My husband and I are volunteers here at the park. It is a beautiful, well-maintained park, possibly…read morethe most beautiful park in the state. The campsites are breathtaking and the trails are spectacular! Make sure this park is on your list for hiking, camping, picnicking, or just relaxing.

Our favorite state park in Indiana. My friends and I camp here for a four day weekend at least…read moreonce a year, and sometimes visit for just a day hiking trip and picnic. The campgrounds are excellent, especially Taylor Ridge. But be aware that you need to make reservations ahead of time, especially if you are planning a fall camping trip. Campsites sell out early. Shower rooms are decent, not wonderful. But satisfactory for a campground. Quiet hours are strictly observed, and the park rangers will pay a visit to your campsite if you aren't quiet after 10:00 pm Once we received a visit from a friendly park ranger when we were playing cards around 11 pm. We hadn't realized that we were being noisy at all but the ranger advised us that sound carries throughout the campground. Hiking trails range from easy to moderate. Trail maps are available are the trails are well marked. You will likely see deer and raccoons when hiking the trails. Some members of our group enjoy mountain biking too.

Hands down the BEST place to stay in brown county with a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled…read morestaff. The grounds are clean and they offer a lot to enjoy. They're my favorite place to visit in the area. Outstanding grounds and above and beyond staff.

I had a blast here playing paintball. I called ahead, made reservations, they told me when to get…read morethere for our 1pm start time. We had 20 people and they were so organized. When we got there, we followed the signs to paintball. We went into the place that looked like it would be the office, it was. We made sure everyone signed the waiver, a few of us wanted overalls. We got everything done and we were ready for our safety / procedure instructions. After that, we started the paintball fight! We split in two teams, the teams were mixed each session, we played about 6 rounds with 3 different games and then it was time for us to head home - we could have been there longer, but we had a schedule to keep. Overall - it was a fun time for everyone.

My fathers side of the family and me would come here pretty much every year when I was a kid (going…read moreon 26 next month). All of the memories come rushing back. We've stayed there for weekends and short stays in a slew of different campers and RVs, as well as coming for day trips where we would set up a cookout at the reservable building across from the swimming beach. My papaw and I would then go down the nearby ramp to fish. Enjoyed it every time. Considering taking the wife and camper up there from Kentucky this October for our anniversary, let her see where a lot of my childhood was. Will update with photos, etc if we do go.

Everything at the boat rental. Before you leave the dock…read morewhen renting a boat check all items so make sure they work there's no tears rips any damage of any kind.

The visitors center right off the square in Franklin is one of the best! It has a Photo Booth, a…read moremini replica water slide, mini theater, and a mini dj booth that you can practice DJ'ing. Now for the nations 250th birthday they have a really cool light up flag and you can sign the huge Declaration of Independence as well as have your picture taken in the statue of liberty. They have a mini gift shop with neat shirts, bags, posters things like that. They have a great selection of brochures for all around. Franklin has a GREAT farmers market that will be starting up soon as well as a great splash pad area amphitheater as well as home to the 104 year old Artcraft Theater!!!! Great town just south of Indy!

I was in downtown Franklin for a friend's birthday party. I'd arrived early in order to grab lunch…read moreand visit the nearby Artcraft, but I also had some extra time and decided I would check out some other Franklin establishments. Of course, a stop at the "Festival Country Indiana Visitor Center" was a must as it was about a block of the town square and serves as the area's visitor's center. I will admit that I hadn't heard of the "Festival Country" campaign, a campaign that encompasses Johnson County communities including Franklin, Greenwood, Edinburgh, Bargersville, Whiteland, New Whiteland, Trafalgar, and Princes Lakes. The Visitor's Center is located in a brightly decorated building on Water Street. It's level to the ground and wheelchair accessible, though it is in an older building and the front door is a touch heavy. It's a relatively small location. You enter - to the left immediately is an area for retail purchase of t-shirts, posters, etc. I will admit I was really tempted by an Artcraft poster. You, of course, also have a large rack of flyers and brochures related to things to do in Johnson County. There is a staffed counter on one side, a couple of photo op exhibits toward the back, and a video that plays in an area set up to look like a mini-Artcraft auditorium. The theme here is obviously emphasizing the area's many festivals. It has to be a little difficult right now, however, considering so much is impacted by the pandemic. You were expected to wear a mask when entering and to respect social distancing. The volunteer (I'm assuming) working the counter actually wasn't wearing a mask when I entered, but quickly realized it and put theirs on. This spot also offers free wifi. The photo opportunity was fun, though not particularly wheelchair friendly. However, it's a cute idea that plays off the fact that there's a place you can do paragliding and skydiving in Franklin. The website has a ton of information about area attractions, restaurants, lodgings, etc. There are also some special deals. To be honest, I spent only a few minutes in this actual location. I watched their film. I checked out their sales items. I read through some information about local breweries. I also picked up some brochures. If you're in downtown Franklin and wondering what to do - this is a great place to stop, get information, and ask questions. While there's not much "to do" here, it's a central location to get all the needed info and directions before moving on to enjoy your Johnson County day. It always feels like Franklin, in particular, is farther away but it truly is just one county south and it's a fun little college town. It's an easy day trip with some great spots to visit.

