My sister came across this Forest by reading through a book about hikes in Indiana. Our first visit…read morehere was in April and we hiked along trail 7 which was a rugged 1.7 miles and took us up along a number of overlooks. We then hiked along Knob Lake- trail 5- only .25 miles but beautiful views of the lake. Plenty of people were fishing here. There are 10 trails overall and most range from 1-3 miles. We noticed that there were primitive camp sites and someone told us that it is very rarely full. We decided to come camping here in September after Labor Day. It is only $13 a night and self registration. The camp sites have plenty of room for car and tents. The sites each have a fire pit and picnic table. There are only pit toilets but they all had plenty of toilet paper. There were a handful of people camping so it was a very quiet evening. This time we hiked trail 2 which was 1.75 miles moderately rugged. This takes you up 985 feet above sea level. There are horse trails, hunting, archery range and plenty of picnicking spots. If you enjoy the outdoors- this is only about an hour and 30 minutes from Indianapolis.

Found this park by way of AllTrails app, and I'm so happy I did! My sweet spots are national and…read morestate parks, but I'm so happy I stumbled upon this state forest. Being a state forest, it's free entrance, for one. It's about 1.25 hours from downtown Indy, so not too far of a trek and about the same distance to Brown County area. I came for the purpose of a day hike on the Knoblake and Pinnacle Loop Trail. It's labeled "hard" on AllTrails. As with most Indiana "hard" trails, if you're an experienced hiker, it means they're "easy-to-medium" challenge. However, I will happily say that this trail kicked my booty. It was a challenge. The elevation gains/descents are no joke. Bring hiking poles if you can! The final views were incredible and a great place to feel the spring sunshine and breeze to reward our hard work. It meanders through some creek area as well. I can't wait to come back and take advantage of their buddy camping system. $13 a campsite - an absolute win compared to other nearby campsite prices. Would highly recommend for camping, fishing, hiking and general nature time!

This park is located right next to the North Lawrence Community Schools Office. That complex is…read morelooked down to keep park goers out. You have to drive all the way around the park to get to the park's parking lot. It is a huge lot and is located by the ball fields. The park is home to 3 nice ball fields that are suitable to host a small tournament. The park has a restroom facility near the ball fields, but it was locked during my visit. I guess they must be unlocked for special events. There is a shelter near the ball fields with picnic table under it. You will encounter some picnic tables and pavilions along the side of the drive leading to the parking lot. The park has a playground but it is in need of repair and some updates. There are two banks of traditional swings, a bank of toddler swings, a stand and spin, a bridge, and a wooden balance beam. The playground area is on a bed of spongy wood chips and features a jungle gym with a bridge, a slide, a conveyor belt slide, monkey rings and a ladder. As I mentioned, the equipment is in bad shape, and is very old, the ADA swing is broken. It is just bad. My littles did not stay long and only played on the rusty conveyor belt slide. The park has easy access to the woods, hence it names. I saw a few people walking in the woods while I was there. I think that there was even some people riding dirt bikes there. This park is not bad. However, they need to invest a lot of money and energy into the playground. The park has a lot of potential. It is off of the main drag and has a quiet peacful vibe. This is on the border of being a destination park depending on what you are looking for. Just keep in mind that there are no restrooms available or water fountains, so plan accordingly.

Near an elementary school, the park has a shelter by the roadside, several baseball fields, and…read moresome picnic benches in the wooded area between the access road and the highway. Although the parks department lists this park as having a playground, I didn't see any play area other than the school property, so I think it is a bit misleading. The facilities were in good shape and there was limited parking by the shelter. Not much here unless you are planning an event at the shelter, but it was limited since there were no restrooms or grills. Review #2004

I spent a great week on the campus of Indiana University officiating the inaugural Bloomington TYR…read morePro Swim Meet. The Student Recreational Sports Center houses the Councilman Billingsley swimming and diving complex. It is dedicated to longtime swim coach Doc Councilman now deceased. Also to Hobie Billingsley who attended the meet and now in his early 90's. Both were influential figures in the world of swim and dive for decades. The complex built in the mid 90's sets on Law Ln and Union St. The aquatic complex consist of almost 145,000 of swimming and diving capability. The complex also houses Indiana's polo team. The complex features an 8 lane Olympic size pool with depths of seven to eight feet for greater speed. The complex also features an indoor diving tower. Two one meter and three meter spring board diving. As well as up to 10 meter platform diving. The facility is immaculate and maintained to high standards. Air quality superb. The beauty of the facility comes from the wonderful banners and photos posted on the walls. It really brings the history of Indiana Swim & Dive to life. There is spectator seating, however not large. Estimated capacity is under 500. The wooden bleachers are in need of refinishing. A highlight however for spectators is the gigantic video board showing times and video. They also have a much smaller one at the diving well for polo and dive. Being a Hoosier I can't help but be a fan of the Student Recreational Sports Center / Councilman Billingsley Swimming Pool. What an incredible complex for Indiana University.

Lots of great offerings for group classes and cardio equipment. The building is a little dingy,…read morewith the basement area being pretty underwhelming. I wish the workout spaces had windows since it feels a bit dungeon-like while you're working out.

