Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Jasper, IN

  • Published 2022/01/12

Appreciate the eclectic fusion of history, nature, and exciting exploration in the vibrant city of Jasper.

Nestled in the heart of Southwestern Indiana boasts diverse experiences where you can create memories that will last a lifetime!

Take a trip back in time by visiting the historical spots of the city, unwind by going on a nature trip, and try new experiences on your visit to Jasper.

Are you planning a trip to this charming city in Dubois County soon?

Here are the 15 best things to do on your trip to Jasper, Indiana:

Relax and Reflect at the Serene Geode Grotto

Geode Grotto

Alan Lee Inkenbrandt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you looking for a place to spend a serene time where you can relax and reflect?

The Geode Grotto in Jasper is a hidden gem constructed in the 1960s intricately built with crystal-filled rocks, the geode stones.

This extraordinary place of worship required over ten years to finish with the community’s help donating their time to Father Phillip Ottavi to realize his dreams.

Geode Grotto

Alan Lee Inkenbrandt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Geode Grotto will welcome you with its serene, breathtaking landscape where you can escape the bustling city and pause your daily cares to relax and reflect.

Marvel on the eccentric beauty of this outdoor place of worship on your trip to Jasper and fall in love with the serenity that the Geode Grotto offers.

Discover the City’s German Heritage at Dubois County Museum

A trip to the museum is essential if you’re going on a weekend getaway to a city you’ve never been to before.

The Dubois County Museum is the largest county museum in Indiana that spans over 50,000 square feet of space filled with interesting exhibits.

The museum showcases the German heritage and the history of early settlers in the area.

Displayed are 14 community murals picturing the community’s history, a 17-room main street replication of the 1880s, a log house built in 1885, a safari display, a model train room, and exhibit rooms.

You’ll surely spend plenty of time in this museum that will delight both the young and the young at heart, so don’t forget to stop by and stroll through the historic displays at Dubois County Museum.

Take a Glimpse Back in Time at Jasper City Mill

Take a trip back in time in this charming, old mill that showcases the milling industry of Old Jasper.

A tour to the Jasper City Mill will give you an up-close opportunity to see how mills work to produce tasty food items.

This old mill’s famous visitor is the young Abraham Lincoln, who frequented the place in 1828 to grind the family’s grain.

This 2,000-square-foot mill is a signature structure in the city, showcasing how the pieces of manual machinery work in the mill.

Additionally, some memorabilia from the original mills is displayed here.

Don’t miss out on a fascinating experience seeing a working mill like how it was back in the days, so make it a point to visit the Jasper City Mill.

Catch a Movie Show at Jasper 8 Theatres

If you enjoy watching movies on the big screen while enjoying the enticing smell of freshly-cooked popcorn, Jasper 8 Theatres is the place for you!

Nothing beats the classic family bonding experience at a cinema watching the up-and-coming movies.

The cozy ambiance and comfortable seats of the movie theatre will surely amp up your movie viewing experience to the next level.

Pair your movie viewing time with the classic combination of popcorn and sodas for a complete experience.

Check out the showtimes on their website and purchase your ticket in advance for a hassle-free movie night that will delight the whole family.

Skate Away at the Lively Jasper Skate Palace

If you enjoy the classic family bonding on a roller skating rink with great music and festive lights, visit the Jasper Skate Palace.

Get your skates on and feel the liberating enjoyment of roller skating that will delight both the young and the young at heart.

This family entertainment center in Jasper features roller skating, inline skating, speed skates, and roller hockey.

Aside from skating, you can also participate in their events to amp up your fun bonding experience with the family.

Roll in and join the fun at the Jasper Skate Place for an exciting family bonding experience with the entire family!

Visit the Historic St. Joseph Church

St. Joseph Church

Evking22, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Historically, the architecture and intricate decoration of religious buildings are well-loved by locals and visitors.

The historic St. Joseph Church in Jasper features a Romanesque architectural style, with interiors lined with the finest works of art, including stained glass and sculptural ornaments.

A visit to the St. Joseph Church is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some time of peace and serenity where you can pray and reflect.

After your heartening moment of silence and reflection, you can take a short tour around the church to appreciate the artistic intricacies of the historic structure.

This magnificent historic church makes for a fascinating tour of the historic structures in Jasper, but remember that this place is a place of worship, so keep the peace and avoid causing disturbance to others.

Spend a Fun-Filled Day with the Family at Jasper Parklands

If you enjoy a fun yet laid-back outdoor adventure with the entire family, check out the expansive Jasper Parklands.

This beautiful nature park features over two miles of paved walking trails with exercise stations scattered along the trail that runs through three ponds, where you can get fit while enjoying a serene time surrounded by nature.

There is an enclosed pavilion for picnics and celebrations, so don’t forget to pack some hearty snacks and have a picnic with a view.

The youngsters will surely have a blast playing in the huge wooden playset and cool off at the splash pad.

The Jasper Parklands is a nature respite among the suburbia where you can take a breather and take in the serene scenery of nature.

Go on a Peaceful Nature Walk at the Jasper Riverwalk

Do you enjoy going on long walks surrounded by the peaceful scenery of nature?

Then head out for a pleasant walk along the river at the scenic Jasper Riverwalk.

