I absolutely love this state park! There is so much to do here, with several large towns/cities…read morenearby. Located 15 min from the heart of Corydon (Indiana's original state capital), this state park was established in 1980 as Wyandotte Woods State Recreational Area. Then in 2004, it was renamed, to honor the late Indiana Governor, Frank O'Bannon. This 2,294 acre property is unique, in that it is surrounded by 24,000 acres of protected forest, called Harrison-Crawford State Forest.
This park is rich in history, because it lies along the Ohio River, where 1800s settlers established towns, businesses and early trading with the Native Americans. There are still many foundations, cemeteries and historical structures within the park. Located at the nature center is the replicated 1830s farmstead, with a the 1850s haypress. There are live animals and occasional demonstrations/re-enactments and activities here.
Within the park, there is electrical camping, group camping, primitive camping and horseman's camping. There is an aquatic center, nature center, wyandotte caves, Blue River, Ohio River, and lots of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
The Blue River offers activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, rafting, and swimming. Entrance into the river is located outside the park at Iron Bridge, Stage Stop primitive campground, or Blue River Chapel (all on or just off of 62).
There are several hiking trails within the park, most rated moderate or rugged. For a nice easy hike, one that is even handicap accessible, I would suggest taking the bridge to the W (left side) of nature center property and hiking the one mile loop trail. It is all gravel, mostly level, had a couple wide bridges, and informative plagues along the way. This trail is called the Tulip Valley trial (B), and can be accessed from the campground, but the moderate part of the trail is from the campground to the nature center. If you start at the nature center, it's easy. The bridge is located between the parking lot and the nature center entrance, on the left side. The Adventure Hiking Trail (AHT) also runs through this park. It is a 25.5 mile rugged backpacking trail. It's IN's longest and most scenic backpacking trail. It takes about 3 days to complete with 5 overnight shelters available.
Note, there is no camp store located in this park, they only sell ice and firewood at the gate. Walmart, gas, food, etc is 15 min into Corydon.