Clark: Fossils, Forests and History

Charlestown State Park offers views of the Fourteenmile Creek valley and the Ohio River; elevation changes of more than 200 feet shape the terrain. While hiking, visitors can see Devonian fossil exposures and karst sinkhole landscapes. Visitors can reach Rose Island in the park via the historic Portersville Bridge, which was rebuilt at its current location between 2008 and 2011.

Forests, Lakes and Trails

Clark State Forest was established in 1903 and is Indiana’s oldest state forest. Its four nature preserves are White Oak, Virginia Pine-Chestnut Oak, Alum Cave Hollow and Outbrook Ravine. Seven lakes in the forest are open to boating and fishing. At Deam Lake, visitors can fish, boat, swim, camp, picnic and hike; hunting is allowed in designated areas. Deam Lake State Recreation Area offers campsites with electrical hookups, electric equestrian camping and Rent-a-Camp cabins; trail connections lead from there into Clark State Forest.

The trails vary in length and character: the scenic Yellow Horse Trail is an approximately six-mile loop around the lake and through much of the area. The Lake Vista Trail is an estimated 2.5 miles long and challenging; a rock cut offers a view of the lake. The 20-mile Overland Trail in Clark State Forest is a mountain biking trail. In places, it follows the routes of several bridle trails as well as the Lake Vista Trail and the Deam Lake Loop.

Fossils on the Ohio River

The 220-acre fossil beds at the Falls of the Ohio are generally most accessible from August to October, when the river level is at its lowest. Check river conditions before your visit. The fossil bed is 390 million years old, dates to the Devonian period and is considered one of the oldest of its kind in the world. Visitors can explore the fossil beds and learn about geology and fossils.

The Interpretive Center at Falls of the Ohio State Park features interactive, immersive exhibits and a Fossil Challenge. Year-round programming includes multi-day special events, hikes to the fossil beds and educational events. More than 270 bird species have been recorded at the Falls of the Ohio. The 7-acre George Rogers Clark Home Site is located within Falls of the Ohio State Park and also within the 1,404-acre National Wildlife Conservation Area.

History and Collections

The Big Four Bridge crosses the Ohio River and connects Louisville, Kentucky, with Jeffersonville, Indiana, for pedestrians and cyclists. Clark County was the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1803. The Clark County Museum presents the county’s history from the time of Native Americans to the present through maps, clothing, vehicles, artwork and archaeological objects. The exhibits also cover the county’s role as an important route on the Underground Railroad and include replicas of historic county landmarks.

The collections on display at the Howard Steamboat Museum include photographs, shipbuilding tools, paintings, steam whistles, signal bells and detailed steamboat models. Group tours offer personalized experiences with knowledgeable guides. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance; check the booking terms before your trip.

Schimpff's offers live candy-making demonstrations by prior reservation. They make Cinnamon Red Hots, hand-dipped chocolates and caramel-covered Modjeskas. Schimpff's Confectionery’s Candy Museum houses thousands of pieces of American candy memorabilia, including antique candy-making machines, historic packaging and advertisements. RiverStage offers a Summer Concert Series and other free events.

Plan Your Stay

You can tailor your search for hotel deals to the experiences you’re planning.

Explore more destinations: Sellersburg, Borden, Jeffersonville, Rush County, Fountain County, Putnam County, Monroe, Marion.

For the broader travel overview: Indiana.