Falls of the Ohio State Park

This really should be a world heritage site. It is very remarkable. We were lucky enough to be there when two naturalists from Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources were there power washing the fossil bed to expose the fossils. When we first arrived we were disappointed, it just seemed like a large outcropping of rock along the River. Someone pointed out the naturalists and we went to where they were. Wow. The lower fossil bed was the sea floor and had lots of coral. The upper bed had trilobites and other animals. We were at the far east end of the rocks, directly under the corner of the interpretive center and at the end of the stairs.

Further along the River (you can walk, but we drove) you can see where George Rogers Clark's cabin was and also the spot from where Lewis and Clark (William) launched their expedition. If the like history, this is a must see spot.

The Falls of the Ohio State Park is a unique and fascinating destination that offers much more than just scenic views and outdoor activities. It is a place of historical significance, attracting tourists from all corners of the world.

The park's main attraction is its fossil bed, which dates back 386 million years. The park's distinctive limestone fossil beds showcase a diverse array of marine species, including ancient corals, trilobites, and brachiopods. This makes the park one of the most significant fossil beds in the world, and it's fascinating to know that these fossils have been preserved for so long.

Walking along the edge of the Ohio River and gazing at the limestone deposits is a sight to behold. Visitors can watch the river flow by and witness how it has sculpted the fossil bed over time. It's an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth, and how the Falls of the Ohio has played an essential role in this process.

Besides the fossil bed, the park also offers different events and activities throughout the year. For example, the park hosts the annual Art in Nature event, which is an opportunity for artists to gather and create art inspired by the park's natural beauty.

The Falls of the Ohio State Park's Interpretive Center serves also as an impressive and informative resource about the park's history, geology, and environment. This center offers visitors an in-depth look into the area's unique features and geologic past through dioramas, interactive exhibits, and videos..

The main attraction of this center is the exhibit that contains a large collection of fossils, artifacts, and information pertaining to the geological formations at the Falls of the Ohio. The interpretive center's staff is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to offer information about the fossils and geology of the area.

The center also has an auditorium that hosts programs and presentations on scientific topics, history, and culture. Presentations range from lectures on the history of the Falls of the Ohio or the Lewis and Clark Expedition to activities for children. There are also ranger-led tours available to provide more in-person, on-site educational experiences.

In conclusion, the Falls of the Ohio State Park is an exceptional destination that offers an educational and unforgettable experience. From its stunning scenery to its rich history, it has something for everyone. It is a beautiful place to visit, especially for those who are interested in history, geology, and nature. I highly recommend it!

I was excited to check this place out because of the fossil beds. I went close to sunset (around 8 pm because it's summer) and it was beautiful! I believe I saw some cranes! It was pretty cool. I also saw a lot of people searching for fossils I think. I think my boyfriend and I only found one lol. I think the only thing that made me sad was all the trash debris all around. I hope there can be a big clean up since this place is nice but just needs to be taken care of.

Had a lovely walk with my mom & my dog after work on the Ohio River Greenway. We decided to stop & check out the Falls of the Ohio. There were several people sitting on benches around the Interpretive Center & enjoying the view. There were also people adventuring down to the falls & walking around.

Right now is great time to visit with the water levels so low!

Nice view of downtown Louisville. Nice walk on the river. You can see all the bridges and it's a lovely walk.

When we came it was high tide and all the trash got pushed up, so the River bank was full of trash. It looked like a landfill. Not sure if someone cleans that or it goes away once summer comes around?

Come for the view though. Easy to find.

The area is a very interesting sight, with the dam and accompanying waterfalls making for a nice view, and leaving below them a floodplain which is characterized by a variety of contemporary plant life and fossils of what came before. It's a bit rugged and certainly not free of trash, but the area is well worth a wander.

Notably, the visitor center requires one to pay a fee, and parking at it also has a fee, but there is no cost to walking around. You can park nearby or walk across the river and make a day out of it.

This was my first visit, am I'm sad I've been missing out on this great place! Even though it is one of the smallest Indiana State Parks, there is still so much to do here. It makes for a great day trip. Just outside the park is Ashland Park with picnicking, a playground and a long greenway for fishing, and all kinds of outdoor activities like walking, biking, roller blading, etc along the paved path. It's in Clarksville and Louisville is just on the other side of the river too.

