2015 Patoka Playground Come out to play, stay in Southern Indiana Patoka Reservoir is the second-largest man-made lake in Indiana. But in the Patoka River valley, it remains the biggest point on the map. While the region where the river ambles has seen dozens of other attractions grow up and expand since the lake’s creation in the early 1970s — and several of those attract more visitors — Patoka Reservoir remains the heart of this area’s outdoor activity, and on a grand scale. The 8,800-acre lake continues to be the focal point of Patoka’s 26,000 acres, provides habitat for freshwater jellyfish and bald eagle nesting sites. But the recreation — fishing, swimming, skiing and such — are only byproducts. The project was developed for flood control and that area reaches into Dubois, Crawford and Orange counties. Patoka is the only lake in the state to offer floating cabins, wine cruises and rentable houseboats. The property itself is divided into major sections, called State Recreation Areas. Here is a quick look at the major SRAs.
PHOTO COURTESY CRAWFORD COUNTY TOURISM
Park fee changes for 2015 Indiana State Parks and other DNR properties have provided affordable values in outdoor recreation for nearly a century. It takes money to conserve and manage these places where memories are made naturally. To continue doing so in the manner Hoosiers deserve, the DNR has increased the fees for many features at these destinations. Here are a few of the new costs at Patoka reservoir and elsewhere in Indiana: ■■ In-state daily entrance: $7 ■■ Out-of-state daily entrance: $9 ■■ In-state annual pass: $50
■■ Out-of-state annual pass: $70 ■■ Golden Hoosier Pass (65/over): $25 ■■ Motorized lake permit: $25 ■■ Firewood cutting: $10/load; 3/$25 ■■ Full hookup camping: $30/Sun. to Wed., $40/weekends and $44/holidays ■■ Electric site camping: $23/Sun. to Wed., $30/weekends and $33/holidays ■■ Nonelectric camping: $16 Sun. to Wed., $19 Thur. to Sat. and $22 on holidays ■■ Primitive camping: $12/night For a full list of price changes, call the reservoir at 812- 685-2464, or visit www. in.gov/dnr/parklake/
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Lick Fork and South Lick Fork Dubois County fishermen, boaters and skiers approaching from the Jasper area will be drawn primarily to the two boat ramps in Dubois County. The South Lick Fork Ramp, located along State Road 164 about 12 miles east of Jasper, appeals to fishermen since it sits at the tip of a long zone of controlled water where the speed limit is 10 mph. The Lick Fork Ramp, located 31⁄2 miles north of the South Lick Fork Ramp, is in unlimited-speed waters and should be the choice of skiers and boaters. The ramp is accessible from a road leading north (State Road 545) from State Road 164 just east of the Celestine community and west of South Lick Fork Ramp. From the north, the ramp can be reached by driving south from the dam and tail water area, past the Patoka Lake Water Treatment Plant.
Inside this section ■■ Dubois County is connected through heritage, culture and recreation: Page 2. ■■ Orange County has much to offer — it’s a place to leave stress behind: Page 3. ■■ Attractions are abound throughout Southern Indiana. Our list starts on Page 4. ■■ Crawford County offers a variety of outstanding natural areas: Page 6. ■■ Martin County is one of Indiana’s natural treasures: Page 6. ■■ Spencer County offers the perfect mix of history and fun: Page 7. ■■ Lodging options range from secluded cabins to award-winning hotels: Page 9.
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Newton-Stewart The 4,564-acre Newton-Stewart State Recreation Area is at the center of Patoka’s summertime. Located just north of Wickliffe, it is the main recreation area on the lake. There are 455 modern campsites, a camp store, marina, hiking and bicycling trails, 18-hole disc golf course, archery course, the visitors center, a beach and expanses of wooded area to explore. The South Ramp is nearest the main entrance and opens into 5-mph waters. It is the frequent choice of boaters with sailing vessels. The Newton-Stewart Boat Ramp opens unlimited-speed waters where skiing is allowed. A third ramp is located in the Fishermen’s Campground and is reserved
exclusively for fishermen and campers.
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WI I NE M A K
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