Monroe: Lakes, Trails and Cultural Sites

Monroe Lake is Indiana’s largest inland body of water. It covers nearly 11,000 acres and has a maximum depth of 54 feet. Camping, swimming, fishing, hiking and boating are all possible there. Those interested in the waters around Monroe will also find a distinct setting at Griffy Lake: the lake covers 109 acres and is surrounded by more than 1,200 acres of nature preserve. Non-motorized boats and boats with electric trolling motors are permitted on Griffy Lake. Ten trails run around the lake and through the nature preserve.

Scenery and Trails

The Turkey Trot Trail is a moderately difficult 1.75-mile out-and-back trail. In southern Monroe County, the Clear Creek Trail and Limestone Greenway offer two more paved out-and-back routes: Clear Creek is 4.7 miles long, and the Limestone Greenway is 3.5 miles long. The Clear Creek Trail is also suitable for most wheelchairs and mobility aids.

At Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve, a 2-mile trail runs mostly as a raised loop over plastic or wooden boardwalks. The plastic section is accessible to people with limited mobility, and several observation platforms are located along the trail. Cedar Bluff in southern Monroe County offers a different landscape, featuring a 75-foot-high limestone cliff, red cedars growing on the rocks, distinctive rock formations and wildflowers. Tens of thousands of acres of Hoosier National Forest also lie within Monroe County.

Parks and Greenways

The fully paved Karst Farm Greenway begins at Karst Farm Park and runs north for more than 7 miles to Campbells Park in the Town of Ellettsville. The site’s history dates back to 1969: after the county closed its poor farm, the property was turned into a park.

A seven-mile paved loop runs through Flatwoods Park, serving as a multi-purpose educational trail. The theme of water leads visitors to explore the geology, formation and history of the parkland. The old fields also have a role to play: they provide habitat for butterflies and nesting grassland birds.

At Will Detmer Park, a paved trail circles a 0.5-acre pond and a picnic area. There is a fishing pier and an observation area at the pond. Fenced garden plots and raised beds are available for public rental. Those out with a dog will find an area at Karst Farm Dog Park, which requires membership, where dogs can run and play off leash. The park also has a 1/6-mile walking trail.

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area offers a campground, two cabins, a boat ramp, a beach and a playground. Monroe County Parks and Recreation runs environmental education programs, including guided hikes; dates may vary.

Culture and Discovery

The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center covers 90 acres and offers a peaceful place for meditation and reflection. It was founded in 1979 by Thubten J. Norbu, professor emeritus at Indiana University. Its goals included introducing people to Tibetan history and culture and supporting Tibetans around the world. The center offers workshops, classes, seminars, initiations, retreats and ceremonies throughout the year. These are connected with Tibetan exile communities and with Mongolians from Mongolia, Kalmykia, Buryatia and Tuva.

WonderLab features interactive science exhibits that encourage exploration, spark curiosity and foster imagination. Its programs take place weekly or monthly and offer the whole family interactive science experiences. As the schedule may change, it’s a good idea to check the current calendar before visiting. The Lilly Library houses millions of cultural and literary artifacts, including a New Testament from the Gutenberg Bible.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bloomington, Pulaski County, Wabash County, Grant County, Warren County, Fountain County, Clark, Indiana County.

For the main travel overview: Indiana.