Monday, June 30, 2008

New River Gorge West Virginia

Alert for more adventure in the New River Gorge!

The New River Gorge Railroad operates the MYSTERY TRAIN! On the mystery train, the passengers become embroiled in a professional, entertaining murder-mystery while enjoying the sights both on and off the train. Ticket purchase includes the rail tour with off-and-on train lodging and activities, meals and everything needed.



Tamarack: Art of West Virginia- Beckley West Virginia. Exit 45 off of I-64/77 at Beckley offers the traveler a chance to see art of West Virginia. This unique collection of art is juried and is the highest quality that West Virginia has to offer. It is filled with items that are often made by the artists in reoccurring demonstrations. There is a gourmet cafe with chefs from Greenbriar, West Virginia.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Lake James

Lake James and the surrounding area offer: Water Sports, Boating, Water Skiing, Swimming, Tubing, Jet Skiing, Fishing, Pontoon Recration; Golf, Amusement Park Recreation, Hiking, Winter Cross- Country Skiing, Camping, Shopping, Sight Seeing, Tobaggon Ride

Area: Steuben County in extreme northeastern Indiana, less than 1 hour north of Fort Wayne and 3 hours north of Indianapolis. This area serves the tri-state area of Indiana, Ohio and Michigan with many lakes and lake related activities. Lake James, Crooked Lake, Pretty Lake, Lake Gage

Lake James: Pokagon State Park - named for Simon Pokagon- Pokagon Band of Potawatomi
Potawatomi State Park- Named for the Potawatomi- (Keepers of the Fire) Algonquin tribe closely related to Ottawa and Chippewa of the Great Lakes region.

History
Legend says that Leopold Pokagon was the son of a Chippawa father and Ottawa mother, born around the year 1775. He was abducted from his Chippawa village by a Potawatomi chief and given to Chief Topenebee of the Potawatomi. He was given the name Pokagon because he was wearing a headdress which contained a human rib. The word Pokagon means "rib". However, books later written by his son, Simon, tend to refute this legend.
Simon Pokagon, son of Leopold, was born in an old Potawatomi village. When Simon was eleven years old, his father died and area settlers took the task of educating him. He eventually attended four years at Notre Dame, one year at Oberlin, and two years at Twinsburg College in Ohio. During his college career, Simon met and married a Potawatomi Indian girl named Lonidaw. They built a wigwam home of bark and poles in a stately wood near a crystal lake somewhere in Northern Indiana. Lake Lonidaw, in Pokagon State Park, got its name because it is said to resemble this legendary lake.
In treaties of 1826 and 1830, the Potawatomi tribe sold all their land which made up a large part of Northern Indiana and included the present site of Chicago. They were compensated with three cents an acre, which even at that time was considered an extremely small amount. It would be 70 years before they would be fully paid for the land. Following the treaty of 1830, the Potawatomi were evicted from the area and were relocated west of the Mississippi River to what is now Kansas. Leopold's band moved on their own to an area north of South Bend near Dowagiac, Michigan. In 1893, Simon Pokagon and his family attended the World's Fair in Chicago. It was there that Chief Pokagon transferred the deeds for the land. The occasion was a formality that was long overdue.



In 1925, after careful planning and negotiating, the residents of Steuben County purchased 580 acres along the shores of Lake James and Snow Lake. The land was tendered as a Christmas gift from the residents of Steuben County to the State of Indiana. Another additional 127 acres were added by the State to make a total of 707 acres. 1926 was the actual starting point of park construction. The park at that time consisted of 707 acres and was the third largest park in the state. After approximately two years, the twenty unit hotel (Potawatomi Inn) was completed, costing $3500.00 per unit. On February 23, 1927, Colonel Richard Lieber, State Conservation Commissioner suggested the name Pokagon after the Chief. By unanimous agreement, the park was officially named Pokagon State Park. Most of the park construction was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps. (CCC) between 1934 and 1942. They constructed the roads, trails, camping units, walks, gate house, cabins, beach house, shelter house, Spring Shelter, Saddle Barn, and the first toboggan slide. In addition, they planted thousands of young trees.
The park presently has 1,260 acres of woods and shoreline. People come from all over the Midwest to enjoy the park and recreational activities offered all four seasons of the year.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Land O' Lakes (Northern Indiana)

