Panoramic views include a small pond, woods, and rolling meadows.

Visitors here can peruse a wide array of exhibits highlighting the area’s storied history, which includes its former status as a lucrative illegal gambling hub, and the home of one of professional basketball’s all-time best players.Located south of French Lick and minutes from Patoka Lake, Southern Grace Cabin is a western red cedar log home located on a quaint lane in the middle of our property. If you’re hoping to brush up on your Hoosier history, there’s no better destination than the West Baden Museum. From its large collections of 18th-century farming tools to a wealth of taxidermied animals in the Wildlife Adventures Room, the museum houses more than 41,000 items in its collection.

Just north of Jasper, this institution has been educating visitors about the background and history of Dubois County since 1999. Pick up maps and hiking recommendations at the interpretive center. Ambitious explorers can tackle the 6.5-mile Main Trail, while the less athletically inclined may prefer the far shorter Garden Rock Loop Trail. Hikers should take note: This is the best destination for exploring the wild heart of Patoka Lake. Cruise 30 minutes north to French Lick or 30 minutes westward to Jasper to stock up on essentials before returning to this slice of Hoosier paradise. If you’re craving a dose of civilization to help break up all of that time in nature, Patoka Lake is close to two irresistibly quaint towns. The lake is a course of endless adventure, but be sure to spend some time exploring the surrounding wilderness as well, either through one of Patoka’s hiking trails or at neighboring Hoosier National Forest, a massive preserve on the eastern edge of the lake. While there’s no shortage of humans to be found around the area when the weather’s warm, Patoka Lake is the perfect destination for spotting some of Indiana’s coolest creatures, including freshwater jellyfish, river otters, and bald eagles. As the second-largest reservoir in the state, there’s plenty of room for waterskiing, tubing, fishing, or just hanging out beachside with your toes in the sand. With 8,800 acres of gleaming fresh water to explore, Indiana’s Patoka Lake is a true gem for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.

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