Something unique to Monroe County and the surrounding area are four fire towers. The fire towers are at Brown County State Park, Hoosier National Forest, McCormick's Creek State Park, and Morgan-Monroe State Forest. In the mood for a nature adventure and to see beautiful scenes from above? Go climb a fire tower!
Lookouts at Brown County State Park
A Brown County State Park Lookout Tower
While Brown County State Park has more than one tower, their main tower is the Lilly Lookout. The tower is 75-feet high and has been used as a radio communications tower since 1942. The Park has both a West Gatehouse and a North Gatehouse entrance. For R.V.s, Large Trucks and Vehicles Towing Trailers, the West Gatehouse entrance is required. Once inside the Park, take Trail 10 to reach the fire tower. As of July 2023, there is an entrance fee of $7.00 for in-state visitors and $9.00 for out-of-state visitors.
Hickory Ridge at Hoosier National Forest
The Hickory Ridge Tower at Hoosier National Forest was built in 1936, but not used for fire detection until the 1970's. The tower stands at 110-feet tall and has 133 metal steps. To get there, take SR 446 south, turn at Tower Ridge Road, and follow the signs. There is no entrance fee to get into the forest area.
McCormick's Creek State Park
The McCormick's Creek tower has just reopened within the past few years after being closed since the 1980s. The 86-foot tower has 105 steps to get to the top of the tower. McCormick's Creek State Park is right off of SR 46. As of July 2023, there is an entrance fee of $7.00 for in-state visitors and $9.00 for out-of-state visitors.
Mason Ridge at Morgan-Monroe State Forest
The newly renovated tower at Morgan-Monroe State Forest is available to be used again after being closed for a year. The tower was originally built back in 1930. After entering the forest area, take Trail 5 to reach the scenic tower. There is no entrance fee to get into the Park.
Wanting other ideas for outdoor activities? Check out our Outdoor & Recreations page. For those that need accessibility-friendly activities, check out our Accessible Places in Bloomington blog.
