Attractions

Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge-  Located in a former US Army proving ground, Big Oaks is the largest National Wildlife Refuge in Indiana.  Visitors must go through a safety briefing before entering the refuge.  With its limited human access through the years, nature has been well preserved for the wildlife.  Hunting and fishing are permitted with valid licensing and an access permit into the refuge.  812-273-0783

Black Jack Farms- Located between North Vernon and Scipio on State Highway 7. 

Crosley State Fish & Wildlife Area-   Approximately 4000 acres of natural beauty, this recreation area is known for its fishing.  Originally, the facility was the private estate of former Cincinnati Reds owner and appliance manufacturer Powell Crosley.  Still in use is a single lane steel bridge that Crosley built for his small Crosley cars.  812-346-5596

Hayden Historical Museum-  Located right off U.S. 50 in Hayden, this former chicken house has been transformed into a history haven.  The building was donated by former Indiana Governor Edgar Whitcomb and his family.  It opened in 1993 and features historically-themed rooms such as a typical Indiana kitchen in 1939 and Whitcomb's Governors Office.  812-346-8212

James Covered Bridge-  Built in 1887 by Daniel Baron. Located on County Road 650 S , just off Highway 3, the bridge is 140 feet long, and is of Howe truss.  It crosses Graham Creek.  The bridge received the name from Thomas S. James, who owned the property it was built on. 

Jennings County Courthouse-  Built in 1859, the Italianate-style courthouse is located in Vernon, a small historic town of approximately 400 people.  The stone used to build the courthouse came from local quarries.  The "tern" roof was imported from England and installed by a Vernon tinsmith.  In 1987, a carillon was installed on the tower.  

Muscatatuck Park-  The park began as Indiana's fourth state park in 1921.  In 1968, it became a county park.  It has many amenities such as camping, fishing, hiking & mountain biking trails, basketball & sand volleyball courts, soccer, baseball, and open fields, playground & picnic areas, shelters, wildlife marshes, and bouldering & climbing.  The park is also home to the Jennings County Visitors Center and the Walnut Grove one-room schoolhouse.  812-346-2953

Myer's Cabin Barn-  Located on the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, this cabin was built around 1900 and was lived in until the early 1960's.  The cabin has been restored and gives visitors a glimpse of life in the refuge at the time.  The barn features whimsical animals to delight both young and old.  812-522-4352

North American House Museum-  Home of the Jennings County Historical Society, this 1838 building located in Vernon has been used as a stage coach stop, a railroad depot, and a boarding house.  Today it houses many interesting artifacts that represent Jennings County's history.  Items on display include a 1797 dulcimer, a piano belonging to Sarah Bolton (an Indiana poet), a clock owned by Hagerman Tripp (founder of North Vernon), a variety of egg scales and apple peelers, vintage clothing, and much more.  812-346-8989

Park Theatre Civic Centre-  Historic theatre in downtown North Vernon.  The Park Theatre Civic centers hosts plays, concerts and other live entertainers, and movies.

Rock Rest Falls-  Located in the Louis J. & Violet Cali State nature preserve.  Rock Rest is a naturally occurring waterfall in a tranquil location.  Legend has it that a rock shaped like a chair gave the falls their name.  This "chair" served as the throne to the crowned royalty of the May Day celebration that took place in the 1800's.

Scipio Covered Bridge-  This Howe truss structure, built in 1886, is approximately 156 feet in length. It was built by the Smith Bridge Company and is said to be one of the first and longest spans to be built without a center support.  Crossing Sand Creek, this bridge is located on the north edge of Scipio on 575 W and can be seen from Highway 7.

Selmier State Forest-  is the former estate of  business man Frank Selmier.  It was donated to the state by his widow, Stella Selmier.  Walk the self guided trails, or hunt and fish (with valid licenses).  There is also access to the Muscatatuck River from the forest.  There are no facilities available in the forest.  812-346-2286

Stream Cliff Farm-  Located in Commiskey, this 150 year old farm has become quite the tourist attraction.  While visiting, enjoy the quilt pattern gardens, large variety of herbs, perennials and annuals, gift shops, and the Twigs and Sprigs Tearoom, which offers delicious meals.  The farm also hosts a variety of classes each year such as herb cooking and plant crafts.  Stream Cliff has been featured in many publications including Midwest Living and Beautiful Gardens.  812-346-5859

Twin Cities Raceway Park  is located in Vernon.  It is a 3/8 highbanked clay oval track.  For schedule or class information visit www.twincitiesraceway.com.

Walnut Grove One Room Schoolhouse-  Built in Sand Creek Township in 1913, this school was used for elementary grades up until 1963.  In 1989, the school was donated to the Jennings County Preservation Association.  Receiving a $10,000 grant plus donations, the group moved the schoolhouse 9 miles to the Muscatatuck Park so that it would be more visible.  The building was then restored to the 1913-1925 time frame.  Now, schoolchildren visit the school and learn local and Indiana history taught by a their teachers dressed in period costume.  Tours may be taken during Jennings County Visitors Center hours.  Monday through Friday 9-4.  812-346-2953