Backyard Adventures

6A PIKE PUBLISHING BACKYARD ADVENTURES 2017 SURROUNDING AREA OVERVIEW DAVIESS COUNTY Daviess County, which straddles U.S. 50 in Southern Indiana, offers a unique spec- trum of life—on both the business side and personal side of life. On the one side, more than 700 Old Order Amish families call Daviess County home and welcome tourists to their favorite hometown restaurants, inns, auctions, flea markets and special com- munity events. On the other is the growing WestGate at Crane Technology Park—a marketplace for defense contractors cur- rently providing technical support, research and development services to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, in Southern Indiana. DUBOIS COUNTY The Dubois County Visitors Center & Tourism Commission is certainly on to some- thing when it describes Dubois County as: "Geographically centered between casinos, coasters and caves, Amish and Abe (Lin- coln); connected to culture, recreation; arts and architecture; your complete getaway." There's plenty to do and see while in Dubois County and the surrounding area. In fact, the area provides a great backdrop for a variety of backyard adventures. Some of the items that should be on every visit to Dubois County list includes: the Spirit of Jasper Train and Jasper Train De- pot, where you can get aboard the Spirit of Jasper for a scenic excursion from the Jasper Train Depot; The Grotto at the Providence Home in Jasper, which is the work of a priest who labored for 12 years to create a beauti- ful and spiritual landscape made of colorful geode stones from Southern Indiana; and the Jasper City Mill, which was recently re- constructed to resemble the former mill that once stood near the Patoka River. This new structure is the latest addition to the "Old Jasper" district. While there's plenty to do and see throughout Dubois County, every trip must leave time for a little shopping. If you love unique shops that offer a one-of-a-kind gift, you are in the right place. Spend a day browsing Huntingburg's antique and specialty shops along Hunting- burg's Fourth Street Shopping District and Historical Walking Tour. This charming Victorian downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are more than two dozen locally-owned antique and specialty shops in this historic business district. The walking tour takes you back to the 1800s and early 1900s; with brick-paved sidewalks and 1800's facade, it provides a lovely setting for many special events throughout the year. KNOX COUNTY History comes alive in Vincennes and Knox County. Just about every step around the county seat of Vincennes offers a glimpse back into time. Vincennes—In- diana's first city—was founded in 1732 as a French fur trading post. Today, the city boasts a number of historical attractions, including the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park; the Old Cathedral Complex: Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, and French and Indian Cemetery; the Old French House and Indian Museum; Grouseland—William Henry Harrison Mansion and Museum; the Indiana Military Museum; the Vincennes State Historic Sites of the Indiana Territory Capitol, Jefferson Academy, Elihu Stout Print Shop and the Maurice Thompson Birthplace. Vincennes is also home to Indiana's first college—Vincennes University, which was founded in 1801. The university offers more than 200 associate degrees and certificate programs, plus seven bachelor degree programs, with several campuses around the state, including Jasper, Indianapolis and Fort Branch. ORANGE COUNTY There's a little of bit of everything in Orange County—glamour, history and relaxation. Here you'll find unique shopping, historic train rides, an indoor water park, horseback trail rides, carriage rides, nature trails, and scenic boat cruises. Century-old iconic hotels, French Lick Springs and West Baden Springs, are always worth a quick visit. Walking tours are of- fered on a daily basis. You'll also find the casino at French Lick, a restored historic courthouse, and a variety of historical sites and tours. POSEY COUNTY Start the Indiana portion of the Ohio River Scenic Byway in Posey County. This meandering road snakes alongside the Ohio River. Along the way, you will discover antique shops, artist studios and farmer's markets. While you are in the area, stop off in New Harmony, which sits on the banks of the Wabash River. An experiment in Utopian living took place here in the 19th century. Near historic New Harmony, Harmonie State Park honors two historic communi- ties which existed here – the Rappites and the Owenites. On the shores of the Wabash River, the park offers camping, hiking, picnicking, a boat launch, bridle trails and cabin rental. SPENCER COUNTY Spencer County really is where America comes to celebrate Christmas. It is home to the town of Santa Claus—which boasts the only post office in the world to have the Santa Claus name. This holiday-themed town is filled with the Christmas spirit all year round, from a three-weekend Christ- mas celebration in December to playing golf at the Christmas Lake Golf Course, having a blast at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari theme park, to camping at Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort. Lincoln's Indiana Boyhood Home, where young Abe lived from age seven to age 21, is also a worthwhile stop. Places to check out are: the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial; Lincoln State Park; the Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza; and the Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum. VANDERBURGH COUNTY There's big city life and rolling country- side side-by-side in Vanderburgh County. The county seat of Evansville serves as the center of commerce, culture and entertain- ment for both the county and the Tri-State. Today, the city serves as a medical and service hub for the Tri-State and is the third largest city in the state. The county also offers golf courses, parks, pools, water slides and other recreational facilities for hiking, biking, canoeing, ice skating and skateboarding. WARRICK COUNTY Warrick County officials often take pride in the fact that the county seat of Boonville is known as the place where Abraham Lin- coln learned the law. This growing county, east of Vanderburgh County, is quickly spreading west towards Evansville, while Evansville continues to spread east towards Warrick County. Any trips to Warrick County should include the following stops: Downtown Newburgh, Angel Mounds State Historic Site, Yellow Banks Recreation Center, Scales Lake Park and the Warrick County Mu- seum. WABASH COUNTY, ILL Situated on the banks of the Wabash River, across from Gibson County, Wabash County offers a little something for ev- eryone. The area is home to Beall Woods State Nature Preserve, which is the larg- est tract of virgin hardwood timber east of the Mississippi. There are numerous trails and a visitor's center at the "Forest of the Wabash," near Keensburg. Visiting stores on Market Street in downtown Mount Carmel or visiting the Wabash County Museum are also worth a few extra minutes. DUBOIS COUNTY VANDERBURGH COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY KNOX COUNTY CRAWFORD COUNTY WABASH COUNTY, ILL SPENCER COUNTY DAVIESS COUNTY POSEY COUNTY WARRICK COUNTY

• Cover