Sometimes we need to get away from it all. Traveling solo is a great way to relax peacefully, and experience adventures on your terms. When going it alone, it is important to choose a safe destination that offers lots of tempting activities and destinations. Lawrence County, in southern Indiana, is the safe solitary escape you might be looking for.

In Lawrence County, there is so much to explore at your own pace. Experiences range from rough-and-ready adventures, interesting discoveries and serene nature encounters. Road tripping by yourself can be intimidating, but there are several online resources that offer tips for the solo traveler. With some planning and flexibility, you’ll likely find going it alone to be enriching and exciting.

Rough-and Ready Adventures

Lawrence Country Recreational Park in Springville provides nearly 400 acres of off-road trails for motorcycle and ATV/UTV riders. Feel the rumble in your seat and the grit in your teeth as you ride trails at various skill levels. Bring your gear and camp on-site. Then wake up to ride again!  

Over 130 acres of Jeep-jarring terrain await you at Thorne’s Recreational Property in Bedford. The trails combine muddy creeks, slippery slopes and wooded obstacles. Rugged adventures await you here. Attack the trails on foot, go fishing or pack a picnic to gaze at the dramatic landscapes. Bonus! The scenic Milwaukee Trail runs right through the property, so you can hop on for a hiking or biking adventure.

Looking for slower-paced action a bit closer to nature? Rent canoes, kayaks or bikes at Pathfinders Outfitters. Create your own adventure or schedule a guided trip down the White River for some floating fun.

Interesting Discoveries

The Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell is a stroll through the mid 1800s. With 20 historic buildings to explore, you’ll get a glimpse of pioneer life in the Midwest. The three-story Grist Mill is the centerpiece of the village. Admission to Pioneer Village is free with your park admission.

Also inside the Spring Mill State Park is the Grissom Memorial, a museum dedicated to Hoosier astronaut, Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom. Artifacts include his authentic space suit and one of the actual space capsules he piloted. Free with your park admission, this museum is interactive and filled with fascinating displays. In addition, throughout the community, you’ll see various landmarks and attractions celebrating Grissom’s life in Mitchell. It might surprise you to learn that two other astronauts, Kenneth D. Bowersox and Charles D. Walker were also from Lawrence County in nearby Bedford.

Caves are a biproduct of a hilly landscape rich in limestone. Cave exploration and tours are available at Spring Mill State Park and at Bluespring Caverns Park. You don’t need to be an experienced spelunker to explore these caves. The caves are open seasonally and subject to closure due to local flooding, so check the linked websites above before you go.

Boutique and antique shopping are especially plentiful and delightful in Lawrence County. Downtown Bedford Square is home to several clothing and home décor boutiques and unique shops. For a break from shopping, stop in Inklings Bookstore for tea, coffee, smoothies and quick sandwiches or treats. Bedford Square is a great place to linger and browse.

Serene Nature Encounters

While Spring Mill State Park features Pioneer Village and the Grissom Memorial, nature is on full display year-round. Numerous hiking trails range from easy to rugged and from one-quarter mile to 2.5 miles in length. The nature center provides information about wildlife and flora you might encounter while in the park. Shady trees and creek side banks are plentiful and provide a tranquil place to pause and ponder nature.

The Hoosier National Forest spans nine counties, including 16,000 acres in Lawrence County. In total, the forest covers 203,000 acres in Southern Indiana. The district office located in Bedford offers maps and permits, Monday through Friday. Permits are required for horse and bike use on the trails; otherwise, this is a peaceful and remote hiking destination. Camping options range from primitive and secluded to campgrounds with amenities.

Exciting adventures and peaceful surroundings are abundant in Lawrence County. Visit us by yourself with confidence. This safe community is easy to navigate and very friendly. While you may visit us alone, we can assure you, you won’t be lonely.

Camping, vacation rentals and hotels

Dining Options

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