The grass is greener, daylight lingers a bit longer each day, and the woods are beginning to fill with vibrant wildflowers in a rainbow of colors. Springtime has arrived in the Indiana Uplands.
No matter the season, adventure awaits you in the Uplands, but shaking off the winter slumber is most exciting in our rolling hills. From strolling through a nature preserve at the home of a famous Indiana impressionist painter to making a big splash at an indoor water park, there are endless opportunities for excitement – and relaxation – in the Uplands.
Here is our list of five attractions to discover in the Uplands this spring. Happy exploring!
Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum
Greene County
Nestled in the lush woodlands of Greene County, the Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum offers a unique and vibrant fusion of art and nature to enchant visitors of all ages. Established in 2002, the open-air gallery showcases a dynamic collection of over 180 large-scale sculptures crafted by talented artists from around the world. As you meander through the winding trails, each turn offers a new artistic discovery set against the backdrop of the Indiana Uplands’ serene beauty. Beyond its visual allure, the museum serves as a hub for creativity, offering an array of hands-on sculpture workshops, and career enhancement opportunities for artists. Don’t forget to download the Trails Map to enhance your exploration of this free museum that is open daily. Plan your next artistic adventure in the Uplands!
T.C. Steele State Historic Site
Brown County
Step back in time and into the world of Indiana’s most famous impressionist painter when you visit the T.C. Steele State Historic Site. Steele and his wife Selma built their home, The House of the Singing Winds, in the rolling hills of Brown County in 1907. Steele’s paintings drew inspiration from the beauty of their home and the magnificent landscapes that enveloped it. Selma decorated their home with eclectic furnishings, arts, and crafts. You can experience the home today much like the couple’s visitors did years ago. The historic site also features multiple studios, a new visitor’s center, and hiking trails. The 92-acre Selma N. Steele Nature Preserve presents a stunning spring landscape adorned with wildflowers and inhabited by diverse wildlife. You may even see art in action as one of the studios is now used as a working studio for artists-in-residence.
Marengo Caves
Crawford County
Venture underground on a rainy day and explore Indiana’s most visited natural attraction. Marengo Cave in Crawford County has underground fun for the whole family! Explore the cave all year! Spring weather means more fun above ground, too! In addition to the Crystal Palace and Dripstone Trail cave tours, we have some other amazing activities! New in 2020, you can buy a wristband for $20, get unlimited times for the day, on the Pedal Karts, 30’ Sky Climber, 5,000 square feet on the Mega Maze, Mini Glow Putt Putt & the Crawl Simulator plus one bag of Gem Stone Mining. Extend the fun into the night and camp out!
Cataract Falls
Owen County
We all know we’re not supposed to chase waterfalls, but in the Indiana Uplands we make an exception when exploring Cataract Falls because warmer weather and water just seem together! Prepare to be captivated by the roar of the falls in the Lieber State Recreation Area as they cascade over, creating a natural white noise and a sense of tranquility you cannot easily find anywhere else. Travel and Leisure agrees! The travel magazine named Cataract Falls the best waterfall in the state! This waterfall in Owen County lures adventure seekers from near and far to the Uplands – and with one visit you will understand why!
Big Splash Adventure
Orange County
Springtime splashes and smiles are endless at Big Splash Adventure in the Indiana Uplands! Family fun can be found all year round at this 40,000-square-foot indoor water park and hotel in Orange County. Don’t forget to check out the arcade and win big! Looking to take a break from splashing and refuel? Dry off and visit the Boatyard restaurant in the resort or order a delicious pizza from the Galley next to the water park. It is safe to say no even if springtime brings rain showers, you can get a little taste of summer splashing around at this special gem in the Uplands.
