Monumental iron sculptures among the trees, forests with more than 120 lakes, and landscapes shaped by mining: Greene County brings together a variety of natural and cultural attractions. When planning your trip, it helps to decide first whether sculptures and history, bodies of water and trails, or open habitats should take center stage.
Art, History, and Performing Arts
At the Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum, monumental iron sculptures stand among the trees. The open-air museum offers guided tours and excursions. The program also includes the Blacksmith Workshop Program, with hands-on blacksmithing workshops led by the museum’s Artists in Residence. Workshop dates may vary; check the latest information if you plan to visit.
Historic buildings also give the trip a cultural focus. The current building of the Yoho General Store in Solsberry was built in 1934. Its restoration preserved the original store fixtures, plank floors, wooden shelves, and a Hot Blast Florence Stove. The Carnegie Heritage and Arts Center of Greene County is located in the former Margaret Cooper Public Library. Built in 1907, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Shawnee Theatre is dedicated to producing theater and other performing arts entertainment. Together with the art and history sites, it broadens the cultural experience beyond individual buildings and exhibitions.
Forests, Water, and Varied Landscapes
The natural areas differ considerably in size and landscape. The Redbird Off-Road State Recreation Area covers 1,400 acres and has been shaped by surface and underground mining. The Greene-Sullivan State Forest encompasses nearly 9,000 acres of forest and rolling hills, with more than 120 lakes. Activities listed there include horseback riding and wildlife watching.
Water takes center stage at Shakamak State Park: three man-made lakes offer a combined 400 acres of water for fishing and boating. Visitors who want to explore the landscape on foot while watching for birds can also take Trail 1. This moderate trail follows the shore of Lake Shakamak for 3.95 miles and offers opportunities to observe waterfowl and shorebirds. This makes it possible to consider a specific trail and water activities as different planning priorities.
The Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area in Greene County covers 9,098 acres of prairie and wetland habitat and offers opportunities for outdoor recreation. Its visitor center has an observation deck with panoramic views and interpretive exhibits. The Hillenbrand Fish & Wildlife Area preserves 3,631 acres of upland game and wetland habitat, as well as lakes and shallow impoundments, in Greene County. Its available waters include 125 acres, including 27-acre Horseshoe Lake.
Trip-Planning Priorities
The destinations described offer concrete points of comparison rather than just a general nature itinerary: Shakamak State Park features three lakes, a combined 400 acres of water, and a 3.95-mile shoreline trail. The Greene-Sullivan State Forest combines forest and rolling hills with more than 120 lakes; Goose Pond offers prairie and wetland habitats, as well as a visitor center with an observation deck and exhibits. Your choice therefore depends on which landscape and activity interest you most.
Tulip can also be considered as a separate part of your trip: a scenic drive over hills and through valleys leads to the community. Check road conditions in advance. Then consider the location of each accommodation in relation to the destinations you actually plan to visit.
Discover more destinations: Linton, Springville, Pulaski County, Posey County, Indiana County, Huntington County, Henry County, Gibson County.
For the broader trip overview: Indiana.
