Outdoor Recreation
- Alton Boat Ramp
- Cannelton Pool of the Ohio River
- Carnes Mill Nature Preserve
- Cave Country Canoes/Blue River
- Gilligan's Boats
- Harmony Park
- Harrison-Crawford State Forest
- Hemlock Cliffs
- Hoosier National Forest
- Horseshoe Bend Cabin, Campground and Boat Ramp
- Horseshoe Bend Overlook
- James G. Baker Center for Astronomy
- Leavenworth Boat Ramp
- Little Blue River
- Lock and Dam Historical Park
- Lucas Oil Golf Course
- Marengo Cave
- Nature Center & Pioneer Farmstead
- O'Bannon Woods State Park
- Ohio River
- Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging
- Sycamore Springs Park
- Yellow Birch Ravine
Crawford County consists of over 306 square miles of beauty and outdoor recreation!
Caves, state parks, 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 abundant: 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.
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, caving, 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 in the town of Alton, the one acre facility allows water enthusiasts convenient access to the Ohio River.
Cannelton Pool of the Ohio River
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/Blue River
Flowing through the heart of Indiana's hill country, 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 and Natural Riverway.
Website Cave Country Canoes/Blue River
Phone812-365-2705
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 a boat store.
Website Gilligan's Boats
Phone888-650-9819
Harmony Park
This 4 acre public park is situated in the town of English. Visitors have access to its ballfield, shelterhouse, restrooms, tennis court, volleyball court, and walking trails.
Phone812-946-0778
Harrison-Crawford State Forest
With over 25,000 acres of hardwoods, the forest features many historic sites and majestic panoramas of the mighty Ohio River. It completely surrounds O'Bannon Woods State Park. Visitors have access to 100 miles of horse trails, the 26 mile Adventure Trail for hiking and backpacking, electric and primitive camping, hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, canoeing, hunting, archery and more!
Website Harrison-Crawford State Forest
Phone 812-738-8232
Hemlock Cliffs
This ruggedly beautiful cliff area hidden away in the Hoosier National Forest in Crawford County can be accessed by an excellent 1.2 mile hiking trail. As you hike the trails along and below the cliffs, you will pass sandstone rock shelters, seasonal waterfalls, jagged bluffs, and dense forest canopy.
Website Hemlock Cliffs
Phone812-547-7051
Hoosier National Forest
200,000 acres of forested hills, rocky ravines, limestone cliffs, winding streams, and picturesque lakes create an outdoor-lover's paradise. The area abounds with opportunites for hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting and much more.
Website Hoosier National Forest
Phone812-547-7051
Horseshoe Bend Cabin, Campground and Boat Ramp
This private boat ramp charges $15 dollars per day or $200 per season to have access to a double lane boat ramp to the Ohio River...Or FREE for campers. The ramp is located at Ohio River Mile Marker 664.5. It is located downstream of Old town Leavenworth. The boat ramp adjoins an RV Campground and a Cabin Rental.
Website Horseshoe Bend Cabin, Campground and Boat Ramp
Phone 812-267-3030
Horseshoe Bend Overlook
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.
James G. Baker Center for Astronomy
View the moon, planets, nebulae and galaxies through the giant telescopes in Southern Indiana's largest observatory. Things are always looking up when the Louisville Astronomical Society opens the center to the public on the third Saturday of each month at dusk. Camping and scout programs available. Please see the website for directions!
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, canoeing and kayaking.
Little Blue River
Starting in English, meandering through Sycamore Springs Park and flowing through the heart of the Hoosier National Forest to end in the Ohio River at Alton, the Little Blue River provides miles and miles of bank fishing, bird and wildlife watching. The upper reaches can be canoed and kayaked, while the lower reaches are accessible for small motorized boats. Access is available at the Alton Boat Ramp.
Lock and Dam Historical Park
Situated in Old Town Leavenworth, this relaxing and nostalgic park is the site of old Dam and Lock No. 44. Visitors can see remnants from the days when the lock and dam was operating. Bank fishing and picnicking facilities are available. Its launching ramp provides public access to the Ohio River.
Phone 812-738-8232
Lucas Oil Golf Course
When the town of 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 daily! (formerly Old English Golf Course)
Website Lucas Oil Golf Course
Phone 1-812-338-3748
Marengo Cave
Creating wonderful family memories since 1883, the cave offers two walking tours, gemstone mining, the 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
Nature Center & Pioneer Farmstead
The O'Bannon Woods Nature Center and Farmstead offers naturalist programs and a wide variety of activities and exhibits throughout the year. The site within O'Bannon Woods State Park has a fascinating re-creation of a mid 19th century farmstead and buildings and a unique restored 3-story hay press barn. Outdoor enthusiasts of all ability levels can enjoy the beautiful Accessibility Trail.
Phone812-738-8234
O'Bannon Woods State Park
Indiana's newest state park consists of 3,000 mostly-wooded acres surrounded by Harrison-Crawford State Forest and bordering the Ohio and Blue Rivers. Outdoor enthusiasts 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
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
Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging
Stay'n Play with Patoka Lake Marina - your lodging and boat rental destination! Wednesday morning lake tours on Patoka Voyager. Sunset Wine Cruises, Fall Foliage Wine Cruises and new for 2013- Beer Cruises. Floating Cabins, Houseboats, Fun-n-Play Toons(double decker pontoons with side-some can pull a tube), pontoon boats, fishing boats, cabins, suites, and rooms. 'Like us' on Facebook and visit our website for specials and events.
Website Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging
Phone 888-819-6916
Sycamore Springs Park
This beautiful park, operated by the Clayton Roberson Foundation, includes 250 scenic acres along Little Blue River. Facilities include a wooded picnic and play areas, shelterhouses, hiking, and fishing---all free of charge! Overnight camping is available by reservation. Park is open seasonally.
Website Sycamore Springs Park
Phone 812-338-3846
Yellow Birch Ravine
Noted for its rugged beauty, this 441 acre state nature preserve south of Taswell 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, more typical of the Appalachian region, also grows here.
Phone 317-232-4052