Hiked the Rock Shelter Via Low Gap trail which is about 3.2 miles loop. It's a great hike with a…read morelot of twists and turns and some damage from the tornado that still remains. No water this time of the year or creeks running which my pups would have loved. But it was a hike that broke a sweat so I am a happy hiker. MAKE SURE TO DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS as you loose internet multiple times inside the park. Parts of the hike were in access to the network and I had back up. But it could be an issue for someone getting lost. There's a pretty lake for fishing and it's a very quiet, not so hyped park and has such a serene atmosphere. Lots of serious hikers on the trail but nothing to say it was overcrowded.

It's a state forest, no pool for the kiddies, but there are miles and miles of decent low and high…read moreeffort trails. It's pristine, clean, decent and clean restrooms (when they get around to adding the TP), and although the roads are in bad shape in many places, it's a fine spot for forest bathing. Your cellphone might not work in some parts of it. Put it away. If you simply must, go to the top of most hills. There are no gas stations or stores within ten miles in any direction; bring the stuff you need for your visit. In the summer, the amount of oxygen you can get here is almost overwhelmingly delicious. There are playgrounds, picnic tables, and shelters, and hundreds of places for a picnic on a blanket/rug. There are insects; remember your bug spray and tick repellent. Enjoy. It's FREE.

Clean. Decor is cute. Well positioned to restaurants and shopping. Each room is different from the…read moreother.

The Iris Gardens is PRIME location in brown county!! Tucked in behind the mineral and rock shop,…read moreexpect nothing but good energy The rooms are beyond cozy and have great amenities! We will be back here every time we visit this perfect little town. *Brown county tip* There aren't many late night dining options. Take advantage of the mini fridge and microwave at the Iris gardens and bring some hot pockets or pizza rolls in case you get the 11:00 pm munchies like me!

My boyfriend proposed in the Gardens here and it couldn't have been more romantic and unique. We…read morestayed at the hotel and had breakfast in the morning - exceptional from start to finish. The decor, scenery, community, food and service was top notch and unlike any other hotel stay you'll find. I recommend for special events, anniversaries, a gifted stay, or just because! Irwin Gardens will always have a special place in my heart

Drove from Cincinnati primarly to see the gardens which are supposed to be open from 2 to 6 on…read moretuesdays. they decided not to open

Sometimes it is important to review a rest area and give praise when it is due. A clean bathroom…read moreis a great thing and without reviews you would just take the risk. I'm trying to help everyone minimize their risk and avoid disgusting toilets. Anyway, in this case, Indiana is going a good job. This is a small rest area. But, the facilities were well maintained. There is also a little wooded area for walking and having a picnic. Recommended!

My final review in Indiana on this trip was this brief stop at the rest area southbound on I-65…read more this rest area is on I-65 between Indianapolis and Louisville and instead of the coffee that kicked in, there was a (single) beer and at least three glasses of water from St. Elmo Steak House https://www.yelp.com/biz/st-elmo-steak-house-indianapolis-3?hrid=mP8N9e1dK0OKBjbrijPbbQ that were making themselves known. Like others in Indiana, it was clean from litter and bathrooms were decent. There are vending machines and picnic tables. Easy access from the interstate with a sweeping turn that would slow people down as they enter. The shape of the center lends itself to shade trees for cars (not so much the truck parking) if you were thinking of a brief siesta before continuing onwards. Back on to the highway was easy with a decently long acceleration ramp allowing a simple merge. [Review 13549 overall, 868 of 2020.]