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

Phone812-365-2705


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. make this a nature lover's haven.

Phone317-923-7547


Cave Country Canoes

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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

Phone812-365-2705


Crawford County Tourism Office

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Feel free to contact us with any questions or stop by the office our Hours are 10-5 Mon-Fri.

Website Crawford County Tourism Office

Phone 888-755-2282


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

Phone888-650-9819


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.

Phone812-946-0778


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!

Website Harrison-Crawford State Forest

Phone812-738-8232


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

Phone812-547-7051


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

Phone812-547-7051


Horseshoe Bend

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Located in Leavenworth, this magnificent panoramic view overlooks the tightest bend on the Ohio River. Visitors are always treated to a spectacular view of barges churning up and down the river, birds soaring among the cliffs, and the waters of the ever changing Ohio. Stop and visit the famous Overlook Restaurant to see this beautiful view.


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.

Phone812-738-8232


Marengo Cave

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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

Phone812-365-2705


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 and the new "Accessibility Trail".

Phone812-738-8234


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

Phone812-738-8232


Ohio River

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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

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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

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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 a laundromat and el Campecino resturant 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

Phone812-685-2447


Scott's Timberline Cabin

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You can use the cabin for a quiet one week vacation or just a quick weekend getaway. Scott's Timberline Lake is a great place for a quilter's retreat. scrapbooking retreat, fishing trip,honeymoon, or a weekend with the girls or guys. Located in Scenic Historic English, in just A short drive from Louisville, Evansville, Jasper, & Indianapolis.

Website Scott's Timberline Cabin

Phone 812-338-3188


Sycamore Springs

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This beautiful park, privately owned and funded by the Clayton Roberson family, consists of 250 scenic acres on Little Blue River. Facilities include a wooded picnic and play area, shelterhouses, hiking, and fishing---all free of charge. Overnight camping is available by reservation.

Website Sycamore Springs

Phone 812-338-3846


William H. English Park

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This William H. English statue is located in old English. It was unveiled and dedicated on June 23, 1900. The park was used for many years for the annual English reunion held in July. There is still a Crawford County community center located in the park available for weddings, banquets etc.

Phone 812-338-2800


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.

Phone317-232-4052