Versailles State Park

Versailles State Park is an area with an incredibly rich history. Indiana's second-largest state park started its life as an ancient lake bed, which has been ascertained from the numerous fossils that have been found here. When the Civil War kicked off, the nationally known Morgan's Raiders used the area as a staging ground for a short time, battling the Confederacy for control of the region. 

Finally, during the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps began construction of proper park facilities, planting hundreds of trees and building cabins that are still in use to this day. A commemorative statue celebrates the men from that era who provided a green space for future generations to enjoy.

If you're just itching to get out on the water, Versailles State Park offers a 230-acre lake that allows all sorts of vessels to hit the waves. Feel free to bring out your canoe or kayak and explore the caves and inlets that line the lake's shore. If you're not someone who owns their own watercraft, Versailles State Park offers season kayak and canoe rentals for a small additional fee. 

Feel free to take your canine out on your canoe or kayak provided you've got up to date registration displayed. If you're renting a craft, your canine will, unfortunately, have to stay behind. A public pool is provided by the Versailles State Park free of charge, provided you've paid your park entry fee. 

These facilities have locker rooms with showers, restrooms, and a could snack concession stand. Sorry dog lovers, but canines are barred from entering the pool facilities. Over 13 miles of hiking trails wind through the area, offering a challenging array of paths to test your endurance on. If you've got a canine along, make sure you pack some plastic baggies so that you can take care of any messes they might drop on the ground.