Exploring Southern Indiana

Enjoy a renewed sense of history yet have a fun-filled, exciting vacation all at the same time when you visit southern Indiana. What could be more fun - for kids and adults - than a train ride through the Hoosier National Forest or watching a performance about young Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Amphitheater? Or, spend the day at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial with museum, a replica of Abe's childhood home, hourly films and a guided tour which takes you to Lincoln's mother's grave site and more.

Mothers were and still are a large part of history and life. A tribute to pioneer mothers of Indiana stands in an untouched forest of 88 acres called the Pioneer Mothers Forest. Travel the hiking trail and visit the rock memorial in a forest which has been untouched since the early 1800's. It is the largest standing forest of its kind in Indiana.

Spring Mill Pioneer Village is one you'll remember for quite some time. Take the kids to see what life was like in the 1800's as people in period costumes perform daily chores and rituals while interacting with guests at the same time.

Leaving the kids behind this time? The French Lick Winery is an absolute must on your itinerary. The fact that they've won over 200 awards in the state is secondary to the actual enjoyment you'll receive from tasting assorted wines throughout the day. Learn all about wine making with a guided tour through the winery.

Kids or no kids you'll want to visit the Colonel Jones Historic Home where a federal-style home is displayed, originally built by Colonel William Jones, employer and friend of Abraham Lincoln. A costumed presentation will take you back to the early and mid 1800's for a peek at how life was in Little Pigeon Fork. Dubois County Museum is nearby with a display of heritage from the German immigrants of that area.

Be sure and add the Squire Boone Caverns to the agenda, where Daniel Boone's brother discovered a massive cave in the late 1700's. You'll love the formations, rushing waters, and underground waterfalls. And there's more: petting zoo, gem mining, candle and soap making as well as a rock shop and a grist mill. Then on to Corydon Civil War Memorial Park where the only civil war activity in Indiana took place in 1863. The re-enactment is impressive and suitable for adults and older children.

Not far away is a memorial to the second man in space, Virgil "Gus" Grissom. Located at Spring Mill State Park, the memorial displays the suit of the former astronaut, the Gemini III, along with documents of the story of his death at a launchpad fire in 1967. There's much more to see and do throughout southern Indiana. Check your area map or go online to plan an itinerary of historical sites, national parks, caves and caverns and so much more.