In Jennings County, river landscapes, forest trails, and places with a long history come together. Each destination has its own focus: at Muscatatuck Park, trails and historic structures combine nature experiences with the park’s history; at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, vast habitats and wildlife viewing shape the landscape. When planning your trip, you can choose from quiet landscapes, trails along the water, and historic buildings.
Forest, Water, and Trails
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge covers 50,000 acres in three counties, including Jennings County. Deciduous forest, wetlands, and grassland offer opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing, as well as photography. At 165-acre Old Timbers Lake, fishing, bank fishing, and boating in paddle- or trolling-motor boats are possible. Two self-guided nature trails are nearby: Beech Tree Trail and Wolf Tree Trail.
Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area offers a different landscape: across 4,288 acres, wooded, rolling terrain alternates with ponds and the Muscatatuck River. Bank fishing is possible at all ponds and along the river. Smaller, at 355 acres, Selmier State Forest offers versatile woodland, hiking trails, and access to the Muscatatuck River. At its northern end, a one-mile, self-guided forest management trail covers topics such as tree identification, succession, and measures to improve the forest. The forest is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
These areas differ not only in size, but also in what they draw your attention to: the varied habitats and nature viewing at Big Oaks, the combination of hills, ponds, and river at Crosley, and, at Selmier State Forest, the development and care of the forest as well. Fish species listed at Selmier State Forest include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, perch, and catfish.
Trails Along the Muscatatuck River
Muscatatuck Park has nearly 10 miles of non-motorized trails designed for multiple uses. The trails offer viewpoints overlooking the Muscatatuck River and two wetlands. A separate walking path runs for over a mile along the river from the park campground to Tunnel Mill; the path is mostly level. This makes it possible to combine a specific walk with a historic site without limiting the park’s trails to a single route.
The river itself brings seasonal considerations: from late winter to early summer, there are opportunities to travel on the Muscatatuck River by water; in late summer, it is not navigable. If you include a river activity in your plans, take this seasonal difference into account. For a walk to Tunnel Mill, the described route from the campground is a separate point of reference.
Traces of Work and Building History
Tunnel Mill was an early pioneer gristmill. Its tunnel was cut through a limestone ridge. Vinegar Mill also tells the story of how local limestone was used: it was built to cut stone from the surrounding canyon area. Extensive ruins give an impression of how this historic stone-cutting operation worked. In the Vinegar Mill area, a stone staircase also leads to the river, where fishing and a nature hike are possible.
Other structures bring the history of Muscatatuck Park to life. The park opened in 1921 as Indiana’s fourth state park. In the 1930s, Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps workers built stone shelters, stairways, a fire tower, trails, and retaining walls. These structures form a distinct historic layer alongside the park’s trails and viewpoints.
The North American House was built in 1838 as a stagecoach stop and inn. Today it is a historic museum and history center with thousands of unique exhibits. The William Read Home was built around 1850 in the Greek Revival style and houses several interpretive exhibits, pictures, and other collections. Together, the two houses add different forms of historic use and architecture to the story of the mills and park structures.
Dates for Historic Visits
The Vernon blacksmith shop is open on the second Saturday of each month from April through October, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as during historical society events. If you plan to visit, check the historical society’s schedule in advance. This is especially helpful if your trip depends on a particular opening day or event.
Discover more destinations: North Vernon, Vermillion County, Starke County, Gibson County, Pike, Jay County, Marshall County, Fulton County.
See the broader travel overview: Indiana.
