Gentryville IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gentryville, Indiana.
1. Colonel William Jones Home
HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL CONNECTION
The Colonel William Jones Home is a beautifully preserved historical site in Gentryville that showcases the legacy of an influential figure in American history. Visitors can step back in time while exploring this historic treasure that offers a glimpse into Indiana's rich past. The home has significance for history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the roots of the region's development.
2. Antique Shak
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Antique Shak offers a delightful shopping experience for those seeking unique vintage items and collectibles in Gentryville. Treasure hunters can browse through an eclectic selection of antiques, each with its own story and historical significance. The shop provides a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to both serious collectors and casual visitors looking for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
3. Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
PRESIDENTIAL CHILDHOOD HOME
The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial preserves the farm site where Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years from 1816 to 1830. Visitors can explore the memorial building, living historical farm, and hiking trails that commemorate the early life of America's 16th president. The site includes a museum with artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Lincoln's childhood in southern Indiana.
4. Lincoln State Park
NATURAL PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE
Lincoln State Park offers over 1,700 acres of natural beauty adjacent to the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln. The park features two scenic lakes, extensive hiking trails, and camping facilities for visitors to enjoy the same landscapes that shaped young Lincoln. History and nature blend seamlessly here, with historical sites including the Little Pigeon Baptist Church where the Lincoln family worshipped.
5. Hoosier National Forest
VAST OUTDOOR WILDERNESS
The Hoosier National Forest spans 203,000 acres of diverse landscape across south-central Indiana, offering countless outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, enjoy fishing and boating on numerous lakes, or discover unique geological features like caves and rock formations. The forest's varied ecosystems provide habitat for diverse wildlife and seasonal displays of wildflowers and fall foliage.
6. Santa Claus Museum & Village
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT YEAR-ROUND
The Santa Claus Museum & Village preserves the unique history of the town that shares its name with the beloved Christmas figure. Visitors can explore historic buildings including the original 1856 Santa Claus Post Office, the 1880 Santa Claus Church, and a museum filled with Christmas artifacts. Children and adults alike enjoy writing letters to Santa and seeing the 22-foot Santa statue that has welcomed visitors since 1935.
7. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
THRILLING HOLIDAY-THEMED PARK
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari combines a holiday-themed amusement park with an expansive water park for family fun in all seasons. The park features world-class wooden roller coasters, water slides, wave pools, and attractions organized into holiday-themed sections including Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Fourth of July. Visitors appreciate the park's clean facilities, free soft drinks, free sunscreen, and friendly atmosphere that has earned it numerous industry awards.
8. Versailles State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Versailles State Park is Indiana's second-largest state park, offering 5,988 acres of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The park features a 230-acre lake for fishing and boating, over 20 miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, and a swimming pool for summer visitors. Campers can choose from modern campsites or rustic cabins while enjoying the park's diverse wildlife and historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
9. Versailles Historic District
CHARMING SMALL-TOWN HERITAGE
The Versailles Historic District showcases the architectural heritage and small-town charm of this southern Indiana community. Visitors can stroll through streets lined with well-preserved 19th-century buildings that reflect the town's development since its founding in 1818. Local shops, restaurants, and historical markers provide opportunities to experience the authentic character of rural Indiana life both past and present.
10. Lawrenceburg Historic District
RIVER TOWN HERITAGE
The Lawrenceburg Historic District presents a well-preserved collection of 19th and early 20th-century architecture in this Ohio River town. Visitors can explore the district's historic commercial buildings, Victorian homes, and civic structures that reflect the prosperity brought by river trade and industry. The area combines historical interest with modern amenities including local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that make it a worthwhile destination.
11. MGM Grand Casino & Hotel
RIVERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
The MGM Grand Casino & Hotel offers a premier entertainment experience on the banks of the Ohio River near Lawrenceburg. Visitors can enjoy gaming tables, slot machines, multiple dining options ranging from casual to fine cuisine, and live entertainment throughout the week. The attached hotel provides luxurious accommodations for those looking to extend their stay and explore the attractions of the surrounding region.
12. Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum recreates the environment of southern Indiana during Abraham Lincoln's formative years in the region. The village features 14 replica cabins and buildings furnished with period artifacts that illustrate daily life during the early 19th century. Visitors gain insights into the cultural and historical context that shaped Lincoln's character through exhibits, demonstrations, and special events held throughout the year.
13. Marengo Cave
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Marengo Cave is a spectacular U.S. National Landmark offering visitors the chance to explore an underground wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating cave formations. Two different guided tours showcase distinct portions of the cave system, allowing visitors to witness features like Crystal Palace, Music Hall, and Mirror Lake. Above ground, the park offers gemstone mining, a maze challenge, and camping facilities for a complete family adventure.
14. Squire Boone Caverns
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE
Squire Boone Caverns invites visitors to discover the underground passages where Daniel Boone's brother Squire found refuge in the late 1700s. The guided cave tour features stunning formations, underground waterfalls, and fascinating geological and historical information about this natural wonder. The surrounding park includes a working gristmill, pioneer village, zip lines, and nature trails that complement the cave experience with above-ground adventures.
15. Scenic Ohio River Byway
RIVERSIDE DRIVING TOUR
The Scenic Ohio River Byway traces the northern bank of the Ohio River across southern Indiana, offering spectacular views and access to historic river towns. Travelers can enjoy the changing landscapes, from limestone bluffs to fertile bottomlands, while stopping at numerous historical markers, parks, and viewpoints along the route. The byway connects visitors to river heritage sites, local wineries, antique shops, and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the region.