Adventures
There’s a ton of stuff to do here!
Caving.
This part of Indiana is famous for great caving adventures. Just you and the interior of the earth.
Natural Beauty.
The hostel is located right on the border of the Hoosier National Forest with ample hikes, trails, and fishing.
Escapism.
We have a water park, amazing architecture, and a casino just five minutes away from the Hostel.
Natural Adventures.
Hoosier National Forest.
Over 200,000 acres of pristine national forest spanning over nine counties in South-Central Indiana
Everywhere - Hiking, Wilderness, Fishing
Wesley Chapel Gulf.
A 187-acre tract of land located on the Hoosier National Forest known for a couple of incredible caves.
15m - Spring-Fed Lagoon, Canyon, Caves
Hemlock Cliffs.
This ruggedly beautiful cliff area hidden away in the Hoosier National Forest in Crawford County can be accessed by an excellent 1.2 mile hiking trail. As you hike the trails along and below the cliffs, you will pass sandstone rock shelters, seasonal waterfalls, jagged bluffs, and dense forest canopy. For an extra adventure, ask us about the abandoned part of the park!
Hiking, waterfalls, canyons - 40 minutes
Henderson Park.
This is one of our favorite spots. A massive park with little infrastructure, this hilly expanse is one of the quietest places around with a canyons, ruins, and underground waterfalls.
Hiking, Creek Stomping, Caves, Ruins - 40 minutes
Cave River Valley.
Cave River Valley is indeed a small, sheer-sided valley that lies near the small town of Campbellsburg. The area is chock full o’ history, starting in the early 1800’s when settlers built a mill to take advantage of the strong and steady flow of water coming from River Cave.
Hiking Ridges, Canyons, Waterfalls, Caves - 45 minutes
Shirley Creek.
Shirley Creek is a 10.6 mile loop trail located near West Baden Springs, Indiana and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, horses, and mountain biking
Hiking - 15 minutes
Tucker Lake.
Tucker Lake is a 30 acre lake fed by clear, spring water with white sand beaches. Whether you want to relax on the beach, float in the water, take a plunge from the 167 ft. waterslide, picnic/grilling, or play volleyball, Tucker Lake is the place to be for your summer entertainment.
Kayaking, fishing, trails, bluffs, caves, thick pine forest - 15 minutes
Spring Mill State Park.
Miles and miles of trails through canyons, forests, and alongside streams. Also home to a full working village from the early 19th century complete with leather workers, carpenters in more in traditional costume. The entrance to Donaldson cave is one of the most breathtaking places in the state. This park is also a great spot for couples/families/friends with a mix of adventurers and those who are more reserved. The adventures here are generally not hard to walk/get to.
Hiking, caves, colonial village, fishing - 35 minutes
Patoka Lake.
With 26,000 acres of land and water, Patoka Lake is a fine example of lake ecology. An 8,800-acre lake provides habitat for freshwater jellyfish and bald eagle nesting sites.
Kayaking, fishing, trails, caves - 20 minutes
Martin State Forest.
Martin State Forest offers a variety of educational opportunities through its woodland management trailand arboretum. The forest features rugged hills, deep woods, a long hiking trail, and a 360 degree forest view fire tower.
Hiking, fire tower - 25 minutes
Indianapolis.
The capital of Indiana, a big city with small town feel, the Indy 500, vibrant food scene, and the world’s largest Christmas tree.
2 hours
Asheville.
Stunning autumnal drives with porches and sweet tea on the other side, BBQ, craft beer, the “San Francisco of the East”
6 hours, 30 minutes
Local Cities.
Bloomington.
Home to Indiana University, tons of ethnic restaurants, the Dalai Lama’s brother’s restaurant, and Buddhist monasteries
1 hour
Louisville.
Awesome whiskey tours, some great food, blues with rock n’ roll, southern charm, and amazing architecture.
1 hour
Local Community
Gasthof Amish Village.
A historic restaurant and community in the heart of Amish country
30 minutes
Lothlorien Nature Sanctuary.
Home to Elf Fest, Lothlorien is a center for spiritual retreat dedicated to healing the earth.
50 minutes
Sage Valley
A small intentional eco-village of residents dedicated to discovering a better way of living
1 hour 15 minutes
Lost River Co-op
An eclectic, loving local co-op with great craft beers, local produce, amazing coffee, and a salad bar!
15 minutes
Commercial Activities
Wilstem Ranch.
Animal encounters with exotic wildlife, drive-thru safari, 4000ft canopy tour zip line, guided ATV tours, biking, swimming, hiking and horseback riding
5 minutes
West Baden Resort.
Once called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the focal point of West Baden Springs Hotel is an awe-inspiring atrium that spans 200 feet. Gardens and more here!
5 minutes
French Lick Casino.
Home to two AAA Four-Diamond nationally historic hotels, three challenging golf courses, two rejuvenating spas, impressive meeting venues and a Vegas-style casino (rated No. 4 Best Casino outside of Vegas)
7 minutes
Go-Karting.
Challenging course for young riders (and adults) at high velocities. Good for adrenaline pumping!
6 minutes
Paoli Peaks Skiing.
Paoli Peaks is built on a natural hill at a 900 ft (270 m). elevation with a vertical drop of 300 ft (91 m). Currently, it has 17 runs and many chairlifts and tows.
10 minutes
Marengo Cave.
A US national landmark, and Indiana’s most popular natural attraction. This is a HUGE cave!
45 minutes
Big Splash Water Park.
Indoor and outdoor water-park with four fast slides, lazy river, hot pool, and nice cool waters. Local favorite!
7 minutes
Bluespring Caverns.
Don't miss the 1/2 mile nature trail in the Bolton Natural Area. It's your chance to view one of Indiana's largest sinkholes (covering 15 acres!)
40 minutes
Holiday World.
At Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin' Safari Water Park in Santa Claus, Indiana, Enjoy Roller Coasters, Family Rides, plus Free Soft Drinks and Parking.
1 hour
Food and Beverage
(All 5 minutes away)
Lost River Communal Dinner.
A home-cooked dinner served every night between 6:30pm and 8pm.
Bagel Bistro.
Our go-to favorite - great food, excellent coffee, and homemade bagels.
French Lick Winery.
Delicious flavored wines with well priced wine tasting, and the best food in town
French Licks Ice Cream.
Another favorite - freshly made ice cream from local milk in a variety of flavors
Grocery.
CVS, and Jay C (Kroger) both just a couple minutes down the road.