Explore Monroe through its waters, trails and cultural discoveries. Monroe Lake is Indiana’s largest inland body of water. It covers nearly 11,000 acres and reaches a maximum depth of 54 feet. Camping, swimming, fishing, hiking and boating are all possible at the lake—different ways to include water and activity in your trip.
Lakes and Landscapes
Griffy Lake also brings together water and natural surroundings: the lake covers 109 acres and is surrounded by more than 1,200 acres of nature preserve. Non-motorized boats and boats with electric trolling motors are permitted on Griffy Lake. Ten trails wind around the lake and through the nature preserve. This offers separate ways to enjoy the water and trails, without implying that all the paths cover the same distance or have the same character.
In southern Monroe County, Cedar Bluff reveals a different landscape. Its defining features include a 75-foot limestone cliff, red cedars growing on the rocks, distinctive rock formations and wildflowers. The Hoosier National Forest also extends into Monroe County, covering tens of thousands of acres. Along with the lakes, people interested in landscapes and nature can discover these other specific features.
Trails with Different Route Profiles
The Turkey Trot Trail is a moderately difficult, 1.75-mile out-and-back trail. The Clear Creek Trail in southern Monroe County is a paved, 4.7-mile out-and-back trail suitable for most wheelchairs and mobility aids. Also in the southern part of the county, the 3.5-mile paved Limestone Greenway is likewise an out-and-back route. Details about length, surface and accessibility help distinguish the routes by the features described for each.
At Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve, a two-mile trail runs mostly along an elevated loop of plastic or wooden boardwalks. The plastic section is accessible to people with limited mobility, and several observation platforms are located along the trail. The Karst Farm Greenway offers a longer paved route: it starts at Karst Farm Park and heads north for more than seven miles to Campbells Park in the Town of Ellettsville.
Flatwoods Park has a seven-mile paved loop trail that also serves as a versatile educational trail. Its water theme explores the geology, formation and history of the parkland. The trail also offers views of the old fields, which provide habitat for butterflies and nesting grassland birds. The park thus combines outdoor activity with information about the landscape and its habitats.
Discover Culture and Knowledge
The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center covers 90 acres and offers a quiet place for meditation and reflection. It was founded in 1979 by Thubten J. Norbu, an emeritus professor at Indiana University. Its aim was to introduce people to the history and culture of Tibet and support Tibetans worldwide. Year-round programs include workshops, classes, seminars, initiations, retreats and ceremonies connected with Tibetan exile communities, as well as Mongolians from Mongolia, Kalmykia, Buryatia and Tuva.
At WonderLab, interactive science exhibits invite visitors to explore, spark curiosity and fuel the imagination. Programs take place weekly or monthly and offer interactive science experiences for the whole family. Since program dates can change, it is recommended that you check them before your visit. The Lilly Library offers a different way to experience culture and literature: its collection includes millions of cultural and literary artifacts, including a New Testament from the Gutenberg Bible.
Parks, History and Practical Discoveries
Karst Farm Park was established in 1969, after the county closed its poor farm and turned the site into a park. At Will Detmer Park, a paved trail loops around a 0.5-acre pond and picnic area. The park also has a fishing pier and a pond observation area. Dogs can run and play off leash at Karst Farm Dog Park; the membership-required dog park also features a 1/6-mile walking trail.
Guided nature experiences are also part of what Monroe County Parks and Recreation offers, including environmental education programs and guided hikes. Their dates may vary. For camping and other activities, Hardin Ridge Recreation Area has a campground, two cabins, a boat ramp, a beach and a playground. Lakes, trails, cultural sites and parks each offer distinct highlights to help you plan your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bloomington, Noble County, Steuben County, Johnson, Parke, Floyd County, Huntington County, Shelby County.
See the broader travel overview: Indiana.
