In 1933, a local conservation club initiated a fundraising effort to purchase 900 acres of land for the creation of a lake and recreational area for hunting and fishing. The project’s management was handed over to the Indiana Department of Conservation the following year, leading to the establishment of Ferdinand State Forest.
7:00am – 11:00pm
Originally established in 1934 as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, Ferdinand State Forest saw the construction of roads, service buildings, and the development of a picturesque forest lake, now considered one of the state’s most beautiful. Renowned for its abundant deer and squirrel populations, the forest sits amidst a region rich in German heritage, highlighted by landmarks such as St. Meinrad Archabbey and the Monastery Immaculate Conception, along with numerous seasonal community festivals.
During the operational season from mid-May to October, Ferdinand State Forest maintains an entrance gate house, where visitors are required to pay an entrance fee for access to the primary recreation areas, including the campground, beach, and shelters. The fee stands at $7 per vehicle for in-state plates and $9 per vehicle for out-of-state plates, with Indiana DNR annual entrance passes accepted and available for purchase on-site.