By Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI)
Summer will be gone before we know it, so take advantage of this perfect time to explore the Indiana Uplands. Enjoy summer fun whether you’re underground, on the water, or at a drive-in movie theater. The Uplands offers plenty of activities while the temperatures are warm and the sun is shining!
To help you plan your summer adventures, we’ve created a uniquely Uplands bucket list! Here are some of our favorite spots to visit and enjoy during the summer. We hope you love them as much as we do!
1. Marengo Caves
Feeling hot, hot, hot? Cool off underground in the Uplands at the most visited natural attraction in Indiana: Marengo Caves in Crawford County! This natural gem is perfect for a visit in the summer when the weather is hot as it maintains a year-round temperature of 52 degrees. You can explore the cave all year! How cool is that? In addition to the Crystal Palace and Dripstone Trail cave tours, there are some amazing activities above ground including go-karts and putt-putt golf.
2. Wilstem Wildlife Park
Experience the ultimate thrill when you get up close and personal with majestic wildlife – and ride a zipline or two – at Wilstem Wildlife Park in Orange County! Elephants, sloths, giraffes, and otters – oh my! At Wilstem, you can visit with all these adorable animals and more! Go on a drive-thru safari in your own vehicle or catch a ride on Wilstem’s wagon to see the wildlife out in the open. Ready to go prehistoric? The recently added Dinosaur Safari features animated dinosaurs you can enjoy from your vehicle, too! Looking for more thrills? Ride a zipline or go horseback riding while you’re there! You can plan to spend an entire summer day at Wilstem alone! And maybe walk a way with a one-of-a-kind profile picture, too! Wilstem was recently nominated as one of the best animal encounters in the country by Newsweek. Cast your vote for them by July 31. The top animal encounter will be announced in August!
3. Patoka Lake Wine Cruise
Sipping a glass of wine as you soak in the sunset on a beautiful lake feels like a dream, but in the Indiana Uplands, it is a reality! Patoka Lake Wine Cruises happen all summer long on the Patoka Voyager cruise boat. Sunsets are paired with Indiana wines, d’oeuvres, and desserts. Taste delicious wines and forget about your worries for a while – only in the Uplands! Better hurry and book your spot for the last two cruises set to sail in August. While you’re there check out Patoka Lake Winery and the new Old Homestead Distilling Co. featuring a tasting room, gift shop, spirit slushies, craft cocktails, and distillery tours! There is also a new saloon, brewery, and a 28-room hotel, in case you feel like extending the Patoka Lake fun into the night!
4. Go putt-putting
Ready for a little friendly competition? Grab your crew and head to Hoosier Putt Hole in Monroe County or Freedom Fairway Miniature Golf in Lawrence County for a chance to get a hole-in-one with a side of FUN! These courses are packed with creatively designed obstacles that add an extra layer of excitement to every game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player, you’ll find something to enjoy. Perfect for all ages, a trip around these putt-putt courses promises laughter, fun, and memorable moments with family and friends. So, gather your group and embark on an adventure that blends challenge and amusement, creating unforgettable experiences for everyone!
5. Drive-in movie
Spend a warm summer night watching a movie under the stars in the Uplands! Did you know there are less than 300 drive-in theaters in the United States? Of those theaters, less than 20 are in Indiana! We are lucky in the Uplands to have THREE drive-in movie theaters hosting blockbuster nights under the stars all summer. Embrace nostalgia and enjoy the magic of movies from the comfort of your car by visiting Starlite Drive-In Theater in Monroe County, Holiday Drive-In in Lawrence County, and Cinema 67 Drive-In Theater in Owen County. Don’t forget the popcorn!