Extended Weekend Getaways Many of the destinations listed below are part of the Indiana State Nature Passport! Check in and explore participating locations throughout the state to earn great prizes! The more you visit, the more you win. This program is 100% free, but property entrance fees might apply when you visit.
Five Mile Challenge at Turkey Run State Park
This park’s “Ladders Trail” has been voted the best hiking trail in Indiana in recent years. The trail is a part of the 5-mile challenge. The rugged hike covers 5.56 miles, including a ladder and ~1,500 human-made steps. The trail visits the Coal Mine, the Narrows Covered Bridge, Lusk Home, the Punch Bowl, Camel’s Back, “140” steps, Boulder Canyon, Falls Canyon, and many stream crossings, making the approximately six-mile hike very worthwhile. Parts of the trail require hikers to travel along as well as in the stream, so hikers should dress appropriately. We suggest hiking boots and walking sticks or trekking poles at the very minimum. After completing this challenge, you can purchase a sticker to display.
Explore Brown County
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in Indiana, Valley Branch Retreat offers more than 1,000 acres of year-round fun. There are now 15 world-class Zip Lines that create a Tree Top Canopy Adventure for all ages, including the 
Explorer Tour (crossing the lake three times), the Screamer Tour (Indiana’s fastest and longest tandem racing zip line) and the Super Hero (fly in the position of Superman). explore Brown County has 30 miles of ATV and 4Wheel trails, 30 miles of Brown County’s most challenging mountain bike trails, hiking, and an incredible paintball setup.
The longest—and perhaps most famous— mountain biking trail in Indiana is within Brown County State Park. At 27.9 miles, the trail has a 2,432’ ascent and -2,431’ descent. Challenging? Yes! And also a beautiful, invigorating ride. Its singletrack has some of the most varied terrain east of the Mississippi: berms, steep switchbacks, tight trees, and rock gardens. The International Mountain Bicycling Association named Brown County a Bronze Level Ride Center, making it one of the best places to ride in the world.
Gabis Arboretum and Railway Garden
Gabis Arboretum, located in Valparaiso, preserves 330 acres of prairie, forest and wetlands along with an extensive collection of oak trees. Similar to a botanical garden, but featuring a wide collection of trees, the attraction also features an incredible Railway Garden which is an outdoor g-gauge model train garden sprawling over an acre depicting America’s steam engine history.
Rock Climbing at Muscatatuck Park
Located in Jennings County, Muscatatuck Park is one of the only places here you can go rock climbing in Indiana. The climbing is primarily bouldering, making it a unique outdoor adventure. However, there are some taller climbs that tend to be geared more for top-roped. The rock is dolomite limestone and its angle goes from dead vertical to completely horizontal roofs. This county park is also great for hiking, mountain biking, camping and fishing, making for a complete and enjoyable extended weekend getaway.
Four Falls Challenge at Clifty Falls State Park
Enjoy the rugged cliffs and canyons along with the park’s four major waterfalls on thie four-mile hiking challenge. Hike part of the path of the old railroad that was once planned to cut through the park and see the 600-feet-long tunnel that was excavated through shale and limestone. See stonework completed by the C.C.C. on this two-to-three hour hike. Stop by the Nature Center or the Clifty Inn and pick up a map to explore and photograph seven different waypoints along your journey. Show the photos to the nature center staff after your hike to receive your Four Falls Challenge sticker. This location is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport.
Pete Dye Golf Trail
Your outdoor adventure in Indiana can also include a day or two (or several) on the golf course. The father of modern golf course architecture called Indiana home. Mr. Dye’s designs left an unforgettable mark on golf’s history. The Pete Golf Trail showcases his incredible collection of golf courses in Indiana while offering challenging golf experiences and unique destinations. The trail is made up of 7 courses throughout the state, including the Ackerman-Allen Course, Brickyard Crossing, Kampen Course, Maple Creek Golf and Country Club, The Fort Golf Resort, The Pete Dye Course at French Lick and Tippecanoe Country Club. An outdoor adventure like no other, this collection of courses will challenge your game with signature Pete Dye design elements like pot bunkers, small greens, and the use of railroad ties. Complete all of the courses on the Pete Dye Golf Trail and receive an official Pete Dye Golf Trail pin flag and bragging rights for life.
