Falls of the Ohio State Park | New Albany

Falls of the Ohio State Park, located in Clarksville, Indiana, is a remarkable natural and historical site renowned primarily for its extensive and well-preserved Devonian fossil beds. Spanning 165 acres along the southern banks of the Ohio River, the park offers visitors a rare glimpse into life nearly 390 million years ago, when the area was covered by a shallow inland sea. Beyond its geological significance, the park also plays an important role in cultural and environmental education, making it a multidimensional destination that combines science, history, and outdoor recreation.

Geological Significance and Fossil Beds

At the heart of Falls of the Ohio State Park lies the largest exposed Devonian fossil bed in the world. These fossil beds cover an area of approximately 386 million square feet and are made up of ancient limestone rock formations that were once the floor of a prehistoric sea. The fossils found here include a wide variety of marine life such as corals, brachiopods, bryozoans, crinoids, trilobites, and mollusks, preserved in remarkable detail.

Visitors can walk out onto these fossil beds during periods of low water on the Ohio River and observe the intricate fossilized remains embedded in the rock. The beds provide an exceptional open-air classroom for geologists, paleontologists, students, and casual explorers interested in Earth’s deep past.

While fossil collecting is prohibited on the exposed fossil beds and riverbank to protect this natural heritage, the park does provide designated fossil collecting piles near the parking lot where visitors can search and take home fossil specimens legally and responsibly.

Interpretive Center and Educational Exhibits

The park’s Interpretive Center is a 16,000-square-foot facility that serves as an educational hub. It offers immersive, interactive exhibits designed to enhance understanding of the geology, paleontology, natural history, and cultural heritage of the region. Key features include:

Orientation Film: A 14-minute introductory film provides visitors with an overview of the park’s geological significance and the ancient environments that shaped the fossil beds.

Interactive Displays: Hands-on exhibits explain the formation of fossils, Devonian marine ecosystems, and the natural forces that have shaped the Ohio River and surrounding landscapes.

Wildlife and River Viewing Rooms: These spaces allow visitors to observe the Ohio River’s wildlife and understand its ecological importance.

Classrooms and Auditorium: These facilities host educational programs, workshops, lectures, and special events for visitors of all ages.

Accessibility: The Interpretive Center is fully ADA accessible and offers audio descriptive devices and wheelchairs upon request to ensure an inclusive visitor experience.

Historical and Cultural Features

Falls of the Ohio State Park is also significant for its cultural history. Within the park is the Clark Historic Homesite, a reconstructed cabin honoring George Rogers Clark, the American Revolutionary War hero and explorer. This site commemorates the 1803 meeting between Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, during which they planned the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition that opened the American West.

The Homesite offers interpretive programming that connects the region’s natural environment with its early American history, enriching the visitor experience with stories of exploration, settlement, and discovery.

Outdoor Recreation and Natural Amenities

The park's setting along the Ohio River provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities:

Fossil Exploration: Visitors can explore the fossil beds on foot during low river levels, making it a unique natural attraction for families, students, and enthusiasts.

Picnic Areas: Equipped with tables and grills, these spaces allow for relaxing gatherings with scenic river views.

Fishing: The Ohio River offers fishing opportunities (a valid Indiana or Kentucky fishing license is required), attracting anglers interested in species native to the region.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing: The park’s riparian habitat supports diverse bird species and wildlife, making it a favored location for nature observation.

Walking Trails: Several trails wind through the park, providing scenic views of the river and fossil beds, along with opportunities for leisurely strolls or more active hikes.

Origin Park Connection

Adjacent to Falls of the Ohio State Park is the newly developed Origin Park, a 630-acre linear park dedicated to ecological restoration and recreational development. Origin Park aims to restore native habitats, including forests, wetlands, and prairies, and to create a continuous greenway linking Falls of the Ohio with other regional parks and urban areas. This expansion enhances the region’s natural corridor and recreational offerings, making Falls of the Ohio a gateway to larger conservation and outdoor experiences.

Practical Information

Location: 201 West Riverside Drive, Clarksville, Indiana

Park Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Interpretive Center Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays and major holidays

Admission: $9 for adults (12+), $7 for children (5–11), free for children under 5; parking fee is $2

Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant with accommodations available

Summary

Falls of the Ohio State Park is an exceptional destination where deep geological history meets natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its world-renowned fossil beds offer a hands-on glimpse into life nearly 400 million years ago, while the Interpretive Center and historic sites enrich visitors’ understanding of both natural and human history. The park’s combination of outdoor exploration, educational resources, and recreational amenities makes it a compelling and multifaceted experience for families, scholars, and nature lovers alike.