gardens
Notre Dame's Grotto

Indiana State Parks

Patoka Lake

Patoka Lake is located at 3084 N. Dillard Road, Birdseye, IN 47513.

Patoka Lake has a visitors center with displays on how Ancient Greeks, Romans and American Indians heated their homes.  And also displays in the backyard gardens, herbs, flowers and pioneer plants.

The unique visitors center is heated by solar power.

Bald Eagles nest each winter in an area called Tillery Hill.  The 8,800 acre lake is also inhabited by river otters, freshwater jellyfish, and osprey.

The Interpretive Staff programs at the Moery Cabin (built in the 1860's) include teaching skills from Dutch oven cooking to kayaking, and a non-releasable red-tailed hawk.

Events at Patoka Lake include National Trail Day, Owl Calling Contest, Triathlon and much more.  Check out their Calendar of Events for more information.

Onsite:

• bicycle trails
• hiking
• camping
• boating
• hunting
• swimming beach
• bird and eagle watching

Nearby:

• Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame
• Spirit of Jasper Train Rides
• Marengo Cave

What's FREE to See!

• Ferdinand Historical Walking Tour
• Jasper City Mill
• Winzerwald Winery - Free Tastings

Check out the Visit Dubois County's Calendar of Events to find out what is FREE to See during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Ouabache State Park

The Ouabache State Park is located at 4930 E SR 201, Bluffton, Indiana 46714.


View Larger Map

Ouabache is pronounced Oh-Bah-Chee.

The park has a unique wildlife exhibit with American Bison, also known as buffalo.

The hiking trails are easy to moderate and range from 1 mile to 6 miles in length. 

You can also access the River Greenway, a bicycle trail to Bluffton, IN from the park.

Onsite:

• swimming pool
• horse trails
• fishing
• camping
• boating
• cross-country skiing

Nearby:

• Limberlost State Historic Site
• Kil-So-Quah State Recreation Area
• Franzanda Golf Course

What's FREE to See!

• Native Habitat Waterway
• Bluffton Street Fair
• Two EE's Winery - Free Tour and Tasting
• Wells County Historical Museum

Visit the City of Bluffton's Calendar of Events for more free things to see and do!


Indiana State Parks

Mounds State Park

Mounds State Park is located at 4306 Mounds Road, Anderson, Indiana 46017.

The park has ceremonial and burial structures built by prehistoric Indians, known as the Adena-Hopewell people.

The mounds are believed to have been built around 160 B.C.

The park has an interpretive center with daily programs free to the public.

Visit the Historic Bronnenberg House, open May thru September.  This home highlights the Bronnenberg family's stewardship of the in the 1800's.

Trails range from .4 to 2.5 miles in length are from easy to rugged.

Onsite:

• swimming pool
• hiking
• horse trails
• camping
• canoeing
• fishing
• cross-country skiing

Nearby:

• Hoosier Park Racing and Casino - Horse Racing
• Anderson's Main State Theatre
• The Anderson Center for the Arts - Admission only $2
• Anderson Speedway

What's FREE to See!

• Bronnenberg Cemetery - Well kept Pioneer cemetery
• Madison County Winery - Free Tastings
• Pendleton Historical Museum in Falls Park

Visit the Anderson Madison County Visitors Bureau for more to see and do in Madison County!


Indiana State Parks

McCormick's Creek State Park

McCormick's Creek State Park is located at:  250 McCormicks Creek Park Road, Spencer, Indiana 47460.

The park has more than 10 miles of easy to rugged hiking trails.  The shortest of trails is .6 miles and the longest is 2 miles.

McCormick's Creek State Park is home of the Old Statehouse Quarry.  Limestone that came from this quarry was used to build the Indiana State Capitol building in Indianapolis.

Also in the park is Wolf Cave.  A small cave, only 57 yards long with many slender spots with low ceilings.  The end opening is only 18 inches square.  Tip:  If you intend to explore the cave, take a flashlight.

Twin Bridges, near the outlet of Wolf Cave, is spans of overhead rock that used to be part of the cave roof.

During the Spring, over 115 species of flowers can be found in McCormick's Creek State Park. 

The Nature Center has programs that include scavenger hunts, turtle walks and creek stomps.

Onsite:

• birdwatching
• horseback riding
• fishing
• camping
• picnicking
• swimming pool
• playground

Nearby:

• Historic Tivoli Movie Theatre - built in 1928
• Owen County Heritage & Culture Center
• Clayshire Castle

What's FREE to See!

• Sculpture Trails
• Owe Valley Winery - free tours and tasting!
• Soldier's War Memorial - in Spencer, Indiana

Visit the Owen County Convention and Visitor's Bureau for a Calendar of Events and more that's free to see!

Indiana State Parks

Lincoln State Park

 

Lincoln State Park is located on Indiana 162, Lincoln City, Indiana 47552.

The park covers 1747 acres and is the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln.  A public plaza recognizing his 200th birthday was opened in 2009.

The park was established in 1932 to protect the land used by the Lincoln family during their years in Indiana.

While trailing the park you will see the Gordon Mill site, where Abraham Lincoln was kicked unconscious by his horse; the Sara Lincoln Grigsby Gravesite (sister of Abe Lincoln); the James Gentry Home Site and the Pigeon Primitive Baptist Church.

