Park Features
Located near Cincinnati in the southeastern part of Indiana, Versailles is the second largest state park in the state at nearly 6,000 acres. As you enter the park, you pass the charming Busching Covered Bridge, which is still in use. Once in the park, you’ll find hills, open grassy lawns, and great bird-watching from the lake’s dam. The 230-acre lake in the middle of the property is used for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. You can rent or bring your own boat, but save any swimming for the pool! There are also over 200 electric campsites and 9 equestrian spots, along with group camp areas.
The park is also known for its trails. There are over 20 miles dedicated to horseback riders, along with hiking and mountain biking trails that are well maintained year-round. The biking trails are also open to hikers, but please be sure to communicate clearly with each other. I hiked there in the summer and fall and have to say, the leaf peeping in late October was top quality! There are flatter trails, but also a few with elevation gain that overlook small valleys, which are stunning as the leaves change!
Creating the Culture
While Versailles is a large park, it has a smaller staff who treat each other like family. They also have a common goal that keeps them working together. Debbie Schrage, the park office manager, said, “The friendships that I've made so far have just been phenomenal. We kind of have that family-type bond. You know, we look out for each other.” The reason they can do that is because they share a passion for Versailles. The park’s property manager Garrett McAdams echoed that sentiment. He said, “We just care about the place. We want to see it grow.”
Garrett models that passion by helping out with any project on-site. He understands that with a small staff, every person’s effort and attitude matters. He said, “I never want to be the smartest guy in the room because if I am, like if I'm explaining everything to my maintenance foreman, I'm probably in trouble. Letting him kind of tell me what he needed and just pulling my weight…helps a lot. And that goes for other people that I've worked with… I've learned that they always end up doing it better than I probably would have.” Garrett proves that when you build the right team, the environment is healthy and people will thrive. There really is humility needed in letting go and trusting the people around you. At Versailles, it's working.
Training the Next Generation
Another Versailles employee who models humble leadership is Alex Garcia, the assistant property manager. Because someone took the time to invest in him when he was a teenager, Alex now mentors the seasonal high school and college staff at the park. He said, “Back when I was a seasonal, I had no idea about any of this stuff–no mechanical knowledge, no outdoorsy knowledge… But there were a couple of people that…gave me chances.” He said those opportunities to learn “helped me break out of my shell thinking, ‘I can't ever do anything like that.’ I try to kind of pass that on.” Alex’s goal for any seasonal staff member is to help prepare them for their next step, whether that’s another job in the park or in another career.
Alex’s investment in the younger staff adds to the family culture Versailles has created. He’s become a big brother to staff who maybe didn't have somebody to help teach them. He is now paying forward the advice he received as a teenager.
Debbie also reminded me, “Every job is important at the park. That welcoming feeling? It starts at the gatehouse. What we do here is essential to how they're going to feel when they leave here. And we want them to leave here with a positive experience and great memories, so they always want to come back.” From the people visiting to the staff who work there, Versailles is a park full of opportunities and warmth.
Biking the Trails
One of the features Versailles is best known for is its mountain biking trails. With over 20 miles of trails that are mostly classified as difficult, it's easy to see why this is a favorite spot for bikers. These mountain biking trails are maintained by the Southeast Indiana Mountain Biking Association (SIMBA). I interviewed David and Kelly Lockwood, who bike at the park and both came into mountain biking later in life. They prove it's never too late to do something daring and brave!
For people new to mountain biking, Kelly said the best way to transition riding from scary to fun is by taking mountain biking clinics. You can usually find those through local bike shops or at annual events like Hassmer Fest. SIMBA hosts this annual mountain biking festival and fundraiser, which is ideal for new or experienced riders. At Hassmer Fest, bikers camp, ride, learn, and connect with the biking community. Kelly said, “We've actually met several people over the years by participating in those rides that we still see to this day. And that's a great way to meet other riders.” David agreed, “I see the relationships that people have built, and it's really neat. Long lasting friendships.” Hassmer Fest is also family-friendly with fun rides and lessons for kids, too, so keep that in mind for next fall.
The idea of friendship and family constantly comes up when talking with anyone connected to the park. It’s simply in the air at Versailles! Kelly said, “When we drive in there, it just feels like home. It's like the place I want to be.”
Mammoth March: An Epic Hiking Challenge
Another group of people drawn to Versailles are the hikers. One extra-long hiking challenge happens at an event called Mammoth March. These extreme hikes happen around the country, and participants sign up for the challenge of hiking 20 miles in a day. Michael Mitreuter is the founder of the events and was drawn to Versailles State Park as a location because it’s large enough to hike 20 miles of unique trails and is close to several major cities. In 2026, Versailles will host its third Mammoth March after selling out the last two years.
In my interview with him, Michael explained how the events work and provided tips for preparing for an all-day hike. The most important thing to know is that these are truly hiking events, and they’re untimed. He explained why, “We don't track time, so it's a challenge against yourself. It's really a big community thing, because again, you're not competing against one another, but you're all in it together. You want the person you're pushing, maybe after mile 16, 17, to finish as much as you want to.” Once again, a family-like support system is what makes the Mammoth March so powerful. You’ll definitely want to take on this challenge!
Planning Your Visit
Versailles is a great park year-round! Summer hiking can be hot, but the pool will cool you off. Spring mountain biking or hiking is excellent to see ephemeral spring flowers. The colorful leaves in the fall were delightful for hiking! It’s also a perfect spot for those with horses looking for a peaceful place to ride.
Garrett said, “This is a hidden gem, but also we want it to grow because we want people to experience the stuff that we have…and people just don't realize how close it is to their front door. People underestimate how great of a park it is. When they come here, they're always shocked at what we have to offer and how wonderful it is.” After multiple visits to Versailles, I highly recommend you discover this beauty for yourself!
It's time to start exploring! Visit Versailles and see if you can bring part of that family atmosphere and peaceful setting into your own life.
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