Once summer is in full swing, there’s not much that can stop us from hopping in our cars and exploring all that the great state of Indiana has to offer! And nothing says summer more than water activities. Here are a few of our favorite must-see destinations located right here in our home state.
1. ) Falls of the Ohio State Park, Clarksville, IN
https://www.fallsoftheohio.org/
When the water is high, the Falls of the Ohio State Park are home to the only Class 4-5 rapids, with 15-feet standing waves, in Indiana. The waves can get so turbulent (up to 15-feet standing waves during the spring) that water is only suitable for experts. However, depending on the conditions, the water could also be “as peaceful as a farm pond,” according to the Falls’ official website. You can launch your canoe or kayak from the George Rogers Clark boat ramp. You can also take a guided “Canoe Hike,” available between mid-August and mid-October.
(photo credit: Indiana Department of Natural Resources)
2. ) Chain O’ Lakes State Park, Albion, IN
https://visitindiana.com/blog/index.php/2017/08/10/picture-perfect-day-chain-o-lakes-state-park/
Northern Indiana, specifically the area between Fort Wayne and South Bend, is filled with numerous “kettle lakes”––shallow bodies of water left behind after glacier melt. The park contains 13 of these kettle lakes, with nine of them connected by a waterway. The 2,178 acre area park is perfect to enjoy boating and camping. Non-powered boat rentals are available. You can also enjoy forested hiking trails, fishing piers, picnic shelters, and a large campground including 18 cabins.
(photo credit: Visit Indiana)
3. ) Clifty Falls State Park, Madison, IN
https://www.stateparks.com/clifty_falls_state_park_in_indiana.html
Depending on who you ask, the number of waterfall within Indiana is listed between 200 to more than 700. However, what we do know is that you can hike to four major waterfalls, plus numerous smaller ones, all within Clifty Falls State Park. One of the most unique of these is a 60-foot fall that cascades down what appears to be small stair steps into a peaceful pool at the bottom. Located near Madison, Indiana, the image that the name Clifty Falls creates in your mind, is accurate. The area is a result of erosion from the Ice Age and contains plunging waterfalls, sheet walk walls, and deep gorges.
(photo credit: Indiana Department of Natural Resources)
4. ) Holiday World, Santa Claus, IN
http://www.holidayworld.com
Despite being located in the small town of Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World is one of the more popular parks in the country and consistently receives some of the best reviews of any park! Holiday World is a combination water park and theme park celebrated for its wooden roller coasters as well as it’s free sunscreen, soft drinks, and parking! The park is divided into four holiday-themed sections-Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July.
(photo credit: Spencer County Visitors Bureau)
5. ) Cataract Falls, Owen County, IN
http://www.cataractfalls.com/
Although there are larger waterfalls in the state as measured by height, Cataract Falls is the largest when measured by volume of water. The falls created from Mill Creek include the upper falls with a sheer drop of more than 20 feet. The lower falls are about a half of a mile downstream. You can get to both falls by hiking or driving. The area also features a 140-foot covered bridge build in 1876 and restored by the Department of Natural Resources in 1995.
(photo credit: Indiana Department of Revenue)
No matter where your travels take you, stay safe and enjoy your trip. At Jiffy Lube of Indiana, our certified technicians are always ready to keep your car in road trip condition. If you decide to take your vehicle elsewhere before heading out on the road, be sure you have a thorough inspection that includes checking your oil and other fluids, serpentine belts, wiper blades, filtration system, exterior lights, tire pressure, and chassis. Happy roadtripping!
