Southeast Indiana Birding Opportunities - O'Bannon Woods State Park
O’ Bannon Woods State Park is the youngest State Park in Indiana, carved from a section of the Harrison-Crawford State Forest.
The state forest contains 24,000 acres and the Park is 2,294 acres, made up of hills, rivers, and forests in extreme South-Central Indiana. The Blue River, which serves as a western boundary to the park, empties into the Ohio River, so there is ample opportunity for observing waterfowl. There are also several small ponds and wetlands on the property. Many types of woodpeckers call this area home.
The year-round nature center has two large bird viewing windows where you can view and listen to the birds in comfort.
There is one ADA trail which is about a mile in length. There are benches and a wildlife viewing blind on this trail., which makes a loop around the nature center. Several varieties of warblers and thrushes are nest in the area. A park volunteer began placing and monitoring Prothonotary Warbler nest boxes along the Blue River. The nest boxes host several breeding pairs annually.
All trails that are great for bird viewing include along Cold Friday Road which can be birded by vehicle and Trail E, which overlooks the Ohio River.
eBird Hotspot Link:
ebird.org/hotspot/L712111
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Address:
7234 Old Forest Rd SW
Corydon, IN 47112
The park is accessible from S.R. 62 to 462. Follow 462 to the park entrance gate. Cold Friday Road turns left just prior to the gate.
Hours: The park hours are 7am-11pm, but birders are welcome before 7am. The nature center is open year-round but hours may vary.
Ownership: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks
Admission: Indiana State Park entrance fees apply. $7 for in-state vehicles, and $9 for out of state. There are no gate fees for certain off-season days.
Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations. A summary of property rules can be found at stateparks.IN.gov/6468.htm.
Parking: Ample parking is available at the nature center, Ohio River Picnic Area and at several trail access points.
Nearby Amenities: Vault toilets are located throughout the park. Modern restrooms are available at the park office and nature center. Nearby food and lodging can be found in Corydon or Leavenworth. Camping is available in the park. A group camp is available for rent for overnight group trips.
Accessibility: The Nature Center has an ADA trail consisting of a 1 mile loop around the Nature Center. Mostacilities meet ADA requirements.
Website: stateparks.in.gov
Phone Number: (812) 738-8232, Nature Center (812) 738-8234
Written By: Christine Fisher
Photo by: Ryan Sanderson