Land O' Lakes (Northern Indiana)
Lake Country- Fishing, Swimming, Water Skiing, Rafting, Golfing, Hiking, Nature Trails, History, Native American History, Camping, Boating and Personal Water Craft,Wawasee/Syracuse

Tour #1 Syracuse-Lake Wawasee Region


Fishing: It's not always about where to fish or what fish are biting. Beginners need basic information. You need a license to fish in Indiana. You will need to contact: Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife @ 317-232-4080. General infomation regarding Fishing License or Hunting License or general questions email: dfw@dnr.IN.gov. You can also apply for a fishing or hunting license on line.

Winter is great for ice fishing. Ice sometimes stays on the lakes well into March in this region. Before tourist season arrives, it is easy to find quiet areas in secluded coves around Lake Papakeechie and Lake Wawasee for early season fly fishing. The DNR runs Henry Ward Park on the channel between Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake. They hold fishing tournaments at this location. It is a popular fishing site and has a boardwalk, fishing pier, picnic pavillion, playground and boat launch adjacent to the park.

Springmill-Cave River Valley Tour




Spring Mill - Wesley Chapel Gulf- Cave-River Valley Tour: Hiking, Spelunking, Primtive Camping, ATV Riding, Snow Skiing, Site Seeing, History

Southern Indiana has been called the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is true that there are some rugged hills and wide valleys with beautiful rivers and creeks to enjoy. You don't have to journey a 1,000 miles cross country to see wild lands and enjoy the outdoors. Immerse yourself in woodland splendor and walk into Indiana's wild country. From Indianapolis, this is just a two hour journey and from Louisville it is only about an hour to get started.

This Tour takes in a unique geological feature called the Wesley Chapel Gulf near the Rise of the Lost River in western Orange County that is worth hiking. From there you can go to Hindostan Falls, to Springmill State Park and Pioneer Village and stay at the Spring Mill Inn. Then the adventure really begins. Head west on SR 60 to Campbellsburg for a caveing adventure in Cave River Valley. Then get you ATV ready for some wild trail riding at Backwoods Adventure Park. Salem has a couple of historic areas that are worth a look to wind up your trip to cave country including Beck's Mill and John Hay Historic Center complete with pioneer village.
Orangeville (Rise of the Lost River) Wesley Chapel Gulf Geological Feature
Start your journey heading down SR 37 to Orleans and then 2.4 miles further and turn right (west) on CR 500 N. Go 5 miles further to CR 500 W and turn left. Go .04 miles further to Orangeville and park in the pulloff next to the big sprig fed pool of water. This is where the Lost River comes to the surface at the base of a low cliff forming sizable streams. The Orangeville rise drains 30 sq miles north of Orangeville where the water emerges from a cave into a rock-walled pit.

Cave River Valley- Leaving Spring Mill State Park, turn left on SR 60 and continue east for 16 miles to Campbellsburg. Turn left on N. Sycamore (Main Street heading through town) which becomes N. Marshall Road and then N. White River Road and then N. Cave River Valley Road. When N. Cave River Valley Road comes to a T -- the park is straight ahead. Go down a steep gravel road into a valley where there is an old cabin, walk bridge across the creek and a newer picnic shelter. For a small fee ($5 per person as of February 2006) you can camp, picnic, and go spelunking in one of several caves, including Endless Cave (Dry Clifty Cave), River Cave (Wet Clifty Cave), and one or two more. Bring an inflatable boat to get into River Cave. This is a great place to enter a cave on private land without knowing the owner personally or belonging to one of the organized spelunking clubs. Give it a try if you aren't claustrophobic, but bring lots of flashlights and some companions Please make the time to learn something about caving prior to going exploring. The National Speleological Society (NSS) is made up of cavers all around the country. See their Guide to Responsible Caving brochure to get started.
Cautions: Caving is dangerous. You must sign a release to get into the park for what it is worth, but caving really is dangerous. Don't go into any cave in Indiana when it is raining or likely to rain. Don't go alone and take several sources of light. You could die doing this. If you don't die and decide you like caving, join a club. You'll see more interesting caves, make some friends and learn something.

