Milan IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Milan, Indiana.
1. Milan '54 Hoosiers Basketball Museum
HISTORIC SPORTS LEGACY
The Milan '54 Hoosiers Basketball Museum preserves the incredible story of Milan's historic 1954 state championship victory that inspired the classic film 'Hoosiers'. Visitors can explore memorabilia, photographs, and exhibits dedicated to the legendary Milan Indians basketball team and their remarkable underdog triumph. The museum offers a nostalgic journey through one of the most celebrated moments in Indiana basketball history, making it a must-visit for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
2. Hoosier Links Golf
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Hoosier Links Golf offers golf enthusiasts a picturesque course in the rolling countryside of southeastern Indiana. The well-maintained fairways and challenging holes provide an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Visitors can appreciate the beautiful natural surroundings while testing their skills on this charming local course.
3. Clifty Falls State Park
BREATHTAKING NATURAL WATERFALLS
Clifty Falls State Park features spectacular waterfalls cascading over rugged terrain just a short drive from Milan. The park offers challenging hiking trails that wind through deep canyons, alongside flowing streams, and past four major waterfalls that range from 60 to 83 feet in height. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy seasonal wildflowers in spring, vibrant colors in fall, and the park's fascinating fossil beds that reveal marine life from 300 million years ago.
4. Spring Grove Cemetery
HISTORIC MEMORIAL GARDENS
Spring Grove Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark featuring stunning landscape design and remarkable architecture just a short drive from Milan. Visitors can explore the walking tour that showcases champion trees, approximately 15 scenic lakes, and beautiful bridges throughout the property. The unique mausoleums and obelisks create a peaceful outdoor museum atmosphere, blending history, art, and nature.
5. Smale Riverfront Park
URBAN RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Smale Riverfront Park offers a beautiful urban green space along the Ohio River with interactive fountains, gardens, and scenic river views. Visitors can enjoy the large swings that look out over the river, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and contemplation. The park serves as a vibrant community gathering place with walking paths, play areas, and frequent events that celebrate the region's riverside heritage.
6. Sawyer Point Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Sawyer Point Park extends along the Ohio River offering recreational facilities, walking paths, and beautiful landscapes for visitors to enjoy. The park features playgrounds, sports courts, and open spaces perfect for picnics or outdoor games with family and friends. Offering stunning views of the river and the Kentucky shoreline, this urban park provides a refreshing escape from the nearby city bustle while still being conveniently accessible.
7. Plump's Last Shot
BASKETBALL HISTORY BAR
Plump's Last Shot is a Hoosiers-themed restaurant and bar dedicated to Bobby Plump and his iconic game-winning shot in the 1954 championship. The establishment offers a nostalgic atmosphere filled with basketball memorabilia, photographs, and tributes to the Milan miracle that inspired the famous movie. Visitors can enjoy good food while immersed in Indiana basketball history, making it a perfect pilgrimage site for sports fans and movie enthusiasts alike.
8. Versailles State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Versailles State Park, located near Milan, is the second-largest state park in Indiana, offering over 5,000 acres of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing in the 230-acre lake, mountain biking on dedicated trails, horseback riding, and camping in this diverse outdoor setting. The park's rolling hills, forests, and waterways provide a perfect backdrop for nature photography, wildlife observation, and family outings throughout the year.
9. Tyson Temple
ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
Tyson Temple is a stunning architectural gem built in the 1930s featuring ornate stained glass, intricate woodwork, and unique Carrara marble floors. The temple was commissioned by wealthy businessman James Tyson as a memorial to his mother, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and artistic detail rarely found in small-town Indiana. Visitors can marvel at the beautiful Bedford limestone exterior and impressive interior design that represents a blend of Art Deco and Gothic Revival styles.
10. Ripley County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Ripley County Historical Society Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the region surrounding Milan through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. Housed in a historic building, the museum features collections that highlight pioneer life, agricultural development, and the cultural evolution of Ripley County communities. Visitors can explore displays of vintage tools, household items, military memorabilia, and educational materials that bring local history to life.
11. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL EXHIBITS
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the oldest zoos in America, offering an impressive collection of animal exhibits and beautifully maintained gardens within day-trip distance from Milan. Visitors can observe over 500 animal species, including the famous hippo Fiona, while enjoying 75 acres of botanical displays that change with the seasons. The zoo's conservation efforts, educational programs, and special events like the Festival of Lights make it a year-round attraction for families and nature enthusiasts.
12. Hillforest Victorian House Museum
ELEGANT HISTORIC MANSION
Hillforest Victorian House Museum is a magnificent 1855 Italian Renaissance mansion overlooking the Ohio River just a short drive from Milan. The National Historic Landmark showcases the opulent lifestyle of wealthy industrialist and financier Thomas Gaff through original furniture, decorative arts, and architectural details. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved rooms featuring hand-painted ceilings, ornate woodwork, and period furnishings that offer a glimpse into 19th-century upper-class life in southeastern Indiana.
13. Perfect North Slopes
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Perfect North Slopes offers winter skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing opportunities near Milan, with 23 trails catering to all skill levels. During summer months, the facility transforms into an outdoor adventure park featuring zip lines, mud obstacles, and water activities in its Aerial Adventure Park. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, professional instructors, and modern amenities that make outdoor recreation accessible throughout changing seasons.
14. Dearborn County Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Dearborn County Historical Society preserves and shares the heritage of communities near Milan through its museum collections, historic properties, and educational programs. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's development from pioneer days through industrialization. The society maintains several historic buildings that showcase architectural styles and living conditions from different periods in the county's rich history.
15. Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE WILDLIFE HABITAT
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 50,000 acres of diverse habitat including woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands that support numerous wildlife species near Milan. Visitors can participate in seasonal hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, and guided tours throughout this former military testing facility. The refuge provides critical habitat for endangered Indiana bats, cerulean warblers, and other species of conservation concern, making it an important ecological treasure in southeastern Indiana.