Perry County brings together cultural history and outdoor activities. The Ohio River Scenic Byway, trails for hiking and cycling, and historic sites offer different ways to tailor a trip to your interests. Timing also matters when planning: the Perry County Museum has seasonal opening hours, while trails in Hoosier National Forest can be used for hiking year-round.
Ohio River and Scenic Routes
The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs parallel to the Ohio River and connects historic villages and farms in the hilly, agricultural areas of southern Indiana. Its Indiana section covers 302 miles of scenic roads. This figure describes the section in the state, not a route length within Perry County.
Blue Heron Vineyard and Winery also offers a tangible connection to the river landscape: the winery sits on a rise overlooking the Ohio River. Alongside the long road route, there are individual places where the river scenery is part of the landscape.
Cultural Sites and Seasonal Opening Hours
The Perry County Museum is open on Sundays from June through the end of October. From November through May, visits are by appointment only. Check the current opening schedule before your visit, especially if the museum is a key part of your trip.
In Cannelton, the Celtic Cross is considered the world’s largest “In Situ” Celtic Cross. Local self-taught artist Greg Harris created it from a single, 22-foot-tall stone naturally embedded in the hillside. Myers Grade School, which has been an important place of education since 1868, is also associated with Cannelton.
Shubael Little Pioneer Village includes four authentic pioneer cabins, a working blacksmith shop with a forge, a historic woodworking shop, and Troy’s historic stone jail. Together with the Celtic Cross and the school, these sites offer a look at different aspects of history: early settlement, crafts, education, and a striking work in stone.
The Swiss Fest in Tell City is also part of the cultural offerings. It celebrates the community’s Swiss-German heritage and is a recurring event. The 2026 edition took place from August 5 to 8; the program featured live entertainment, rides, food, sporting events, parades, contests, and shopping. These dates and program details refer to the 2026 edition.
Hiking, Cycling and Equestrian Trails
Hoosier National Forest in Perry County has 84 miles of trails available for hiking year-round. The Tell City Riverwalk and trails in Hoosier National Forest are also suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. This gives you a choice between hiking and other ways to get active without presenting these activities as a single trail offering.
There are eight cycling routes in Perry County, ranging from 20 to 85 miles in length. Equestrian trails total 50 miles and include the German-Ridge, Mogan-Ridge, and Oriole Trails. The different distances help narrow down the kind of outing you want: cycling routes are listed across a wide range, while the equestrian trails are described by their combined length.
Water Activities and Trip Planning
Boat ramps providing access to the Ohio River are located in Troy, Tell City, Cannelton, Rocky Point, Rome, Magnet, Mano Point, and Derby. Pack A Dam Lock is another annual event on the river: 100 paddlers travel along the Ohio River and pass through the dam lock. Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area offers swimming and a sandy shoreline.
Plan your outings around their respective conditions; for the museum, pay particular attention to seasonal access. This makes it easier to plan your accommodations around the activities that matter most to your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bristow, Tell City, Wells County, Fulton County, Tipton County, Gibson County, Clay County, Marion.
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