Ownership: Private for now. Rumors persist in the spelunking community that the DNR is negotiating a deal to take over the caves and the surrounding area, upgrade the camping, gate off some of the caves and probably charge fees to get in on a limited schedule. I have enclosed a link that will take you to a chat room on the subject with updated postings. Cavechat.org http://www.caves.org/soapbox/viewtopic.php?f=1&p=57317
Cave River Park is a private park with dozens of caves. Some of the caves are still unexplored, others are of impressive size, like Endless Cave. The cave is located in a nice gorge in the hills of southern Indiana. The river in the gorge was ideal for a mill, so the first grist mill was built already in 1817. Other above ground attractions are trout fishing, camping, barbecue and several trails.
But the main thing are the underground attractions. Eight wild or semi wild caves are open for visitors. It is necessary to register at the office and sign a release. At the office visitors get a description of all open caves, with necessary skills and required equipment. Also they are informed about the weather, as most caves get flooded during heavy rain.
River Cave is located right above the grist mill, and the river emerging from the cave is powering the mill. It is a pretty easy cave, but Wellingtons are recommended.
Endless Cave is the second easy cave of the park. It is not endless, and the information about 17 mapped miles is obviously wrong, as it is not listed on Bob Guldens list.
Bear Den Cave
Crystal Spring Cave
Lake Cave
Frozen Waterfall Cave
Lamplighter's Cave
Clifty Cave I and Clifty Cave II require a boat.
For all caves sufficient light and appropriate clothes and shoes are necessary. Wellingtons and overall are a good idea, hard hat with headlamp also. Some of the more difficult caves require climbing equipment and/or a boat


Beck's Mill- Salem. From Campbellsburg, continue east on SR 60 to Salem and then right on SR 135 to Becks Mill Road. Turn right for 6 miles to Becks Mill.(Settlement) It was built in 1864, one year after Confederate Captain John Hunt Morgan asked for ransom for every mill in Washington County to be spared from burning. The mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. The site of the mill was originally an Indian burial ground, with the Shawnee and Delaware tribes living nearby. The Indians were presumably displeased when the first white man on the land, George Beck arrived from North Carolina with his sons to the Indiana Territory in 1807, after brief stops in Kentucky. Once establishing a place to live near the future site of his mill, building a primitive shelter, he retrieved the rest of his family. The area is surrounded by rocky cliffs and ravines and there is a cave with a waterfall (spring) nearby providing the water to the mill. The first mill on this site was built in 1808. This is the third mill and one of 20 that still stand in Indiana. After the Pigeon Roost Massacre in 1812, Becks built two forts on the property. The settlement of Beck's Mill is a few hundred yards up hill from the mill and at the crossroads still stands a stagecoach stop. Worth taking a trip to see some of Indiana's Back Country History.

Backwoods Recreational Park: ATV Riding: North of Salem, take SR 135 N to Kossuth. Turn left at signs that say Kossuth and follow signs that say "Backwoods" from that point. 140 acres of trails and primitive camping is available- no electric and no running water on site.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Harrison-Crawford Tours (Indiana)


Corydon - to - Mauckport and Brandenburg -to Squire Boone Caverns - to -O'Bannon State Park-to-Wyandootte Cave-to-Leavenworth-to Hemlock Cliffs - (or) - to Marengo Cave -to- Milltown's Cave Country Canoes - back to Corydon.

This Back Country Travel Destination is loaded with options from family oriented walking trips to rugged outdoor activities aimed at those that need a challenge. Allow several days to a week at minimum to take advantage of all the beautiful sights and engaging activities. There really is something for everyone in southern Indiana.

