Southern Indiana live music, camping, retreats
9888 South County Rd. 525 East
Marengo, IN 47140
Make time for an underground adventure at Marengo Cave, a U.S. National Natural Landmark and one of Southern Indiana’s most spectacular natural attractions. Discovered in 1883, the cave features breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and other beautiful formations. Visitors can choose from guided walking tours through the Crystal Palace and Dripstone Trail, with the cave maintaining a cool 52°F year-round. Located just a few miles from Gnome Gardens, Marengo Cave is an easy addition to your festival weekend—perfect for a cool, fascinating escape into the underground world of Southern Indiana. Hours: Open daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Holiday hours may vary.
Just a short drive from Gnome Gardens, Patoka Lake is a perfect destination for a day of water, woods, and adventure. One of Southern Indiana’s largest recreational areas, the 8,800-acre lake is surrounded by more than 26,000 acres of rolling, forested landscape. Spend the day boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, or simply relaxing along the shoreline. Nature lovers can explore wooded trails, rock shelters, scenic overlooks, and abundant wildlife—including bald eagles, osprey, river otters, and even freshwater jellyfish. With marinas and boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, and seasonal interpretive programs, Patoka Lake offers something for adventurers, families, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
Looking for a fun way to explore Southern Indiana’s beautiful waterways? Cave Country Canoes offers an unforgettable paddling adventure just a short drive from Gnome Gardens. Spend the day floating along peaceful rivers and scenic streams, surrounded by the forests, limestone landscapes, and abundant wildlife that make Cave Country so special. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or trying kayaking or canoeing for the first time, it’s a wonderful way to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy a little adventure. Make Cave Country Canoes part of your Gnome Gardens getaway—paddle by day, relax in the gardens by evening, and experience the natural beauty of Southern Indiana from a whole new perspective.
Just a short drive from Gnome Gardens, Yellow Birch Ravine offers a peaceful escape into the wild beauty of Southern Indiana. Wander through a rugged landscape of towering trees, sandstone cliffs, moss-covered rocks, and winding ravines carved by the forces of water and time. The area is especially beautiful for hiking, photography, bird watching, and simply slowing down to reconnect with nature. Keep an eye out for the distinctive yellow birch trees, native wildflowers, ferns, and the many plants and creatures that thrive in this secluded woodland environment.