A nature walk along the Jasper Riverwalk will take you through the scenic locations of Jasper, where you can appreciate lush greeneries and calm waters glistening under the sun.

If you get tired along your walk, you can stop by at the shelters scattered in the area to rest and take in the beautiful nature surrounding you.

A stroll through the Jasper Riverwalk makes for an idyllic escapade from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Explore the Historic Schaeffer Barn

If you are looking for a rustic setting for special occasions or simply hanging out with the family, check out the historic Schaeffer Barn in Jasper.

The Schaeffer Barn features the historic hand-hewn log structure built in the 1840s.

This well-preserved barn makes for the charming backdrop to take beautiful and romantic photos.

A trip to the barn will give you a glimpse of the German influence at Jasper, where you can spend a short educational stroll.

You can also check out the gardens and explore the charmingly landscaped area for more photo opportunities.

Shop and Dine at Downtown Jasper

A trip to Jasper wouldn’t be complete without a bit of splurging for unique items to commemorate your trip to the city.

Downtown Jasper is the city’s shopping hub where you can scour through the eclectic variety shops to get some unique finds.

A shopping spree at downtown Jasper allows you to score on unique finds and helps the city’s local economy by supporting local business owners.

You can also join events, festivities, and funfairs at downtown Jasper to get acquainted with the city’s tight-knit community.

After a tiring stroll through downtown, don’t forget to check out the selection of restaurants for some tasty meal and hang out at the coffee shop to enjoy the welcoming ambiance of Jasper.

Tee Off at Sultan’s Run Golf Club

Sultan's Run Golf Club

Evan Nichols (Virtua…, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If your definition of a day well-spent is to be surrounded by the beautiful fairways while swinging a golf club, book your tee time at the Sultan’s Run Golf Club in Jasper.

Set in the heart of Southern Indiana is the Sultan’s Run Golf Club, which stretches to over 295 rolling acres of challenging course, woods, and a majestic waterfall.

The expansive golf course showcases the most scenic layout in Indiana with its beautifully planned fairways.

Test your golfing skills with plenty of challenging holes, elevation changes, and hazards in this tricky course.

After a tiring tee time, head out to the Sultan’s Bar and Grill with the overlooking view of the natural surroundings while you enjoy some grubs and a cold beverage for an energy boost.

This charming course in Jasper is the go-to place for golfing enthusiasts who want to spend a challenging tee time while enjoying the immaculate view of nature.

Get Active and Play under the Sun at Bohnert Park

Another charming park in Jasper is Bohnert Park, where you can spend an afternoon with many activities.

The Bohnert Park features a walking path if you want to go on a casual stroll or a quick jog while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the place.

This 18-acre park is an abode for sports enthusiasts because there are rentable basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, and sand volleyball courts where you can get active and enjoy a bit of competition with friends and family.

If you’re not in the mood to get playing, you can hang out at the shelter house while letting the youngsters have their time in the large playground.

A trip to Bohnert Park will keep your afternoon brimming with activities that will delight both the young and the young at heart.

Cast your Lines and Reel in the Fresh Catch from Beaver Lake

Do you enjoy the thrill of casting your lines and waiting for the perfect timing to reel in a fresh catch?

Then make sure to spend an afternoon fishing and fun water activities at Beaver Lake!

This 200-acre lake in Jasper, Indiana, makes for the idyllic fishing trip with the family, where you can enjoy plenty of outdoor recreational activities.

The most popular catch here is Largemouth bass, Channel catfish, and Bluegill.

Aside from fishing, Beaver Lake makes for an idyllic paddling location where you can launch your kayak, rowboat, or canoe.

Don’t forget to pack some grubs combined with cold beverages and have a picnic at the picnic area for a delightful outdoor trip with the entire family.

Support Local Artists at Jasper Community Arts

Support the city’s vibrant arts scene at Jasper Community Arts, where you can appreciate the rich artistic community in different mediums.

Jasper Community Arts is an arts organization founded in 1975 that showcases the local’s talent in performing arts and visual arts.

This community arts center is an abode for artists and art enthusiasts to promote the enriching influence of arts in the community.

You can stroll through galleries to see displays of Jasper’s fascinating works of art or catch a live performance of theater artists, musicians, and more!

A visit to Jasper Community Arts will give you a glimpse of the vibrant artistic culture of the city and the creativity of its people.

See the Railroading Heritage of the City at Jasper Train Depot

Take a trip back in time on a historic train ride and explore the preserved historic depot aimed to replicate the original depot from the 1900s.

The Jasper Train Depot is a small, vibrant structure dedicated to preserving and celebrating Jasper’s railroading history.

Take a trip back in time on a beautifully-restores Spirit of Jasper Passenger Train that leaves from Jasper Train Depot.

The historic train excursion offers a fine riding and dining experience that will take you through the scenic locations in Jasper while you enjoy the finest food and drinks.

Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance to reserve a table in the finest train ride from Jasper Train Depot for a memory that will last a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

The city of Jasper offers all kinds of fun, whether it’s an outdoor adventure, historical exploration, or a laid-back stroll through town.

Don’t forget to reference this list if you’re planning on a trip to Jasper, Indiana soo!

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