Versailles State Park has many qualities that make it special, but two stood out to me most. First, this park goes hard when it comes to outdoor activities like mountain biking and day-long hikes. Second, the culture at Versailles is the kind that business leaders write books about. It's defined by family, mentoring, servant leadership, and an all-hands-on-deck attitude anchored in humility. It's quite the place!
IN the Podcast Episode
You’ll hear from the park’s staff about the incredible family-like culture they’ve developed at Versailles and learn a little about the park’s history. I also interviewed a Friends group member and board members from their mountain biking club. You’ll also hear from the man who started Mammoth March, an epic national hiking series with an event at Versailles.
Listen to Versailles State Park: Creating a Family Culture for Bikers, Hikers, Kayakers, and More! on Apple or Spotify.
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!