Indiana's River Country offers getaways for every taste

From family-friendly vacations to couples getaways to outdoor adventure travel, Indiana's River Country has a perfect getaway for every taste. Indiana's River Country covers the Southern Indiana region that stretches from the Sunnyside of Louisville in the east to the banks of the Wabash River in the west with the Ohio River as its southern border. It is a region filled with scenic beauty and a rich heritage with countless opportunities for fun.

Water, animals, and trains add up to family fun

Kids love water and Burdette Park and Aquatic Center in Evansville provides plenty of the cool stuff on a hot summer day. One of the largest aquatic centers in the Midwest, Burdette features a large Olympic-size pool with diving boards, a family pool with waterslides, a lazy river raft ride and a speed slide for the more adventurous. Smaller children will enjoy their own super-sized pool with slides. Burdette Park also offers a miniature golf course, a BMX race track, batting cages, fishing, and camping.

While in Evansville, plan a trip to Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Gardens. As Indiana's largest zoo, Mesker Park Zoo covers over 70 acres and features 600 animals including lions, monkeys, giraffe, zebras, kangaroos, hippos, and a rhinoceros. The zoo also offers a Children's Zoo, a tram, and paddleboat rentals.

Kids and parents alike will enjoy a trip to the French Lick Springs and Resort in French Lick. This historic hotel has attracted visitors since the 1800s with its healing mineral waters. Once the playground of the rich and famous in the early 20th century, the French Lick Springs and Resort still provides guests with a pampering atmosphere. There's an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool, glass-domed indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, six bowling lanes, miniature golf, archery, horseback riding, and many more activities. The hotel spa offers therapeutic mineral baths, massages, facials, and other treatments. Golfers will enjoy the Valley Links Course or the more-demanding Hill Course designed by Donald Ross.

The nearby Indiana Railway Museum is sure to be a hit with the kids. The museum features railroad memorabilia and a display of old train cars and steam engines. Take a 20 mile train ride through the scenic hills of the Hoosier National Forest and enter the 1200-foot-long Burton tunnel. Train robbers on horseback provide an added spark of adventure on special weekends.

Indiana's River Country is for Couples

Perhaps an adult-oriented getaway is your idea of fun. If so, Indiana's River Country has plenty of options. From antiquing to gaming, to historic sites and country inns, couples will enjoy the many choices offered.

For those who are looking for some Vegas-style entertainment, Indiana's River Country has two riverboat casinos from which to choose. Caesars Indiana located in Harrison County about 10 miles from Louisville, Kentucky, features the Glory of Rome, the world's largest gaming vessel. In addition to several themed gaming rooms with everything from slots to blackjack to roulette, Caesar's also includes a 503 room hotel, restaurant, and big name entertainment. The 18-hole golf course, Chariot Run, is scheduled to open in August 2002.

Casino Aztar is located in Evansville and features three levels of gaming excitement. The riverboat pavilion includes 250-room hotel, restaurants, and nightclubs for a full evenings worth of entertainment.

If antiquing and country inns are more your cup of tea, you are in luck. The historic town of New Harmony offers both. Enjoy a relaxing stay at the New Harmony Inn. Each room is decorated with simple Shaker-style furniture and features unique artwork. Some rooms are available with balconies and fireplaces. Stroll the streets of this historic community which was once the site of two Utopian communities in the early 19th century. Begin your tour at the Antheneum, a modern visitors' center designed by noted architect Richard Meier. New Harmony has several antique and specialty shops and a stop by the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art is a must.

Huntingburg is another oasis for the antique-lover. Its Fourth Street Shopping District is a picturesque small town downtown street lined with antique stores and specialty shops. Be sure to stop by Fat and Sassy's for a wonderful lunch with soups, salads, and sandwiches. Be sure to leave room for their famous bread pudding.

Outdoor adventure abounds

For those who crave outdoor adventure, Indiana's River Country fits the bill. Cave Country Canoes offers everything from half-day trips to multi-day trips for every level of experience. Travel down the Blue River, a spring-fed river known for its brilliant color, and see limestone bluffs dotted with cave entrances.

If you are interested in actually visiting a cave, stop by nearby Marengo Cave, a U.S. National Landmark. Marengo Cave offers two regular cave tours. The Crystal Palace tour is an easy 40 minute walk and is highlighted a dramatic lighting presentation. The Dripstone Trail Tour is a leisurely one mile underground trail and features the unique Penny Ceiling. The more adventurous visitor might want to sign up for the Old Town Spring Cave Trip. A trained guide will accompany small groups for a tour of the undeveloped cave.

The Hoosier National Forest cuts a swath through the middle of Indiana's River Country and offers many choices for the outdoor-minded visitor. The Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area is a tranquil getaway with easy access to Interstate 64. It features Indian Lake (152 acres) and Celina Lake (164 acres) and offers camping, fishing, motor boating, and hiking in a beautifully forested area. The Tipsaw Lake Recreation area is located to the south of Indian and Celina Lakes. It offers family and group camping, picnicking, boat launching, swimming, hiking, biking, and interpretive programs.

Patoka Lake is another great stop for those craving the great outdoors. This 26,000 acre recreation area offers an 8,800 acre lake with campgrounds, a swimming beach, and paved biking and hiking trails. For those who want to hit the water, houseboat and boat rentals are available at Patoka Lake Marina.

Indiana's River Country offers many more possibilities for wonderful getaways. Visit the Huber Winery in Starlight for a tasting of the fruit of the vine. Dine on award-winning fried chicken at the historic Log Inn in Warrenton. Experience southern Indiana heritage at one of the many festivals offered throughout the year. Get out and see what Indiana's River Country has to offer.

For more information on Indiana's River Country, call 1-800-ADVENTURE or visit www.southernindiana.org.