Outdoor Recreation

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Crawford County consists of over 306 square miles of picture perfect beauty!

Cave complexes, a large recreational lake, state park, rugged terrain, acres of protected forests, nature preserves, and numerous waterways provide unlimited opportunites for excitement, adventure, and fun in the great outdoors!

Hiking trails are found throughout the county. Patoka Lake has 5 hiking trails that range from .5 to 6.5 miles in length. Hiking is also available at O’Bannon Woods State Park, Sycamore Springs, and Hemlock Cliffs.

Two extensive cave complexes contain large passageways, massive flowstone, and delicate formations. Visitors can choose from easy walking tours or natural adventure trips.

Blue River is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The mightly Ohio River offers water enthusiasts the chance to boat, water ski, and fish.

Other options include golf, biking, horseback riding, archery, hunting, and backpacking. Regardless of your age or skill level, we have an outdoor adventure that is just right for you and your family!


Alton Boat Ramp

Located near the mouth of the Little Blue River, this ramp was constructed in 1991. The one acre facility allows water enthusiasts convenient access to the Ohio River.


Blue River

Considered one of Indiana's purest streams, this spring fed river forms the eastery boundary of the county. Providing approximately 30 miles of waterway for fishing, boating, swimming, and canoeing, this river was the first to be included in Indiana's Natural & Scenic Rivers System!

website: Blue River


Buzzard Roost


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These lofty cliffs are situated on 80 secluded acres within the Hoosier National Forest. Visitors can camp, picnic, watch wildlife, and enjoy the spectacular view from the watchtower. A 1.5 mile trail winds downhill to the Ohio River where there are primitive campsites with picnic tables.


Cannelton Pool

The entire southern boundary of Crawford County is bordered by the Cannelton Pool, Indiana's longest "lake". Created with the completion of the Cannelton Dam and Lock, this 130 mile-long pool beckons water lovers of all ages. Public access is available at Alton and Leavenworth.


Carnes Mill Nature Preserve

Named for a rare "undershot" mill that once stood over a natural rock tunnel, this 73 acre preserve overlooks the Little Blue River. Old growth deciduous trees, rugged sandstone outcroppings, and rare plants (Examples are hairy mint and skullcap.) make this a nature lover's haven.

phone: 317-923-7547


Cave Country Canoes

Flowing through the heart of Indiana's newest state park, Blue River is a great Class 1 stream (perfect for groups and families). Half-day, full day, and overnight trips are available from May through October. Come and experience the thrill of canoeing Indiana's first Designated Scenic Riverway.

website: Cave Country Canoes

phone: 812-365-2705


Crawford County Tourism Office

Feel free to contact us with any questions or stop by the office our Summer hours are Tues-Fri 10am-5pm. Saturday 9am-2pm

website: Crawford County Tourism Office

phone: 888-846-5397


Gilligan's Boats

Gilligan's will help make your stay at Patoka Lake a big hit! Rental services include Landau tri-log pontoons, Suzuki four-stroke EFI outboards, jet skis, canoes, tubes, knee boards, and inflatables of all kinds. Other services include boat repair, boat and rv storage, boat valet, and boat store.

website: Gilligan's Boats

phone: 888-650-9819


Harmony Park

This 4 acre public park is situated in the town of New English. Visitors have access to its ballfield, shelterhouse, restrooms, tennis court, volleyball count, and walking trails.

phone: 812-946-0778


Harrison-Crawford State Forest

With over 25,000 acres of hardwood timber, this forest features many historic sites and majestic panoramas of the mighty Ohio River. Vistors have access to 100 miles of horse trails, electric and primitive camping, hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, canoeing, hunting, archery and more! Phone:812-738-8232

website: Harrison-Crawford State Forest


Hemlock Cliffs

This ruggedly beautiful cliff area is secluded in Crawford County and can only be accessed by a 1.2 mile long hiking trail. As visitors hike the trails along the cliffs, they will behold rock shelters, seasonal waterfalls, jagged bluffs, and dense forest canopy.

website: Hemlock Cliffs


Hidden Gem Guided Walks

Learn about Southern Indiana's flora and fauna as you hike the guided nature trails at Sun Oak Trading Post. Walks are a half-day or longer and range from easy to rugged. Custom hikes, bag lunches, and knowledgeable guides are also available. Enjoy the rugged beauty of our hill country!


Hoosier National Forest

200,000 acres of forrested hills, rocky ravines, limestone cliffs, winding streams, and picturesque lakes create a nature lover's paradise. The area abounds with opportunites for hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, boating, swimming, and much more.

website: Hoosier National Forest

phone: 812-547-7051


Lazy K Trail Rides


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COME RIDE WITH US! Guided Trail Rides in Beautiful Crawford,Harrison/ Wyandotte Woods. Wed.-Sun (no appointment necessary but please call ahead) Located on WYANDOTTE CAVE RD. $20.00 per person per hour=Ages 10 and above. $30.00 for one and half hour small groups of 7 or less $40.00 for 2 hr.. We trailer the horses to the Little Italy horse access parking area and meet you there! Helmets are available!

website: Lazy K Trail Rides

phone: 812-633-4384


Leavenworth Boat Ramp

This ramp is located in the Lock and Dam Historical Park in Old Town Leavenworth at the confluence of two rivers: the Ohio River and Blue River. The Ohio River is perfect for water skiing, boating, and fishing while Blue River provides excellent opportunities for fishing and canoeing.