The state park consists of 165 acres which includes the fossils beds, an interpretive center, collecting piles, a couple hiking trails, dam and levee, and McGee Cabin (just up the road on Harrison Ave).

There are several islands out in the Ohio River that contain 387 million year fossils from the Devonian Period when Indiana was under a shallow tropical sea. If the water is low enough, you can walk out onto the fossil beds, which are covered in over 600 species of fossils, 250 different species of coral. If the water is high enough, you can fish, boat and swim above the fossils.

Collecting any fossils from the state park is illegal, however, on the west side of the main parking lot, there are "collecting piles". Here, you can dig through loose piles of limestone and look for fossils. Anything you find here, you can keep. Bring your own tools to dig and water to clean the rocks. The ranger said the piles come from a quarry in Sellersburg, IN. You are sure to walk away with fossils from here!!

The Falls are the only area along the Ohio River with an "obstruction" (dangerous rapids or low water barricade of rock) and therefore made navigating this part of the river very difficult in early times. In 1881, the McAlpine Dam was built to maintain the river depth. It currently has 9 gates and two 1200' lock chambers, which are powered by a hydroelectic station. While this dam does not provide flood control, it creates a safe passage for boat traffic.

Inside the Interpretive Center is a walk-through exhibit, restrooms, a gift shop and a bird watching room. Admission to the exhibit is currently $9 for adults and $5 for children, but it is well worth it. It has so much information and 2 videos. The information included is about the fossils, Louis and Clark, the Shawnee and the creation of the state park and dam. It will take 45 min-1.5 to walk through, depending on how much you read and interact with the exhibit.

Why is it called the FALLS of the Ohio? There used to be a series of rapids, caused by water flowing over ledges of hard limestone composed of vast numbers of fossils. The first rapids began in front of downtown Louisville and continued 2.5 miles down the Ohio River to Sand Island, with a drop of 26ft. When the Dam was built, the river's flow was restricted and most of the rapids were covered with water.

Although people actually travel from all over the world to study the 390 million year old fossil beds it's a bit under the radar I feel. I was surprised that there was a fossil beds hike led by a professional naturalist considering the interpretative center is closed until mid October. The hour tour is free and very informative. Do dress appropriately and wear comfy shoes-and clothing. You will be walking on fossil beds so be careful especially if you are an old guy like me. The folks who conduct the tours are truly dedicated and extremely knowledgeable. Be prepared to learn something.

Falls of the Ohio State Park is a long, meandering park that follows the Ohio River between Louisville and Clarksville for (insert specific distance here) mile(s). It affords you a great view of the Louisville skyline and makes for a great afternoon walk.

This is a great park. There's plenty of shoreline to walk along, benches and tables for sitting, and paved paths for walking and biking. On any given day you'll see dozens, even hundreds of people milling or riding about the park.

The fossil beds along the shore are fascinating and easy to access, and are just one of the cool things about this park. There's a visitor/education center that we didn't visit (saving that for next time) that's got a great elevated view of the river and some of those quarter-fed telescopes for seeing long distances.

For me, getting as close as I can to rushing water my goal. I love the power and the majesty of flowing water. The park very well maintained and groomed, and I've never seen rogue litter hanging around on my visits.

From tree-lines paths to open shore to sitting on a bench and enjoying nature, Falls of the Ohio State Park is a park you'll want to visit again and again.

I've been to falls of the Ohio state park several times throughout my life. From being a child on field trips, ton chaperoning on my daughters class field trips.

The actual tour through the facility is decent. Kinda bland if I'm being honest. There is a lot of history and some neat nuggets that adults and some kids may like or be interested in. but from my experience it doesn't hold the children's interest very well.

However the park itself is pretty awesome. Some fun walking adventures to be had and beautiful scenery to go with it. You do not have to to tour the facility or pay a price to walk through the park or along the water. It's always a fun time taking my kids exploring. I try to take them at least once a year dating back to I'd say the year 2013 or so. Although we missed it last summer due to covid we look for afc to visiting again very soon.

Overall cool gem tucked in Indiana right across the bridge if your a fellow Kentuckian like myself.