River Landscapes and Hiking Trails
The Blue River brings together nature and recreation in a distinctive landscape. In Harrison, Crawford, and Washington Counties, the river is designated as natural, scenic, and recreational from river mile 57 downstream to river mile 11.5. These river miles define the boundaries of the designation.
The Knobstone Trail offers another way to experience the landscape: This 60-mile hiking trail leads through the backcountry and through Clark State Forest, the Elk Creek Public Fishing Area, and Jackson-Washington State Forest. You can access the trail from the trailhead in the back parking area of Delaney Creek Park. Numerous steep climbs and descents characterize the route—a key consideration when planning your hike.
The area around Beck’s Mill also offers a hike through distinctive landscapes. Beyond the mill, another three miles of trails cross hills, pass three more springs, and eventually follow the high, steep slope along Mill Creek. Trail conditions and access may change; check both before your visit.
Historic Sites and Buildings
Pioneer Village features a replica of a community from the 1830s. John Hay’s birthplace has been a National Historic Site since 1971. The Depot Railroad Museum focuses on railroad artifacts: On display are equipment and tools, as well as signs, advertisements, signals, and lanterns.
Other places illustrate different chapters in the history of architecture and technology. Beck’s Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. It is the only surviving mill in Indiana to have carried out the entire milling process exclusively with millstones. The Blue River Friends Hicksite Meeting House was built and completed in 1815–1816 using locally sourced materials; it is considered the oldest surviving Quaker meeting house in Indiana.
In Salem, Indiana, stands the Washington County Courthouse, a building in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, constructed in 1886. The history of Salem Speedway can also be dated precisely: Its official opening took place on June 22, 1947. Together with the historic sites, these places offer a varied look at religious gatherings, public architecture, railroads, and milling technology.
Lakes, Local Experiences, and Events
The many lakes in Washington County offer opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and swimming; access rules vary by lake. Lake Salinda offers fishing opportunities during fishing tournaments. The lake is also home to Veteran’s Trail, a hiking trail. If you’d like to combine water activities and trails, it’s worth checking the conditions for the specific location.
The annual Hicksite Memorial Meeting takes place on the first Sunday in October. For planning purposes, confirm the date for the relevant year. LM Sugarbush is a 140-acre farm in Salem, Indiana, that holds an annual maple syrup festival. Cornucopia Farm is 10 miles east of Salem, with corn and soybean mazes, a petting zoo, and pumpkin patches. These attractions are seasonal; check operating details before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Salem, Tippecanoe, Harrison County, Steuben County, Parke, Howard County, Pulaski County, Tipton County.
For the main travel overview: Indiana.
