Located 60 miles south of Indianapolis, Brown County State Park is the state’s largest park offering scenic beauty that’s often compared to the Great Smoky Mountains. With tons of activities, lodging, and nearly 16,000 acres to explore, there’s something for everyone at the park, and each year, over 1.3 million people visit. If you’re planning to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, here’s how to plan an awesome day trip to one of Indiana’s top parks.
No matter what you love to do, Brown County State Park has something you’re sure to enjoy.
Hiking
With forested areas, rolling hills, deep gulches, and other interesting terrains, Brown County State Park is a delight for hikers of all skill levels. With distances from 0.5 miles to 3 miles, the park has several hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Athletic shoes will suffice on paved trails, but those looking for a challenge should grab a pair of hiking boots.
Fishing/Ice Fishing
Enjoy warm-weather or cold-weather fishing on your trip to the park at either Ogle Lake or Strahl Lake. Both offer some of the best fishing in the area with chances to catch bluegill, bass, crappie, and more. Non-motorized boats are allowed on Ogle Lake for a different type of fishing experience.
Swimming
Open from noon to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Olympic-sized swimming pool at the park is ideal for a cool-down, fun in the sun, and children and adults alike.
Accommodation
While camping is readily available, you should consider Abe Martin Lodge for accommodation. Built in 1932, this rustic lodge was constructed with stone and oak timber found within the park. Over 85 years later, it remains the best place to get some shut-eye while enjoying some top-class amenities.
Abe Martin Lodge offers accommodation options for all tastes and budgets thanks to a number of different lodging styles. Fora hotel-style living, stay in one of the 84 rooms within the lodge. Each of these offers cable television and either a queen or king bed. Other options include:
- 12 cabin suites that sleep up to six and include passes to the aquatic center.
- 20 two-story family cabins with room for eight, a full kitchen, a deck, and a wood-burning stove.
- From April 1 to Oct. 31, rustic cabins with air conditioning, heat, and showers, but no television.
Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m.
If you want to save some cash on accommodation, the park has hundreds of campsites that offer electrical hook-ups, horsemen options, regular campsites with water and showers, or primitive camping.
Directions
To get to Brown County State Park, travel approximately 40 miles south on Interstate 65 from Indianapolis to the Columbus/IN-46 West exit (Exit 68). Take IN-46 west for 17 miles until you reach the northern entrance of the park.
Hours
Brown County State Park is open 365 days a year from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Campers are allowed to stay the night with the proper fees and a paid permit.
Whether you’re relaxing out on one of the lakes, hiking one of the many trails, or just taking a dip in the pool, Brown County State Park is the quintessential trip.
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