Millhousen Indiana
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Millhousen, Indiana.
1. Southeastway Park
NATURE SANCTUARY | FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP IN
Southeastway Park spans 188 acres of diverse habitats including forests, wetlands, prairies, and Buck Creek's meandering waters. Visitors can explore four miles of trails or participate in educational programs such as maple syrup making or Bug Fest events held throughout the year. The park provides picnic shelters and playgrounds for family gatherings alongside opportunities for environmental learning. Open daily from dawn to dusk without admission fees, Southeastway Park is an inviting space for nature enthusiasts.
2. Shakamak State Park
LAKESIDE RETREAT | JASONVILLE IN
Shakamak State Park stands out for its trio of lakes spanning over 400 acres, making it a prime spot for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Established in the 1920s on reclaimed coal mining land, the park features Civilian Conservation Corps-built structures that add historical charm to its natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the pool with lifeguards or explore moderate hiking trails winding through forested areas. Wildlife sightings of deer, foxes, and waterfowl further enrich this relaxing lakeside experience.
3. Turkey Run State Park
NATURAL ESCAPE | MARSHALL IN
Turkey Run State Park offers visitors a rugged outdoor experience with its sandstone gorges, suspension bridge, and scenic trails. The park's Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve showcases unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems. History buffs can explore the Lusk Home and Mill Site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With camping facilities and canoeing opportunities on Sugar Creek, it's a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
4. Washington Park Zoo
ANIMAL ADVENTURE | MICHIGAN CITY IN
Nestled within Washington Park, this 15-acre zoo houses over 220 animals from around the globe in naturalistic settings. Highlights include grizzly bears, Bengal tigers, and a walk-through aviary filled with colorful birds. Educational exhibits like the “Castle†showcase smaller species such as fennec foxes and corn snakes. The zoo's historic charm and focus on conservation make it a must-visit for families.
5. Studebaker National Museum
AUTOMOTIVE HERITAGE | SOUTH BEND IN
The Studebaker National Museum showcases over 120 vehicles that trace the evolution of transportation history. Highlights include the world's largest collection of U.S. presidential carriages, such as Abraham Lincoln's barouche used on the night of his assassination. Visitors can explore Studebaker's military contributions and iconic automobiles while engaging in interactive exhibits like the Super Service Center for kids. This museum is a treasure trove for history buffs and car enthusiasts alike.
6. Hoosier Hills State Scenic Byway
SCENIC ROADWAY | SOUTH-CENTRAL INDIANA
The Hoosier Hills State Scenic Byway offers an 83-mile journey through the picturesque landscapes of southern Indiana. This route connects charming small towns, historic sites, and natural attractions while showcasing tranquil creeks, rivers, and covered bridges. Travelers can explore cultural landmarks like Bean Blossom Covered Bridge and Gnaw Bone Creek or enjoy recreational activities at nearby state parks. The byway provides a serene escape into Indiana's rich history and natural beauty.
7. Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway
HISTORIC DRIVE | SOUTHEASTERN IN
The Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway takes travelers on a picturesque journey through Indiana's historic countryside. Highlights include the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site in Metamora, where visitors can ride a horse-drawn canal boat and explore a working grist mill. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate stops like Brookville Lake for fishing and hiking or the Whitewater Gorge Park for scenic views. This 76-mile route is dotted with charming towns, antique shops, and cultural festivals that celebrate Indiana's rich heritage.
8. Garfield Park
URBAN GEM | INDIANAPOLIS IN
Garfield Park is Indianapolis' oldest city park, encompassing 128 acres of rolling fields intersected by Pleasant Run Creek. Its Sunken Gardens feature elegant landscaping designed by George Edward Kessler, while the Conservatory showcases tropical plants and seasonal displays within its striking glass structure. Visitors can enjoy sledding during winter or explore trails connecting to nearby parks year-round. With cultural facilities like the Arts Center hosting performances and exhibitions, Garfield Park blends recreation with history.
9. White River State Park
URBAN OASIS | INDIANAPOLIS IN
White River State Park offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and recreation in the heart of Indianapolis. Spanning 250 acres, visitors can explore world-class attractions like the Indianapolis Zoo, NCAA Hall of Champions, and the Indiana State Museum. The park also features lush greenspaces, walking trails, and waterways perfect for kayaking or pedal boating. Frequent community events, public art installations, and its proximity to downtown make it a vibrant destination for all ages.
10. Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
LAKESIDE THRILLS | MONTICELLO IN
Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort combines amusement park excitement with lakeside relaxation along Lake Shafer. Guests can enjoy roller coasters, water slides, a lazy river, and charming boardwalk shops and eateries. The resort also offers accommodations like log cabins and campgrounds for an extended stay filled with adventure. With its blend of thrilling rides and serene beach areas, Indiana Beach creates memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
11. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
LAKESIDE ESCAPE | VALLONIA IN
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area is a serene retreat offering fishing, swimming, and hiking amidst its 280 acres of lush landscapes. Starve Hollow Lake is a favorite for anglers, with its abundant bass and sunfish population. The area boasts waterfront campsites and trails that wind through hardwood forests teeming with wildlife like deer and bald eagles. Its tranquil ambiance makes it perfect for a weekend getaway or a day immersed in nature.
12. Black Pine Animal Sanctuary
EXOTIC ANIMAL REFUGE | ALBION IN
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary provides a permanent home for displaced exotic animals in an 18-acre wooded setting. Visitors can enjoy guided tours to learn about the sanctuary's mission while observing species like tigers, bears, primates, and reptiles in natural habitats. The sanctuary focuses on education and conservation, ensuring these animals live out their lives in dignity without being bred or traded. It's a must-visit destination for animal lovers seeking a meaningful experience.
13. Johnny Appleseed Park
HISTORICAL LANDMARK | FORT WAYNE IN
Johnny Appleseed Park honors John Chapman-better known as Johnny Appleseed-with his gravesite accessible through steel gates adorned with an apple carving. This serene park along the St. Joseph River hosts Fort Wayne's annual Johnny Appleseed Festival amidst rolling meadows and wooded areas. Additional features include a Vietnam War Memorial and proximity to Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, making it both a historical site and community gathering space.
14. Salamonie River State Forest
WILDLIFE HAVEN | LAGRO IN
Salamonie River State Forest is a lush 950-acre retreat in northern Indiana, renowned for its dense woodlands and diverse wildlife. Originally established in the 1930s to restore eroded lands, it now offers top-notch camping, fishing at Hominy Ridge Lake, and enchanting hiking trails like the Salamonie River Loop. Seasonal changes bring unique experiences, making this forest an ideal year-round destination for nature lovers. Its rich history and commitment to ecological restoration enhance the allure of this outdoor paradise.
15. Clark State Forest
HISTORIC FOREST | HENRYVILLE IN
As Indiana's oldest state forest, Clark State Forest spans nearly 24,000 acres and offers a rich mix of history and recreation. Visitors can explore over 70 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking, including the challenging Knobstone Trail. Scenic picnic spots provide views of the Louisville skyline, while seven lakes offer fishing and boating opportunities. The forest's experimental tree plantings and nature preserves add an educational dimension to its natural charm.