Things to Do in Southern Indiana

There are many interesting and fun things to see and do around southern Indiana for both locals and travelers who visit us here. Southern Indiana is a beautiful, rural setting, pleasing to the eye most of all in the summertime when the rolling fields are rich with growing corn and dotted with fresh baled hay. Those of us that live here know that besides the patchwork of farmlands to admire--which, admittedly is a largely local enjoyment-- that the area boasts many worthy activities of varying interests

The most well-known and therefore the biggest attraction to southern Indiana is none other than Holiday World, a theme park originally known as Santa Claus Land, that has been around since 1946. Holiday World offers fun family-friendly rides and shows, with specially tailored options set up just for little ones as well. This amusement park boasts three of the world's best wooden roller coasters and Splashin' Safari water park, where water slides and rides keep visitors cool and smiling.

While Holiday World is clearly the area's biggest draw, there are quite a few other sights and sounds to visit around Southern Indiana, all within a relatively easy drive of Santa Claus--where Holiday World is located.

Patoka Lake, Indiana's 2^nd biggest reservoir, offers boating, fishing, camping and hiking fun for everyone. Whatever your preference or level of outdoor recreation, there is something for you and your family/friends at Patoka Lake--located in parts of Orange, Crawford and Dubois counties. The Patoka Lake website has all sorts of ideas and information to help plan your excursion. From boat rentals to views where you can sit and relax, the choices are varied.

Holiday Drive-In Movie Theater can be found in Rockport, Indiana. This drive-in is a five-screen affair, showing the latest releases in films. For the admission price, two movies back-to-back can be viewed. The drive-in experience is a great one for our family, we take chairs, snacks and a cooler and settle in to have fun, spend time together and see the latest flicks

The quaint, picturesque town of Leavenworth, Indiana is a sight that should be savored. The scenic byway is full of spectacular views, most of all at the overlook above the Ohio River. At the overlook, sitting on the bluffs high above the river, is The Overlook restaurant where quality food can be enjoyed with an awesome view of the Ohio River below. Leavenworth also has a true general store where a sandwich counter still stands in the back, with sandwiches and ice cream at the ready.

Wyandotte Caves can be found in the Leavenworth area, as well. Giant passageways and spacious underground rooms showcase the caves magical crystal formations, making the caves a fascinating underground world to see. In these caves lives the Indiana bat, first discovered there many years ago--it is thought that there have been over 1 million Indiana bats living in these caves at one time.

In Dubois County, between the towns of Huntingburg and Dale, you'll find Dr. Ted's Musical Marvels. This is a museum where you can see and hear all kinds of vintage mechanical musical instruments. How music was before amplifiers and synthesizers. Fascinating instruments such as an air-driven calliope, a dance organ and many others are on display for the enjoyment of those who stop by.

All of these sights, plus many others, can be enjoyed by traveling southern Indiana and taking in the scenery along the way. Come see us!