Winter adventures await you in Down Home Southern Indiana. The dramatic hilly terrain makes for perfect ski slopes, sledding hills, snowboarding courses, and other frosty fun! In fact, there is a popular ski resort in Paoli with elevations nearly 1,000 feet! With hilly and chilly landscapes throughout the area, the state parks, the Hoosier National Forest, and even local parks provide parka-perfect playgrounds of icy ponds and snowy hills. Longing for warmer weather? Explore the caves and caverns where it is 56 degrees year-round. From the highest hilltops to hundreds of feet underground, there are plenty of winter outdoor recreation options in Southern Indiana.
Ski Resort
Nestled in the heart of Paoli, Indiana, Paoli Peaks is a premier winter destination for thrilling winter outdoor adventures. With 65 acres of skiable terrain and 15 trails catering to various skill levels, Paoli Peaks is renowned for its excellent skiing, tubing, and snowboarding facilities.
With well-maintained runs, chairlifts and surface lifts, and state-of-the-art snowmaking capabilities, you’ll find a satisfying and challenging skiing experience right here in Indiana! Beyond the slopes, Paoli Peaks provides a welcoming atmosphere with amenities like cozy day lodges, equipment rentals, and professional instruction, making it an ideal snowy adventure destination for anyone. Driving to Paoli is easy, just two hours south of Indianapolis and one hour north of Louisville.
Caves and Caverns
For 56 degrees year-round, head underground! Visit Indiana Caverns in Corydon and Squire Boone Caverns & Village in Mauckport 15 miles south of Corydon. Take guided tours and experience a variety of heights, depths, underground rivers and waterfalls, formations, ice age bones, and rare cave creatures! Dress in layers because in the winter, it will actually get warmer as you descend, ultimately reaching 56 degrees no matter what time of year. Winter hours can vary, so we recommend checking their websites before you travel.
State Parks, National Forest, and Preserves
Unlock several winter activities at Patoka Lake State Park in Birdseye, Indiana. Cross-country skiing, sledding, ice fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping are all adventures awaiting you at Patoka Lake. Rent cabins or book overnights at nearby hotels. Wherever you plan to stay, Patoka Lake offers days and days of outdoor fun.
Likewise, other Indiana State Parks offer year-round camping, hiking, sledding, and fishing. Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, O-Bannon Woods State Park in Corydon, Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, Charlestown State Park in Charlestown, and Lincoln State Park in Lincoln City all offer amenities and activities in winter months.
In Oakland City, Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge caters to nature lovers with scenic trails, offering a serene environment for winter hikes and birdwatching. Nearby parks, ponds, and open spaces become winter wonderlands, providing opportunities for ice fishing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
In Evansville, Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, with its winding trails invites hikers to explore snow-covered landscapes. Along the riverfront, take in frosty views of the Ohio River.
The Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area in Montgomery becomes a still and crisp destination for winter hiking and birdwatching. Turn up the excitement with ice fishing, skating, sledding, and tubing down sloping, snowy hills.
With entrances in Bedford and Tell City, The Hoosier National Forest offers so many winter adventure possibilities. Hiking, camping, ice skating, snowshoeing, hunting, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding are all possibilities when cold temperatures prevail. Applicable permits required.
Winter Perfect Local Parks
Local parks offer peaceful refuge and picturesque trails. Ouabache Trails Park in Vincennes beckon hikers and nature lovers to explore the snow-draped woodlands. Cabin and primitive camping are available.
Friedman Park in Newburgh offers hiking and nature walks amidst snow-dusted trees. Nearby, ice fishing on Boonville City Lake Park’s frozen lake and sledding on their designated hills provide hours of chilly adventures.
The rolling hills and perfect peaks of Southern Indiana is ideal for winter sport and adventure. We invite you to explore our winter wonderland for recreation and excitement.
Be time zone aware as you travel through Down Home Southern Indiana. The southwestern corner of the state runs on Central Time, while most of the rest of the state is in the Eastern time zone.
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