Little Blue River

Flowing through the heart of the Hoosier National Forest, the Little Blue River provides miles and miles of bank fishing. Much of this stream is also suitable for small boats and canoes. Boat access is available at the Alton Boat Ramp.


Lock and Dam Historical Park


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Situated in Old Town Leavenworth, this park is the site of old Dam and Lock No. 44. Its launching ramp provides public access to the Ohio River which is ideal for skiing, boating, fishing, and canoeing. Bank fishing and picnicking facilities are also available.

phone: 812-738-8232


Marengo Cave

Creating wonderful family memories since 1883, the cave offers two walking tours, gemstone mining, the Maze Crawl, a gift shop, walking trails, picnic grounds, and more. Friendly, knowledgeable guides interpret its delicate formations and immense passageways. Camping cabins are also available by reservation. Open year round.

website: Marengo Cave

phone: 812-365-2705


Marengo Cave Discovery Day


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MARENGO CAVE WILL BE CELEBRATING THEIR 125th ANNIVERSARY ON SEPTEMBER 6,2008. DISCOVER THE FUN YOURSELF! Come and take our 'Historic Tour" for a historic price of $1.25. Join us for a whole day of special fun-filled activities that all ages will enjoy. Drawings every 30 minutes from 11 am to 5 pm! check our web-site for updates and other special activities the 6th of every month April through August.

website: Marengo Cave Discovery Day

phone: 812-365-2705


Nature Center & Pioneer Farmstead

The O'Bannon Woods Nature Center offers naturalist programs and various exhibits throughout the year. A mid 19th century farmstead, located behind the nature center, includes a restored, 3-story hay press that drops a 1,000 pound block of wood onto a pile of hay. Educational and fun!1800's Living Pioneer Farmstead Days= 1850 Haypress Demonstration dates:May 24-25, July 5-6,at 1pm. August 30-31, 1pm 1800 Living Pioneer Farmstead Days,and Autumn Camping Weekend, both on Sept. 25, 1pm

phone: 812-738-8234


O'Bannon Woods State Park

Indiana's newest state park consists of 3,000 acres that border the Ohio River. Outdoor enthusists can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, hunting, backpacking, camping, picnicning, and naturalist services.

website: O'Bannon Woods State Park

phone: 812-738-8232


Ohio River

Serving as Crawford County's southern boundary for approximately 15 miles, the mighty Ohio provides water enthusiasts with lots of opportunities to boat, fish, and ski. Public access ramps are located at Leavenworth and Alton.

phone: 812-739-2246


Old English Golf Course

When Old English moved to higher ground, the land next to the Little Blue River was vacated. This scenic 18 hole course is now located on some of that ground and features four lakes, two ponds, one wetland, and three streams. Open seven days a week for your golfing convenience.

website: Old English Golf Course

phone: 800-283-6591


Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging

Water enthusiasts can choose from small fishing boats to party barges and large houseboats. Landlubbers can pick from a variety of fully-equipped rooms, suites, and cabins. Two convenient stores and a grill & laundromat will help make your stay at Patoka Lake pleasurable and fun.

website: Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging

phone: 888-819-6916


Patoka Lake Visitor Center

Providing year round interactive events, this educational facility helps visitors gain an appreciation for nature. Learn more about native plants, local geology, raptors, wetlands, local wildflowers, and more. Self-guided nature trails are also available.

website: Patoka Lake Visitor Center

phone: 812-685-2447


Triple J Ranch


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BRING YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS AND ENJOY A DAY OF HORSE BACK RIDING! We are open, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY (All other days are by appointments) For Directions, Prices and other Information Click on our web-site! Call: 812-739-2697 or 812-276-3514

website: Triple J Ranch

phone: 812-739-2697


Wyandotte Caves

The large passageways, underground mountain, and rare helictites are truly amazing. Two caves are open for tours. Historic Cave, home to the endangered Indiana bat, offers a 90 minute tour from May 1st to Labor Day. Siberts Cave, an easy 30 minute tour, is open March 1st to October 31st.

website: Wyandotte Caves

phone: 812-365-2705


Yellow Birch Ravine

Noted for its rugged beauty, this 441 acre nature preserve will delight the nature lover. The moist ravine bottoms are dominated by beeches and maples. Yellow birches and hemlocks grow along the edges of the limestone bluffs. Mountain laurel, typical of the Appalachian region, also grows here.