Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge visitors can hunt, fish, and view abundant wildlife. Located eight miles west of North Vernon in Jennings/Jackson County, MNWR attracts approximately 185,000 visitors each year. Popular programs include Wings Over Muscatatuck Bird Festival in May, National Public Lands Day Events, National Wildlife Refuge Week Celebration, and Take a Kid Fishing Day.
12985 E. U.S Hwy. 50
Seymour, Indiana 47274
Phone:812-522-4352
►www.fws.gov/refuge/muscatatuck
Tripton Park
502 S. Madison Avenue
North Vernon, IN 47265
►Website
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
Big Oaks NWR hosts a variety of different habitat types, providing for a diversity of wildlife species. The refuge is unique in that it contains one of the largest contiguous forest blocks and grassland complexes in southeast Indiana, providing breeding habitat for a variety of rare birds. A landscape mosaic of habitats comprised of grasslands, shrubland, forests, and wetlands provides opportunities for viewing a variety of wildlife species while visiting the refuge. Also offered are a host of other recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, birdwatching and field trips, wildlife photography, refuge tours, and hiking. Popular programs include Outdoor Women at Big Oaks, Youth Hunting Programs, Audobon's Christmas Bird Count and Take a Fishing Day.
1661 West JPG Niblo Road
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: 812-273-0783
►www.fws.gov/refuge/midwest/BigOaks
Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area
The 4228 acres of rolling hills, ponds and the Muscatatuck River attracts a wide variety of song birds, hawks, waterfowl, turkeys and deer. Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area contains 13 ponds that range in size from 2-14 acres. About seven miles of the Muscatatuck River flows through the property.
Fishing is allowed on all lakes. Deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, limited quail, woodcock, and waterfowl hunting is available. There are special hunts for the first six days of turkey season. Mushrooms, berries and nuts may be gathered.
2010 S. State Highway 3
North Vernon, IN 47265
(812) 346-5596
►www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3097.htm
Muscatatuck Park
Muscatatuck Park is a beautiful regional and community park located between Vernon and North Vernon managed by Jennings County Parks and Recreation. The park hosts nearly ten miles of trails all of which are mountain bike friendly except the river plain trail. DINO events area held annually. Muscatatuck Park is also a popular Bouldering area. A free guidebook is on their website. The park is also a popular camping destination, hosting 35 electric sites with 8 being full-hook up. The park has 15 designated primitive sites, but also hosts group camping events around large shelters. All sites include a picnic table and fire ring and most are under a shady canopy forest. Shelters are also available for reunions, birthday parties, weddings, etc. The community building is very popular so call a couple months in advance. As the park was Indiana's 4th State Park in 1921, there are many historical elements, including CCC/WPA structures (1930's) and a 1917 one room schoolhouse. The William Reed Home (interpretive visitor center) and Vinegar Mill area are pioneer structures from 1850.
325 N State Hwy 7
North Vernon, IN 47265
Phone: 812-346-2953
►www.muscatatuckpark.com
Calli Nature Preserve
This 179 acre preserve contains high-quality limestone cliffs, waterfalls, mesic and dry-mesic upland forests. The trail head for the self guiding trail is adjacent to the parking lot on the same side of the road. The trail is just a bit over two miles long. There is a brochure available in a box at the trail head which describes 18 stations along the course of the trail. Red-shouldered Hawks and Hooded Warblers both nest in the preserve. The site also contains some rare plants. For more information contact the Jennings County Community Foundation. 265 E. Main St., North Vernon, IN 47265.
►www.jenningsfoundation.net
North Vernon, IN 47265
(812) 346-5553
►www.in.gov/dnr/naturepreserve/files/Calli.pdf
Eco Lake Park
Eco Lake Park is managed by Jennings County Parks and Recreation. The property hosts 127 acres of open fields and nice forested rolling hills. Eco Lake Park hosts the beautiful Eco Lake and IDNR public access site. The park has 3 miles of trails. Campground is being developed in 2023.
9300 ST. HWY #7 - Elizabethtown IN 47232
(812) 346-2953
►www.muscatatuckpark.com
Selmier State Forest
Selmier State Forest was donated to the state of Indiana by Mrs. Frank Selmier on behalf of her husband. Frank Selmier had a strong interest in the outdoors. He planted several acres on this property with pine, black locust, black walnut, sycamore and tulip tree from 1921 to 1934. Most of the property was placed in Indiana's Classified Forest Program between 1927 and 1931.
The forest is 355 acres with hunting, fishing and hiking trails all available.
905 E. CR 350 N.
North Vernon, IN 47265
►Selmier State Forest
