Tranquil Inn & Spa LLC
424 High Street
P.O. Box 112
Shoals, IN 47581
ph: 812-247-2053
fax: 812-247-2053
alt: 812-322-7760
dbauernf
Martin County is rich in natural attractions such as caves, springs, rock formations, streams and cliffs. There are many activities for the nature enthusiast. From canoeing on the white river to the many miles of hiking paths, one can experience the natural beauty of our county in its purest form.
White River
Martin County is the most scenic county along the course of the East Fork of the White River. Springs flow into the river and sandstone bluffs and rockhouses soar above the narrow rugged valley. Norman Rock Bend, Devils Elbow, Old Mans Nose, McBrides Bluff, House Rock, The Pinnacle, Bluffs of Beaver Bend and Hindostan Falls are some of the rock features and formations in Martin County.
White River Outfitters offers one and two-day canoe and kayak trips down the White River. Experience nature like never before.
Located just 10 miles from Shoals, 625-acre West Boggs Lake offers the outdoorsman a variety of activities ranging from boating to swimming to hiking.
Martin State Forest, located four miles northeast of Shoals, the Martin County Seat, on US Highway 50, was established in the 1930's. Open all year, 7,000+ acres, hilly and rugged are mostly forested and serve as a timber, recreational and educational public resource. The visitor may discover hiking, nature studies, wild foraging, hunting, picnicking, shelter houses, playgrounds, 26 Class C primitive campsites, canoeing, and fishing on the small lakes of Pine, Hardwood and Martin. There are four short and varied day trips and 20 miles of unmarked firelanes to explore.
Jug Rock, a massive 60 foot high sandstone formation may be viewed by a walk along a 60 yard woodland path from the marked roadside turnout, west of Shoals on US Highway 50. The standing rock is capped with a massive flat vegetated stone resembling a giant jug or vase which is the remains of a large sandstone cliff reduced by erosion. Supposedly Jug Rock is the largest free-standing table rock formation east of the Mississippi River.
The Pinnacle is a geological rock formation along a cliff overlooking the East Fork of the White River at Shoals. Views of the valley at the top of the Pinnacle are worth the uphill hike to this "tower of rock".
This site, the first county seat of Martin County, is worth visiting to view the low, wide waterfall and to learn the social history of the former village of Hindostan Falls. The falls are best viewed in late summer to mid-autumn when there is a wide flat sandstone shelf that was the site of a former mill during the original early 19th century settlement.
The Bluffs of Beaver Bend Nature Preserve
Located just one mile south of Shoals, the Bluffs of Beaver Bend is a peninsula of land containing over a mile of river frontage along the White River with a varied terrain and unusual diversity. The Bluffs is a unique property of riverbanks to high cliff drops and an undisturbed old-growth forest. The Steep, colorful sandstone cliffs in the preserve provide a variety of habitats for plants and animals alike.
Cold, clear water continues to flow from the ground at Spout Springs. The spring is one mile south of town on Spout Springs Road.
West of Shoals on US Highway 50, the Overlook Park gives a panoramic view that showcases all that we have to offer in scenic Martin County. A map and tourist information is available on-site.
McBride's Bluff
McBride's Bluff rises high above the White River just off of Highway 450 north of Shoals. The quaint little community at the base of the bluffs is made up of rustic cabins built on the hillside near the riverbank.
This historical site is now a public park. View what remains of the swimming pool and the still active sulfur springs.
Located approximately 15 miles east of Shoals just off of US Highway 50, Bluespring Caverns takes you below the surface to explore what lies below. Tour guides pilot custom tour boats along the course of a subterranean river for over a mile, pointing out native rare blind fish and crayfish in their natural setting and explaining the natural forces htat are yet at work creating great chambers below the rolling hills.
French Lick Springs Hotel
Established in 1845, with the original east wing built in 1901, French Lick Springs Hotel attracted guests from around the world to experience the "miracle waters" of its nearby sulfur springs.
West Baden Springs Hotel
West Baden Springs Hotel is anything but ordinary-it is an extraordinary experience. You will be captivated once you step foot inside this National Historic Landmark built in 1902.
Casino
The casino at French Lick Resort is a 51,000 square foot Vegas-style gaming facility all on one floor with soaring 27-foot ceilings. A newly expanded non-smoking gaming area offers the latest state-of-the-art slot machines and live-action blackjack, roulette and craps tables.
Golf
The rolling hills of southern Indiana provide a beautiful yet challenging golf destination.
Fifteen miles west of Shoals, the Gasthof Amish Village has a restaurant, bakery, inn, and specialty shops selling antiques, collectibles, and handmade amish goods.
Just a 30-minute drive from Shoals on Highway 150, Paoli Peaks attracts skiers and snowboarders from miles around. They offer lessons for beginners and snow tubing.
Located at West Boggs Lake, this 9-hole course has a beautiful view of the lake.
Tranquil Inn & Spa LLC
424 High Street
P.O. Box 112
Shoals, IN 47581
ph: 812-247-2053
fax: 812-247-2053
alt: 812-322-7760
dbauernf