Casino Country
Tucked away in the state’s southeast corner, this riverside region might just be Indiana’s best-kept secret. Boasting top-notch golf courses, unique outdoor adventures and small towns brimming with old-fashioned American charm, it’s easy to see why visitors keep coming back year after year. Of course, it might also have something to do with the one-of-a-kind riverboat resorts that dot the Ohio River.
Rocking the Boat
In 2011, the legendary steamboat Grand Victoria II was renamed the Rising Sun Casino Resort after the small town where it was moored. These days, visitors from across the Midwest flock to the sprawling ship to enjoy over 40,000 square feet of gaming, from slots to table games and more. With a busy calendar of concerts, sporting events and musical revues, there’s a little something for everyone.
Spas and Spades
About 20 miles south, the Belterra Casino Resort and Spa is a popular spot for riverboat gamblers, with special treats like thoroughbred racing and a full-service spa. Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg is another destination with easy access to big cities. Just twenty minutes west of Cincinnati, the resort prides itself on luxury attractions and easy-going attitude.
Betting on Fishing
Well-known for its catfish tournaments, the Ohio River is the perfect getaway for anglers looking to take a break from the blackjack table. The area around Rising Sun offers up some of the region’s best fishing holes, while the Markland Dam near Florence is a hotspot for sauger, gar and freshwater drum. Both Kentucky and Indiana recognize each other’s fishing licenses, so you can try both banks.
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Golfing and Gaming
The rolling hills of the Ohio River Valley make the perfect backdrop for world-class golf courses, and it seems like each one brings something new to the table. The Links at the Rising Sun Casino boasts a Scottish-style design that features panoramic views of the riverside landscape. Not to be outdone, Belterra’s links have been ranked among the top 30 courses in the country.
Swiss Bliss
First settled in the 1800s by a Swiss winemaker intent on bringing his trade to Indiana, rural Switzerland County is now the perfect jumping off point for exploring the unique history and flavors of Casino Country. Start in the historic town of Vevay, which features local museums and farmsteads, as well as antique shops and galleries focused on the region’s 19th-century roots.
For More Information
Indiana Office of Tourism Development
800-677-9800
www.in.gov/visitindiana