Twin Caves located in Mitchell, IN inside Spring Mill State Park. There are several great trails…read moreand these caves are located not to far away from the parking lot. So, it's not a bad little hike to take. This particular day it was gloomy and sort of wet. I was chilly, and couldn't seem to get warm. This particular Park cost a fee to enjoy but because its not in season the shacks gate was open do no charge. I definitely would recommend and go back again.

Guided boat tours of the twin caves are offered every 30 minutes from 9-5 each day for only $3 a…read moreperson! The tours are in high demand, so make sure someone from your group gets there a few minutes before 9 to line up to schedule your time slot for the day. We did a tour with tour guide Morgan a few weeks ago, and it was awesome! Very interesting and educational. The tour takes about 20 minutes and you get to see a lot of different areas of the cave with different features, as well as some crayfish! There is one part where you can reach out and touch the cave as well. The boat is small and all riders straddle the bench inside for the duration of the tour. Could be difficult for older people and a little scary for some folks, especially those who have claustrophobic tendencies. You also need to be able to go down 85 steps to get to the boat and back up those steps after the tour. Life jackets are provided! Important to mention that my family is NOT outdoorsy at all, but we really enjoyed the tour! I recommend wearing a hat of some sort to prevent panic if any water drips on you as you go through. Highly recommend to those visiting the park!!

You will love this place, Kim and her Husband Mark will take good care of you , SIS has taken my…read moretraining from a beginning diver over the years all the way up to a Dive Master. Great training facilities & fully stocked shop and great service center for all your needs. Start or continue your Dive training now it will be a life time of Fun. steve Dodds Bloomington Indiana and Grand Cayman

The only shop in town and well worth it. Great prices, great staff, pleasant environment. My kids…read moreloved the free popcorn! I will definitely be coming back for more business!

Beautiful waterfalls specially, if you go right after a storm with a lot of rain, trails, and then…read morethere's a patokah four seasons not too far are you can stay in a cabin.

Sometimes, if you are patient, you get rewarded. While exploring the countryside south east of…read moreBedford, I crossed into Jackson County just west of Leesville and wondered whether I would find this preserve or not! Fortunately, I could tell I was on the right path as I headed uphill, losing site of the Guthrie River as I headed upward. Fortunately, before I lost patience, I finally saw the pull off on the north side of the road for the reserve. From the gravel parking lot, I followed the most visible path northward and saw the sign in box. The natural footing trail headed to the west and was marked by blue plastic markers on the trees. The forest is a mix of Eastern Hemlock and hardwood trees that line the bluff that overlooks the lowlands to the north of the river. The largest hemlock in the state is located within these woods at nearly three feet in diameter. The trail makes a turn to the north after about 250 yards. The new trail path walks much closer to the dropoff and offers some better views of the river and lowlands. There is a bench to relax upon. I will say that if you are afraid of heights, then you may feel a bit uncomfortable with the view, but the trail is set on fairly level footing, so using common sense and being aware of your surroundings should keep you safe. I didn't walk the entire trail around the 44 acre preserve, but chose to double back on the original path. It is a remote and very private setting where you can experience a stand of trees that date back before the glacial clearing. Review #2014

I have lived in Indianapolis my entire life, and never heard of Fairfax State Recreation Area at…read moreMonroe Lake. From what I understand, it's even fairly well-kept secret from the locals. My friend visits the beach every weekend with her boys and others join her from time to time. She had lived in the area for several years before she knew it was there. We drove down for the day earlier this month and really enjoyed it. The beach is a little rocky and muddy, but I suppose that's to be expected in Indiana. It's a nice little spot to lay out, hang out with friends and family, or take out your floats, paddle boards, kayaks, etc. I would visit again. I give it four stars for a couple of reasons. 1. The difficulty in getting down to the beach area since there is only one small walkway. 2. The restrooms are not well-marked, and are thoroughly disgusting. Although a DNR employee sits near the restrooms, they don't seem to do a whole lot. There were people using one of the grills near the restrooms who thought it would be a good idea to play soccer on the sidewalk instead of the grass. They made no effort to move or stop playing as people had to walk by to the restrooms, and the DNR employee cared more about asking someone to move their vehicle than ask those disrespectful guests from hitting others with their soccer ball.

Ransburg Scout Reservation is a Boy Scout summer camp. This camp is primarily used by the Scouts in…read morethe summertime but can also be used by the public in the off season for camping, and it has so much to offer. It is one of BSA's premier camps in the Mid-west. They offer 9 weeks of summer camp located in Hoosier National Forest right on Lake Monroe. They offer boating (canoe, kayak, sailing, motor), private dock for swimming, gun and archery ranges, horseback riding, climbing tower, high-ropes course, and so much more. Get your son or daughter (yes, I said daughter -- check out Venture Scouting) to get involved with BSA and give them summers that they'll never forget!

Ransburg is an alright Summer camp. My first complaint would be the food. The food is average at…read morebest. Sometimes it's bland and lacks flavor, and others it's great. Another problem is that there is no female shower houses. For females camping, they have to wait to use the BOYS shower house. Although the programs are good. Overall, it has good advantages, but remodeling and renovation is highly needed.