An under-the-radar attraction, straddles the intersection of outdoor adventures and recreational activities. Sitting on an expanse of land near Lynnville, Indiana, Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area is about a half-hour drive from Evansville.
Open year-round, this 3,550-acre property featuring woods, lakes, and trails lies in a former surface mine operation that in 2007 came under the domain of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Dirt bike riders and off-road vehicle operators spend countless hours traversing the 39 miles of single track trails and around 50 miles of multi-use trails starting at $15 per vehicle per day.
Outdoor enthusiasts who want to get away from it all have discovered that Interlake is one of the best places to go. “Jan. 1 is our busiest day of the year” thanks to its First Day Ride event, says Property Manager Joe Compton. “Anyone who wants to can come out and ride; no reservations are required in advance. We don’t limit the number of people who come — at least, we haven’t so far.”
Other opportunities for unique riding experiences are scheduled throughout the year. According to Interlake Office Manager Brandi Verkamp, Night Rides that last from sundown through 3 a.m. are scheduled for Aug. 1 and Oct. 3. “We also have Evansville- and Owensboro-based organizations, like the Evansville Area Jeepers, who come out here for rallies or group rides,” Verkamp says.
“It’s a real thrill … a rush,” says Terry Richeson, a dirt bike rider from Princeton, Indiana, who frequents Interlake. “Plus, I enjoy being outside. … We see deer, foxes — it’s just nice being outside.” Chris Bailey, a fellow dirt bike rider from Petersburg, Indiana, says, “There’s no worries in the world here. You can’t worry about politics, what’s going on in your job … you’ve just got to focus on what’s in front of you.”
Several other activities can be pursued at Interlake, Compton says. “While off-roading is the No. 1 operation, hunting is our next biggest operation, with deer and turkey, as well as small game like rabbits and squirrels,” he says. Horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and day camping also are popular. With 17 lakes, “fishing is common, too, with people drawn to our 20-acre bass lake. There’s bluegill, crappie, bass, redear — there’s pretty good fishing out here.”
