Whitewater IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Whitewater, Indiana.
1. Whitewater Memorial State Park
RECREATION AND NATURE PARADISE
Whitewater Memorial State Park offers a perfect family getaway centered around its beautiful 200-acre Whitewater Lake. Visitors can enjoy shoreline hiking, flat-water boating, swimming, fishing, and abundant camping opportunities throughout the park. The lake serves as the main attraction with its nice beach area featuring volleyball courts and paddle boat rentals for a complete outdoor experience.
2. Whitewater Canal State Historic Site
HISTORIC CANAL EXPERIENCE
The Whitewater Canal State Historic Site preserves an important piece of Indiana's transportation history. Visitors can walk along hiking trails that follow the canal route through historic Metamora to significant landmarks like the Duck Creek Aqueduct and Twin Locks. The historic site also features a Grist Mill where tourists can take home a bag of cornmeal as a unique souvenir.
3. Duck Creek Aqueduct
UNIQUE HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Duck Creek Aqueduct is perhaps the only covered wooden aqueduct still operating in the United States, originally constructed in 1843 and rebuilt after a flood in 1846. This remarkable structure, designed to carry the canal and its boats above Duck Creek, spans more than 75 feet long and features a modified Burr arch truss. The aqueduct is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, once even featured in Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
4. Brookville Reservoir
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Brookville Reservoir provides extensive water recreation opportunities connected to the Whitewater Memorial State Park. The reservoir offers excellent fishing, boating, and water sports in a scenic setting surrounded by forested hills. Visitors can access multiple boat ramps, beaches, and picnic areas while enjoying the natural beauty of this expansive body of water.
5. Metamora Historic District
CHARMING CANAL TOWN
The Metamora Historic District transports visitors back to the canal era with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings and atmosphere. This charming village features unique shops, restaurants, and historical attractions centered around the Whitewater Canal. Visitors can explore the district on foot, shop for handcrafted items, and experience the authentic ambiance of this former canal town.
6. Bartel's Beach
LOCAL SWIMMING SPOT
Bartel's Beach provides a refreshing escape for locals and visitors seeking waterfront recreation. The beach offers swimming opportunities in a pleasant setting with basic amenities for day-use visitors. Families appreciate the accessible shoreline and relatively calm waters for a relaxing day outdoors.
7. Metamora Grist Mill
WORKING HISTORIC MILL
The Metamora Grist Mill stands as a working testament to the region's agricultural heritage and canal-era industry. Visitors can watch demonstrations of traditional grain processing and purchase freshly ground cornmeal produced on-site. The mill also serves as a visitor center with souvenirs, information, and starting point for canal-related explorations.
8. Twin Locks
HISTORIC CANAL ENGINEERING
The Twin Locks represent an impressive feat of 19th-century canal engineering along the historic Whitewater Canal. Located about 2.6 miles from the Duck Creek Aqueduct, these restored locks demonstrate how boats navigated changes in elevation along the canal system. Hikers can reach this historic site via scenic trails that follow the old canal towpath, offering both exercise and historical education.
9. Whitewater Valley Railroad
SCENIC HISTORIC TRAIN
The Whitewater Valley Railroad offers nostalgic train excursions through the scenic Whitewater River Valley. Passengers enjoy rides on vintage railcars while learning about the region's transportation history and natural beauty. Special themed events throughout the year, including the popular Polar Express rides during the holiday season, make this attraction appeal to visitors of all ages.
10. Big Foot Beach State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Big Foot Beach State Park offers a beautiful lakeside getaway with sandy beaches and wooded recreation areas. The park provides camping, hiking, swimming, and picnicking opportunities along the shores of Lake Geneva. Visitors appreciate the mix of natural scenery and developed amenities that make this park suitable for both day trips and overnight stays.
11. Riviera Beach
POPULAR WATERFRONT DESTINATION
Riviera Beach serves as a central waterfront destination in the Lake Geneva area with its clean swimming areas and scenic views. The beach is conveniently located near downtown shops and restaurants, making it easy to combine water recreation with other tourist activities. Visitors can rent boats, enjoy the sandy shore, or simply relax while watching activity on the lake.
12. Indiana Dunes National Park
NATURAL LAKEFRONT WONDER
Indiana Dunes National Park showcases remarkable sand dunes, diverse ecosystems, and beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. The park features over 15,000 acres with 50 miles of trails through beaches, wetlands, prairies, and forests that support exceptional biodiversity. Visitors can climb massive sand dunes, swim at designated beaches, observe rare plants and wildlife, or participate in ranger-led programs throughout the year.
13. Fontana Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKE ACCESS
Fontana Beach provides a welcoming access point to Geneva Lake with its clean shoreline and swimming facilities. The beach offers convenient amenities including restrooms, concessions, and nearby parking for visitors. Families appreciate the relatively calm waters and watchful lifeguards that create a safe environment for water recreation.
14. Union County Courthouse
HISTORIC COUNTY LANDMARK
The Union County Courthouse stands as an architectural centerpiece in Liberty with its distinctive historic design. Built in the late 19th century, the courthouse continues to serve as both a functioning government building and point of interest for visitors. Its well-preserved features and surrounding square offer insight into the county's history and development.
15. Whitewater Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER PARADISE
Whitewater Lake forms the heart of Whitewater Memorial State Park with its 200 acres of accessible water recreation opportunities. The lake features a popular beach area with volleyball courts and offers paddle boat rentals for exploring its scenic shoreline. Fishing enthusiasts appreciate the lake's healthy population of bass, bluegill, and other game fish that provide year-round angling opportunities.