Moores Hill IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Moores Hill, Indiana.
1. Carnegie Historic Landmarks
PRESERVED HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE
Carnegie Historic Landmarks stands as a beacon of local heritage and community pride in Moores Hill, featuring beautifully maintained buildings that reflect architectural styles of the past. Inside, visitors will find a trove of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the town's rich history, with knowledgeable volunteers often available to offer guided tours. The landmark hosts various events throughout the year, from historical reenactments to educational workshops, making it a lively spot for both locals and tourists seeking to connect with Indiana's historical narrative.
2. The White Swan
LOCAL DINING EXPERIENCE
The White Swan is a charming establishment in Moores Hill that offers visitors a taste of local cuisine and hospitality. The venue provides a welcoming atmosphere where travelers can relax and enjoy a meal after exploring the town's historic sites. Visitors appreciate the small-town charm and friendly service that embodies the spirit of Moores Hill.
3. Moores Hill Town Park
COMMUNITY OUTDOOR SPACE
Moores Hill Town Park serves as a central gathering place for community events and outdoor recreation in this quaint Indiana town. The park offers green spaces for picnics, sports facilities, and play areas for children, making it perfect for family outings. Throughout the year, the park hosts seasonal festivals, concerts, and sports competitions that showcase the vibrant community spirit of Moores Hill.
4. Perfect North Slopes
WINTER SPORTS DESTINATION
Perfect North Slopes is a premier winter sports destination located near Moores Hill, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing for all skill levels. The facility features 23 trails, multiple lifts, and a dedicated snow tubing area, making it a popular attraction during the winter months. Visitors can enjoy night skiing under the lights, lessons from certified instructors, and a cozy lodge with dining options to warm up after a day on the slopes.
5. Hillforest Victorian House Museum
ELEGANT HISTORICAL MANSION
Hillforest Victorian House Museum is an impressive National Historic Landmark in Aurora showcasing the opulent lifestyle of a 19th-century industrialist. The Italianate-style mansion, built in 1855 for industrialist and financier Thomas Gaff, features meticulously preserved period furnishings, ornate architectural details, and beautiful gardens. Guided tours take visitors through the elegant rooms and provide insight into the social and economic history of the Ohio River Valley during the Victorian era.
6. Veraestau Historic Site
SCENIC HISTORIC ESTATE
Veraestau Historic Site is a breathtaking 200-year-old estate perched on a bluff overlooking the Ohio River near Aurora. The property encompasses a historic home that has witnessed the transformation of Indiana from frontier to modern times, with architectural elements spanning Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian styles. Visitors can explore the mansion, wander through the picturesque grounds with magnificent river views, and learn about the prominent families who shaped the region's development.
7. Dearborn Country Club
HISTORIC GOLF COURSE
Dearborn Country Club offers a challenging 18-hole golf course set amidst the rolling hills of southeastern Indiana near Moores Hill. The historic course, established in 1921, features well-maintained fairways, strategic bunkers, and picturesque views that attract golf enthusiasts from across the region. Beyond golf, the club provides dining facilities, social events, and a relaxing atmosphere for visitors looking to enjoy recreational activities in a beautiful setting.
8. Oxbow State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURE PRESERVE
Oxbow State Park is a pristine wetland ecosystem and wildlife sanctuary located at a natural bend in the Ohio River near Lawrenceburg. The park encompasses over 1,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forests, marshes, and sloughs that provide critical habitat for migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Visitors can explore hiking trails, participate in naturalist-led programs, or enjoy fishing in the tranquil waters that support a diverse aquatic ecosystem.
9. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING
Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg offers an exciting gaming and entertainment experience just a short drive from Moores Hill. The casino features thousands of slot machines, dozens of table games, and a dedicated poker room that caters to gamblers of all experience levels. Beyond gaming, visitors can enjoy multiple dining options, live entertainment, and special events in a vibrant atmosphere overlooking the scenic Ohio River.
10. Versailles State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Versailles State Park, Indiana's second-largest state park, encompasses over 5,000 acres of forested hills, ravines, and open meadows near Moores Hill. The park features a 230-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming, along with extensive trail systems for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through diverse natural habitats. Visitors can stay overnight at the park's campground, enjoy picnic facilities, or participate in interpretive programs that highlight the area's natural and cultural history.
11. Tyson Temple
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
Tyson Temple is a stunning architectural gem in Versailles featuring exquisite stained glass windows created by the renowned Tiffany Studios. The temple was constructed in 1937 as a memorial to James Tyson, a local businessman who co-founded the Walgreen Company, and showcases extraordinary craftsmanship in its limestone exterior and ornate interior details. Visitors are awed by the building's perfect acoustics, intricate woodwork, and the ethereal play of light through the colorful glass that creates a transcendent atmosphere within the space.
12. Ripley County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Ripley County Historical Society Museum preserves and presents the rich cultural heritage of the region surrounding Moores Hill through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Housed in a historic building, the museum showcases items from Native American artifacts to pioneer tools, Civil War memorabilia, and vintage photographs that tell the story of the county's development. Visitors can explore room displays recreating period settings from different eras and learn about significant events and individuals who shaped this corner of southeastern Indiana.
13. Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
VAST WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 50,000 acres of diverse habitats including hardwood forests, wetlands, and grasslands that provide sanctuary for numerous wildlife species. The refuge, established on the former Jefferson Proving Ground military testing site, has become an important conservation area for rare and endangered species, including the Indiana bat and cerulean warbler. Visitors can participate in seasonal hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and photography, though access is limited to certain days and requires an orientation session due to the site's former military use.
14. Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
GREEK REVIVAL ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Lanier Mansion State Historic Site showcases one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the Midwest, designed by architect Francis Costigan for financier James F.D. Lanier in 1844. The meticulously restored mansion features grand spiral staircases, ornate plasterwork, period furnishings, and formal gardens that transport visitors back to the golden age of Madison's prosperity along the Ohio River. Guided tours offer insights into Lanier's significant contributions to Indiana's development, including his financing of Indiana's participation in the Civil War, preserving this important piece of state history.
15. Belterra Casino Resort
LUXURY GAMING DESTINATION
Belterra Casino Resort offers a complete entertainment experience with a Vegas-style casino, luxury hotel accommodations, and a championship Tom Fazio-designed golf course along the Ohio River. The resort features multiple dining options ranging from casual to fine dining, a full-service spa, and live entertainment venues that host renowned performers throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the excitement of gaming with thousands of slot machines and table games, then relax by the pool or explore the scenic river setting just a short drive from Moores Hill.