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Southern Indiana Tourism — Washington County Attractions

The Lanning House, one of many B&B Inns throughout the region, is part of The John Hay Center. Guest accommodations are available.

For more information, visit their web site.

If you're looking for plenty of spaces and places of historical significance, or just plain restful adventures, Southern Indiana offers some of the finest, and most conveniently accessible locations anywhere in the midwest.

There's an abundance of informative and enjoyable locations you'll want to visit. Whether you're looking for a one-day trip or an even longer stay, you'll find a wealth of opportunities within a day's drive.

Since The John Hay Center, with its museum, pioneer village, and a replica of the old Monon Railroad Depot is likely to be part of your plan, you might want to plan on spending a night or two at one of the Bed & Breakfast Inns or motels in the area so you can take in other sights while you're visiting the region.

You'll find that the Washington County area provides excellent opportunities for camping, hunting and fishing, biking, cave exploration, bird-watching, and much more.

Additional Attractions in Washington County

    County-owned Delaney Park north of Salem, with its 88-acre lake and 187 acres of woods and open spaces, has become a popular family recreation site. Surrounded in three sides by the Jackson-Washington State Forest, it offers hiking, swimming, fishing, basketball courts, boat rentals, cabin rentals, modern and primitive camp sites and a restaurant. Delaney Park is 15 minutes north of Salem.

    The Knobstone Trail, which starts at Deam Lake in adjoining Clark County, winds its way north through woods and over hills and creeks to Delaney Park.

    Salem Speedway has been providing exciting racing action for fans since 1947. Action on the half-mile, high-banked oval include stock, midget and sprint races. The track has hosted many of the best-known names in racing. It is one mile west of Salem on State Road 56.

    Jackson-Washington State Forest This part of the state (northern boundary of Washington County) contains unique topography known as the "knobs" region, and affords scenic views from Skyline Drive and some breathtaking hiking trails.

    Community Calendar - Courtesy of the Washington County Community Foundation

Nearby Places of Interest

    Clark State Forest is one of the most unspoiled natural areas in southeastern Indiana.

    Historic West Baden Springs Hotel, once touted as the eighth wonder of the world, is just 30 minutes from Salem. More than $30 million has been spent on the partial renovation of this impressive building which is owned by Indiana Historic Landmarks Foundation. The Foundations offers tours at a nominal fee. West Baden is 40 minutes west of Salem.

    Nearby is another of Indiana’s famous hotels, the French Lick Springs Hotel and Resort.

    Spring Mill State Park at Mitchell has lodging at its inn, a restored pioneer village, camping and fishing. Also, the inn has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and excellent restaurant. Spring Mill is 25 minutes west of Salem. Mitchell is the home of astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom, one of the seven original NASA astronauts. The Gus Grissom Memorial is located on 6th Street next to the Mitchell Municipal Building. There is an additional memorial to Gus at Spring Mill State Park which is 3 miles east of town.

    Corydon, Indiana, with its many antique shops and excellent restaurants is a favorite stop for visitors to southern Indiana. It was the state’s first state capitol. The historical capitol building is the centerpiece of the town square. Corydon is 35 minutes south of Salem.

    Caesars Indiana, located on the Ohio River in neighboring Harrison County, is home to the Glory of Rome. At 450 feet long, 100 feet wide and four stories tall, it is the world's largest gaming vessel.

    Located on the Ohio River, the small river community of Madison takes visitors back in time. Restored buildings in the downtown historic district look much as they did a century ago. Numerous antique shops, quaint restaurants and a sweeping view of the Ohio River make this city, 45 minutes east of Salem, a favorite for visitors to southern Indiana.

    Louisville, Kentucky is an exciting city offering numerous activities, including Churchill Downs, the spectacular Louisville Zoo, the Louisville Slugger Bat factory, the Belle of Louisville steamboat, to name just a few.

    Located on the Indiana side of the Ohio River is New Albany, another historic river town offering much charm and many attractions for visitors.

    The Indiana Railway Museum at French Lick offers excursion rides along the historic line south of French Lick. French Lick is 45 minutes west of Salem.

    The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY is around an hour's drive from Salem. Its International status in the world of horse-racing is legendary.

    Derby Dinner Playhouse at Clarksville, IN (30 minutes south on State Road 60 or take I-65) is an entertainment tradition for thirty years. Derby Dinner Playhouse offers live-stage productions, a plentiful buffet, and desserts that are so big you'll need two spoons. Derby Dinner is one of the largest dinner theatres in the country.

    Indianapolis Motor Speedway The Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400, USGP - Indianapolis, IN (2 hours north via I-65) is regarded as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing".

    Madison Regatta Madison, IN (45 minutes east on State Road 56). Madison, Indiana, is steeped in a competitive tradition that dates back to the 1800s when steamboats raced each other on the legendary Ohio River. It is because of this that boat racing remains very deeply engrained in the public consciousness.

    Bedford, Indiana, 45 miles northwest of Salem, is the Limestone Capital of the world.

    Marengo Cave National Landmark Marengo, IN (45 minutes south via State Road 135)

    Lincoln National Memorial Lincoln City, Indiana (1 hour west via I-64) Holiday World Santa Claus, Indiana (1 hour west via I-64)