The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is just north of the park.  Lincoln lived here from age 7 to 21.

Trails at the Lincoln State Park range from 1.5 miles to 3.7 miles, and are easy to moderate.

Onsite:

• camping
• cabins
• boating
• fishing
• hiking

Nearby:

• Santa Claus, Indiana
• Buffalo Run Farm
• Lincoln Amphitheater

What's FREE to See!

• Angel Mounds State Historic Site
• Santa Claus Museum
• Santa's Candy Castle
• Monkey Hollow Winery - FREE Tasting
• Peppers Ridge Winery - Free Tasting and Live Music

Check out Spencer County, Indiana's Calendar of Events to find what's free to see during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Indiana Dunes State Park

The Indiana Dunes State Park is located at 1600 N CR-25 East, Chesterton, IN 46304.

The park consists of 3 miles of beachfront on Lake Michigan and 2,182 acres of unique landscape.

The park includes sand dunes, some of which rise more than 200 feet above the level of the lake.  These dunes have taken thousands of years to form.

The park has free admission from Labor Day until Memorial Day.  The entrance fee to most Indiana state parks is $5.00 for in-state and $7.00 for out of state vehicles from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The beach closes for swimming on Labor Day weekend, and some weekdays prior.

Trails in the park range from 3/4 of a mile to 5-1/2 miles in length.

Onsite:

• Swimming
• Camping
• Hiking
• Cross country skiing
• Birdwatching

Nearby:

• The Calumet Bicycle Trail
• Yellow Brick Road Gift Shop and Fantasy Museum
• Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve

What's Free to See:

• Butler Winery - Free Tasting
• The Lustron Home - All-Steel Historic Home
• Westchester History Museum

Check out Chesterton, Indiana's Calendar of Events, to find what's free to see during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Harmonie State Park

Harmonie State Park is located at 3451 Harmonie State Park Road, New Harmony, IN 47631.  The park is on the banks of the Wabash River.

A Nature Center with Interpretive Naturalist Services is on site. 

Hiking trails range from moderate to easy in skill and from .25 to 1.5 miles in length.

Biking trails have been added within the last few years.  Call the park for more trail information:  812-682-4821.

Onsite: 

• camping
• cabins
• boating
• fishing
• hiking
• biking
• horse trails
• swimming pool
• birdwatching

Nearby:

• Historic New Harmony
• Mount Vernon
• Point Township Complex

What's FREE to See!

• Mount Vernon River Days
• Wolfgang Orchestra and Chorus
• The Posey County Courthouse - built in 1876

Indiana State Parks

Clifty Falls State Park

I finally made it to Clifty Falls State Park.  It is known as "One of the best hikers' parks in Indiana."

The park is located at: 1501 Green Road, Madison, Indiana 47250.  Park entrances can be found on State Roads 56 and 62.

The park has 13 miles of rugged trails.  And they're not joking when they say "rugged", when describing the trails. Be warned.


Big Clifty Falls - the point where Clifty Creek drops more than 70 feet to Clifty Canyon, then drops another 250 feet in the last three miles into the Ohio River.  There are cliffs all along the creek, with four major waterfalls.

There are two railroad tunnels, known as "Brough's Folly".  Railroad construction began in 1852, but was never completed due to financial struggles.  The tunnels may be closed seasonally, to protect the wildlife (bats) that live in the tunnels.

The park encompasses 1512 acres of land.

Onsite:

• camping
• Inn
• hiking
• shelters
• pool

Nearby:

• J.F.D. Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
• Delta Queen Riverboat
• Madison Regatta Hydroplane Races 

What's FREE to See!

• Bluegrass Music Jam - 1st Saturday of Every Month at the 4-H Fairgrounds
• Lathier Winery - Free Tasting
• Thomas Family Winery - Free Tour and Tasting
• Madison Vineyards - Free Tasting

Check out InMadisonIN.com's Calendar of Events to find what's free to see during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Falls of the Ohio State Park

The Falls of the Ohio State Park is one of the most unique state parks, in which I have ever been!

The Park is located at the end of West Riverside Drive, in Clarksville, Indiana.  Take Exit 0 off I-65.

There is no waterfall, as one might suspect, by the name.  Instead rapids that drop 26 feet over 2-1/2 miles of the Ohio River.

The Devonian-age fossil beds are the largest of their kind, in the world.  The fossil beds are the main attraction of the park, with over 900 species of fossils.  The majority of which have never been found anywhere else in the world.

Tips:

• If you are just visiting the park, and not the interpretive center, there is no fee to walk into the park.  Use an Indiana State Park Pass for free parking (and admission) or park down the street and walk into the park.
• Pick up free driftwood in the park, as long as it is small enough for you to carry by hand.
• Check out the 'Fossil Festival collecting piles' for free fossils, (but be sure not to take any other rocks out of the park.)

Onsite:

• Clark Homesite
• Boating
• Fishing

Nearby:

• Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site
• Howard Steamboat Museum
• Atlantis Water Park

What's FREE to See!

• Colgate Clock - one of the World's Largest clocks
• Clarksville Parks
• Huber's Winery - Free Tasting

Visit the local Chamber of Commerce for more information and a Calendar of Events!

Indiana State Parks