Oakland City IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Oakland City, Indiana.
1. Oakland City University
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Oakland City University is a private Baptist university founded in 1885 and serves as the educational centerpiece of Oakland City. Visitors can tour the historic campus with its beautiful architecture and well-maintained grounds. The university offers cultural events and sports competitions that are open to the public throughout the year.
2. Taylor's II
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Taylor's II is one of the most popular restaurants in Oakland City, offering hearty American fare in a comfortable, casual setting. Locals and visitors alike praise the friendly service and generous portions that keep patrons coming back. This establishment represents the small-town charm that Oakland City is known for.
3. Mom's Diner
HOMESTYLE COMFORT FOOD
Mom's Diner brings authentic homestyle cooking to the heart of Oakland City with a menu full of American classics. The cozy atmosphere makes visitors feel like they're dining in a family kitchen rather than a restaurant. Their comfort food offerings have made this establishment a staple in the Oakland City dining scene.
4. Piper's Pizza House
FAMILY FRIENDLY PIZZERIA
Piper's Pizza House serves up delicious pizza and Italian favorites to the Oakland City community in a casual, family-friendly environment. Their handcrafted pizzas feature fresh ingredients and a variety of topping combinations to please any palate. This local establishment has become a gathering place for residents and visitors looking for a satisfying meal in Oakland City.
5. White River State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
White River State Park offers visitors 250 acres of green space in the heart of Indiana, just a drive away from Oakland City. The park combines cultural, educational and recreational attractions including the Indianapolis Zoo, museums, and extensive walking trails. Visitors can enjoy concerts at the amphitheater, paddle boats on the canal, or simply relax in this urban oasis.
6. Summit Lake State Park
PRISTINE LAKESIDE GETAWAY
Summit Lake State Park features a beautiful 800-acre lake surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands within driving distance of Oakland City. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and camping in this tranquil natural setting. The park's extensive trail system offers excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and bird watching with over 100 species documented in the area.
7. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
THRILLING THEME PARK ADVENTURES
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is a renowned theme park located in Santa Claus, Indiana, providing an exciting day trip option from Oakland City. The park features world-class roller coasters, water slides, and family attractions organized into holiday-themed sections that delight visitors of all ages. Known for its clean facilities, free soft drinks, and exceptional customer service, this award-winning destination has been entertaining families since 1946.
8. Newfields
ART AND NATURE COMBINED
Newfields is a 152-acre cultural campus that houses the Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Garden, Lilly House, and The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. Visitors can explore world-class art collections spanning 5,000 years of history inside the museum, then step outside to wander through spectacular gardens and outdoor art installations. This cultural treasure offers a perfect blend of art and nature for a fulfilling day trip from Oakland City.
9. Brown County State Park
SCENIC NATURAL WONDERLAND
Brown County State Park, Indiana's largest state park, is famous for its rugged hills, ridges, and ravines, creating a stunning landscape that's especially magnificent during fall foliage season. Visitors can explore over 20 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking paths, horseback riding opportunities, and scenic vistas that showcase the natural beauty of southern Indiana. The park's rustic Abe Martin Lodge offers comfortable accommodations for those wanting to extend their visit beyond a day trip from Oakland City.
10. Charlestown State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
Charlestown State Park encompasses 5,100 acres along the scenic Ohio River, offering breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems within a reasonable drive from Oakland City. The park features rugged hiking trails that wind through deeply forested ravines, stream valleys, and along riverfront areas where visitors can observe abundant wildlife. History enthusiasts will appreciate exploring remnants of the former Indiana Army Ammunition Plant and the Rose Island amusement park that operated in the early 20th century.
11. Patoka Lake
EXPANSIVE RECREATIONAL RESERVOIR
Patoka Lake is the second-largest reservoir in Indiana, spanning 8,800 acres of water surrounded by 17,000 acres of protected forest land relatively close to Oakland City. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot bald eagles, osprey, and other rare species. The lake offers modern campgrounds, cabin rentals, and a visitor center that hosts interpretive programs about the area's natural history and conservation efforts.
12. Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial preserves the farm site where Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years from ages 7 to 21, located within driving distance of Oakland City. Visitors can explore the memorial building with its impressive bas-reliefs depicting Lincoln's life, the Pioneer Cemetery where Nancy Hanks Lincoln is buried, and a living historical farm that recreates 1820s frontier life. The site offers ranger-led programs, hiking trails through Lincoln-era woodlands, and exhibits that provide insight into how these early experiences shaped the future president.
13. New Harmony Historic District
UTOPIAN COMMUNITY HERITAGE
New Harmony Historic District preserves the remarkable legacy of two utopian communities that settled in this picturesque town along the Wabash River, not far from Oakland City. Visitors can tour historic buildings, gardens, and distinctive architecture that reflect the town's unique heritage as home to both the Harmonists and the Owenites in the early 19th century. The serene atmosphere, labyrinth gardens, and thought-provoking public art installations make this site a perfect destination for those interested in history, philosophy, and spirituality.
14. Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
WILDLIFE AND PLANT SHOWCASE
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, established in 1928, is home to hundreds of animals from around the world in naturalistic habitats within reach of Oakland City visitors. The zoo's Amazonia exhibit recreates a South American rainforest ecosystem where guests can experience tropical plants and animals in an immersive environment. Beyond animal exhibits, visitors can enjoy the beautiful botanic garden, the Engelbrecht Carousel, and the Kley Building's interactive discovery center.
15. Azalea Path Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
FLOWERING PLANT PARADISE
Azalea Path Arboretum & Botanical Gardens showcases over 3,000 azaleas and countless other plant species across 60 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds near Oakland City. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, cross charming footbridges over streams, and discover hidden garden rooms that reveal new botanical treasures around every corner. Spring brings an explosion of color when the azaleas are in bloom, but the gardens offer changing seasonal beauty throughout the year with Japanese maples, dogwoods, and many other specimen plants.