Recreation: Historical Driving/Walking Tour of Corydon Historic Sites; Restaurants and Gift Shops at Corydon; White Water Rafting at Corydon; Driving/Sight Seeing Ohio River Area; Cave Tour; Camping; Horse Back Riding; Mountain Biking; Hiking; Historic Drive; Hiking; General Store (Leavenworth) History; Canoeing;Backpacking; ATV Riding; Rugged Hiking in some areas; Spelunking on special tours of Wyandotte and Marengo Caves; Boating on the Ohio; Rock Climbing and Repelling
Hayswood Nature Preserve- located 755 SR 135 SW of Corydon on 300 acres closed at dusk. No overnight camping. Hiking and Sight Seeing abundant,

Amenities: 200+ acres of Pristine Nature Area, (3) Picnic Pavilions, (2) Playgrounds, (2) Nature Trails, (1) Paved Walking Trail, Fishing Lake (license required), Horseshoe Pits and Abundant Picnic and Play Areas. Reservations are recommended for the Picnic Pavilions.
2690 Breckenridge Rd.Corydon, IN 47112 - Southern 800.952.3580 thefunfarm.com. The Fun Farm offers Disc Golf, Paint Ball, Rock Climbing Wall, roller ball, go karts, hayrides, Karaoke, Paintball tournaments, Halloween activities including Punkin' Chunkin. See their website for details. Just take SR 62 East out of Corydon 6 miles and turn left heading north on Breckenridge road. The Fun Farm is about one mile down the road.

Williams-Shoals Back Country Tour (Indiana)

Jug Rock- Shoals
Williams-to-Shoals, Indiana

Self-Guided Tour Destination
Activities: Sight Seeing Drive--Rock Formations; Camping; Fishing; Hiking; Rock Cimbing; Boating

Williams is located about two hours south of Indianapolis. Take SR 37 south to Bedford, Indiana. Turn west on SR 158 and then south on SR 450 to Williams. The trip to Williams is filled with lush forest lands, beautiful hillside vistas of the region. At Williams, you can access the White River for fishing, camping, picnics and dam viewing. There is also a covered bridge located just outside of town crossing the White River. Take the Huron-Williams Road across the Williams Covered Bridge to Huron. Turn right on SR 50 West to the entrance of Martin State Forest. There are fishing, hiking, camping and picnic areas located there. The trails are moderately rugged hilly trails. There are three small 3-4-acre lakes for fishing.

Shoals - Leaving Martin State Forest, head west on SR 50 to Shoals. Shoals is located on the White River and famous for Jug Rock and its sandstone outcroppings along the river. Take caution during heavy rains and high water as you cross the bridge on SR 50 heading west and turn right on Poplar Street and then right again onto West River Road. This unique road hugs the river on one side and sandstone rock outcrops and caves will be on your left. It is narrow and has tendencies to flood in heavy rain. There is a house built into the rocks, which is a picture worth taking. The road widens and becomes gravel n a wooded area. More rock outcrops are visible on the left. Native Americans used this area for village sites in prehistoric times. Indiana University has excavated sites in the region. Follow West River Road until it comes to a T. Turn right and follow the gravel road until reaching the next road to the left. Turn left and it will take you back to SR 450. Turn right on SR 450 to head back to Williams and Bedford.

Canoe The White River from Williams to Shoals. The 19.5-mile section between Williams Dam and Shoals take-out is a seven hour float. This section of the river passes by LaSalle Spring, a sulfur water spring. In addition, a large eagle's nest (approx. 6 feet in diameter) can be seen near the islands. The put-in is located at the Williams Dam State Fishing Area on State Road 450. Put-in facilities include a concrete ramp, campgrounds and parking lots. The riffles below may necessitate a portage on the left in lower water. The take out point in Shoals is at the third street (1 1/2 blocks before the river) where you turn right and then veer left at the Y intersection on East River Road as you leave town. Heading north on East River Road, proceed about 1 1/2 miles to the river. The road runs adjacent to the river providing several steep but passable access sites. Permission must be gained before trespassing on private property and there is limited parking along the road. Side Note: To continue back to Martin State Forest on back roads. Once you load your gear continue on East River Road to the intersection. Turn Right on CR91. At the next intersection, turn left on CR 95 and follow it east to the next intersection. Turn right on CR 93 south and this will take you back to Martin State Forest and SR 50.
Rock Climbing may be possible on several cliffs on West River Road including Rock House and McBride's Bluff overlooking the White River. Check GPS cooridinates of N 38.726439 and W -86.780277.

Sea Eagle.com Inflatable Canoes and Kayaks

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