Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park is just east of Bloomington in Southern Indiana.

Understand
Next to the popular arts community of Nashville (Locals often call it "Brown County"), this state park can get very crowded during warm months. The busiest time is during the fall, when droves of out-of-towners make their way into the area to view the "fall colors" of the changing leaves.

History
Brown County State Park is the largest of all of the state parks, founded in 1929.

Landscape
Rolling hills and dense woods run the landscape.

Flora and fauna
Flora throughout the park varies including: Black walnut, black locust, pines, spruce, oak, hickory, sassafras, beech, maple, ferns, and yellowwood trees.

White tailed deer, raccoon, gray squirrel, and countless birds such as crow, robin, white-breasted nuthatch, cardinal, bluejay, junco, wild turkey and pileated woodpeckers are frequently seen.

Climate
Located in Southern Indiana, the area gets quite warm during late spring and all summer. Rains and heavy storms are at times frequent, and during the winter the area is often a winter wonderland. Fall is stunning - Indian summers are frequent and the leaves are beautiful.

By car
I-65 runs north-south just to the east of the park, from Indianapolis (north) and Louisville (south). Head west off I-65 onto US-46 which will take you directly into Nashville and to the park.

Basic gate fees

 * Weekdays - $4 (Indiana plates)
 * Weekends (F-Su, holidays) - $5 (Indiana plates)
 * Non-Indiana residents - $7
 * Pedestrians, bikes, by horse - $2

Permits

 * One day horse permit - $5

Get around
Travelling into and around the park is easy by car, and plenty of lovely sites can be see from the comfort of your vehicle. But, of course, the best way to get around is by foot, bike or horse.

See

 * The beautiful views overlooking the valley and farmland. Countless views are offered up from your car, by foot, bike or horse. Some of the most breathtaking in the state.
 * Weed Patch Hill at 1,058 feet, its one of the highest points in the state.
 * See the leaves with thousands of others each Fall. Experience the most beautiful fall color in the state.
 * A lot of deer throughout the park, congregating in areas full of people. The deer are plentiful and once a year are offered up to hunters to make way for the next generations, and to control their populations. Visitors are often spotted feeding the deer as well.

Do

 * Go fishing at Ogle or Strahl Lake for bass, bluegill and more. Bring your license.
 * Hike the trails of one of the eighteen trails, ranging form easy to rugged.
 * Go horseback riding. Bring your own horses, or inquire at the saddle barn for information on tours.
 * Visit the interpretive center to learn more about day and night hikes, nature talks and information about the park.
 * Go mountain biking on almost 20 miles of biking trails.
 * Have a picnic at one of many picnic areas featuring grills, tables, toilets, and playgrounds.
 * Go swimming at the Olympic-size pool.

Buy
Check out neighboring town, Nashville, for countless shops and boutiques. You also can often get cheaper camping supplies outside of the park.


 * Camp Store features camping and picnic supplies, firewood and souvenirs.

Eat
Nearby Nashville also features a selection of restaurants - from fine to fast.



Drink
No booze is allowed in the park. For that, you have to head down into Nashville.

Sleep
Keep in mind Summer and Fall are the busiest seasons, so book far in advance, and expect seasonal rate increases.