State Recreation
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The State of Indiana has set aside a few smaller recreation areas in Jennings and a couple large areas. Wildlife abounds as do the opportunities for recreation. Nestled away between the corn and soy bean fields lies some of Indiana's most picturesque scenery.

 

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Rock Rest Falls in Cali State Nature Preserve

 

Cali State Nature Preserve

Rock Rest Falls is a very unique geological formation that can be viewed from your car as it sits just off county road 25 East a half a mile from Vernon. The property is part of the new Cali State Nature Preserve, and was given to the State of Indiana in 2000. The property was donated by the Cali family with the help of the local Jennings County Community Foundation.

The property is currently being studied for rare and endangered species. Trails and bridges are being added this February .

Contact Information:

JCCF Jennings County Community Foundation    812-346-5553

 

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The Amazing Tunnel at the Tunnel Mill Area

 

Crosley State Fish and Wildlife Area

Crosley State Fish and Wildlife Area is a large tract of land that was given to the State in 1958. The property boasts a diverse topography of upland forest, lakes, ponds, caves, cliffs, as well as the flood plane of the winding Muscatatuck River. Crosley is well known for its fishing and hunting opportunities.

Crosley is also home to perhaps Jennings Counties most significant historical asset. The Tunnel Mill lies on the most northern fringe of the refuge along a ridge that separates the Muscatatuck river from itself as it created a near oxbow in the topography.

In 1824 Ebenezer Baldwin created this mill which features a 200 foot tunnel that was dug from the solid  bedrock of this ridge. A dam was built to channel the river through the tunnel to power the mill's turbine. The Tunnel Mill was considered to be "an extraordinary engineering feet for it's time", and according to the IDNR survey of historical structures; the site is " one of the most remarkable industrial structures of pioneer days."   

 

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Ruins of the Tunnel Mill Today

Only a small remnant of the original mill is still standing, a corner of the southwest walls and the chimney which is in good condition and the tunnel.

Contact Information:

Crosley State Fish and Wildlife Area

2010 S. State Hwy. #3

North Vernon, IN 47265

(812)-346-5596

Manager:    Larry Alsop

 

 

Brush Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

Brush Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area is a large tract of land that buffers the 900 acre Brush Creek  reservoir.

 

Contact Information:

Crosley State Fish and Wildlife Area

2010 S. State Hwy. #3

North Vernon, IN 47265

(812)-346-5596

Manager:    Larry Alsop

 

 

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Horse and Mule Function at Selmier State Forest

 

Selmier State Forest

Selmier State Forest is one of Indiana's smaller state forest's, yet is great for a day hike, some mushroom hunting, or some serene fishing along the banks of the Muscatatuck.  Hunting is available during appropriate times with valid hunting license. Selmier is home the Regional District Forester, Robert McGriff. Robert has created a great self-guided Forest Management Trail for those seeking some educational recreation. Selmier hosts six (6) other short trails.

Contact information:

Selmier Sate Forest

905 East County Road 350 North

North Vernon, IN 47365

(812) 346-2286

Property Manager and  District Forester:    Rob McGriff

RMcGriff@dnr.state.in.us

 

 

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