Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area: An Off-Roading Adventure

Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area is so much FUN! Whether you’re in a Jeep, on a dirt bike or mountain bike, want to kayak, hike, or even drive your Toyota, you’ll love a day exploring this property. Interlake is one of two off-road state recreation areas in Indiana, and it's a stunningly beautiful park. The park’s mining history is literally visible on the land. Learn how this property went from surface coal mining to an exciting off-road experience!

Please note that Interlake is in the central time zone because that’s where the front office is. However, as you drive back and forth across the 3,500 acres, you may switch from central to eastern and back. Not very often you can time travel so easily!

If you want to learn more about the history of coal, especially in Indiana, check out The Museum of the Coal Industry in Lynnville, not far from the park.

You are going to learn about:

  • The history of coal mining in Indiana and why that created such great off-roading

  • Great off-roading spots in the park like the Rock Garden and The Juicer

  • How to navigate the 3,500 acre property

  • What to do if (or when) you get a flat tire


Check out these great clips from the show:

00:00 Intro

00:50 Overview of Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area

03:08 Meet the Assistant Property Manager

04:26 The Mining History of the Property

09:09 Navigating the Four Zones in the Park

10:06 The Transition from Mining to State Property

10:56 Understanding the Park Reclamation and Restoration Processes

13:30 Riding Through the Park to See the Features

15:43 The Trails Rating System

17:11 Keeping the Park Family Friendly

18:00 Checking Out the Major Points of Interest

19:31 The Hill for Thrill Seekers

21:45 Finding More Points of Interest

23:42 Where a Ford Expedition Commercial was Filmed

25:28 The Practice Course for Kids

27:28 Beaver Pond and the Park’s Natural Filtration System

29:46 Riding on a Black Trail & Getting a Flat Tire

33:49 What if You Get a Flat Tire?

34:05 Seeing Wildlife in the Park

35:03 Entrance Fees for Off-Roading

37:43 Park Activities and Events

Go make some of your own memories, and I hope to see you in the parks!

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Deam Lake: Doctor’s Orders: Go For a Walk

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Lincoln State Park: How Our Childhood Shapes Us