Harrison County takes you to the heart of Indiana’s early history: Under the spreading branches of the Constitution Elm, delegates drafted the state constitution in 1816. The original capitol building in Corydon was built between 1814 and 1816 and served as the state capitol from 1816 to 1825. The Corydon Capitol State Historic Site is Indiana’s first state capitol.
History in Corydon and the County
Governor Hendricks’ Headquarters also tells the story of this early period: the two-story brick house in the Federal style dates from 1817. Tours of the house are part of the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site. If you’re planning a tour, check the schedule before your visit. Corydon also offers a free, self-guided walking tour—a way to explore the town at your own pace.
A restored log cabin at Battle of Corydon Memorial Park commemorates the area’s history. The Harrison County Discovery Center presents the Battle of Corydon in a 360-degree multimedia display. On July 9, 1863, General John Hunt Morgan’s 2,440-strong Confederate cavalry division overwhelmed the Harrison County Home Guard. Visitors interested in learning more about this episode in Civil War history can explore it through both the historic site and the multimedia presentation.
The Harrison County Popcorn Festival is also part of the county’s past and present: it is considered a local tradition and features a parade, live music, vendor booths, and food. If you’d like to include the festival in your trip, check the dates in advance.
Caves and Water Experiences
A 25-minute boat ride on an underground river is part of a visit to Indiana Caverns. Squire Boone Caverns offer a different perspective on the connection between water and caves: there, rimstone pools are open to the public, with thousands of gallons of water flowing through them daily. At Squire Boone Caverns, Boone’s Mill still grinds grain using water that flows out of the caves—just as it did two centuries ago.
Water also shapes the landscape above ground. The Blue River forms most of Harrison County’s western boundary and serves as a recreation area for residents and visitors. O’Bannon Woods State Park borders the Ohio River. The park includes a restored, working barn with a hay press, as well as a pioneer farmstead.
Trails Through Forest and Countryside
At Hayswood Nature Reserve, a trail runs alongside Indian Creek and eventually crosses it. The reserve also has an easy, paved, low-gradient walking path with accessible features. The easy, unpaved trail through the woods at Battle of Corydon Memorial Park has a different character. The walking paths described here differ in their surfaces and gradients.
If you’re planning a longer hike, consider the Adventure Trail. This approximately 25-mile loop runs through Harrison-Crawford State Forest and O’Bannon Woods State Park; it takes about three days to complete. There are four shelters and two primitive campsites along the trail. The shelters are assigned exclusively to hikers on this trail on a first-come, first-served basis. Since these arrangements may change, check the current policy before setting out.
A shorter loop is the Rocky Ridge Bike and Hike Trail in O’Bannon Woods State Park: it is two miles long, near campsite 35, and passes through deep ravines and along scenic rocky slopes.
More Outdoor Activities
The lake at Buffalo Trace Park covers 30 acres and offers swimming, boating, and fishing. The park also has an easy, paved, well-lit walking path with accessible features. Rhoads Pool offers another summer recreation option: the outdoor pool is 25 yards long, has six lanes, and has provided summer recreation for more than 40 years.
A free local visitor guide with discount offers is available for Harrison County. It can help you plan additional discoveries. Whether you’re interested in history, caves, trails, or activities on the water, the attractions described here showcase different sides of the county without prescribing a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Corydon, LaPorte, Warren County, Benton County, Morgan, Miami County, Carroll County, Floyd County
For the main travel overview: Indiana.
