Episode 17Travel & OutdoorsSouthwest

Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area: An Off-Roading Adventure

IN the Parks·Allison Martin·Sep 22, 2026·40 min
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Show Notes

Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area is so much FUN! Whether you’re in a Jeep, on a dirt bike or mountain bike, want to kayak, hike, or even drive your Toyota, you’ll love a day exploring this property. Interlake is one of two off-road state recreation areas in Indiana, and it's a stunningly beautiful park. The park’s mining history is literally visible on the land. Learn how this property went from surface coal mining to an exciting off-road experience!

Please note that Interlake is in the Central Time Zone because that’s where the front office is. However, as you drive back and forth across the 3,500 acres, you may switch from Central to Eastern and back. Not very often you can time travel so easily!

If you want to learn more about the history of coal, especially in Indiana, check out The Museum of the Coal Industry in Lynnville, not far from the park.

You are going to learn about:

  • The history of coal mining in Indiana and why that created such great off-roading
  • Great off-roading spots in the park like the Rock Garden and The Juicer
  • How to navigate the 3,500 acre property
  • What to do if (or when) you get a flat tire

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Episode Details
Show
IN the Parks
Category
Travel & Outdoors
Topic
IN the Parks
Region
Southwest
Duration
00:39:54
Published
Sep 22, 2026
About the Host
Allison Martin
Allison Martin
Host · IN the Parks

Allison Martin tells the stories behind Indiana's state parks: the best trails, the campgrounds, the history and the corners worth the drive.

View show

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro
  2. 00:50Overview of Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area
  3. 03:08Meet the Assistant Property Manager
  4. 04:26The Mining History of the Property
  5. 09:09Navigating the Four Zones in the Park
  6. 10:06The Transition from Mining to State Property
  7. 10:56Understanding the Park Reclamation and Restoration Processes
  8. 13:30Riding Through the Park to See the Features
  9. 15:43The Trails Rating System
  10. 17:11Keeping the Park Family Friendly
  11. 18:00Checking Out the Major Points of Interest
  12. 19:31The Hill for Thrill Seekers
  13. 21:45Finding More Points of Interest
  14. 23:42Where a Ford Expedition Commercial was Filmed
  15. 25:28The Practice Course for Kids
  16. 27:28Beaver Pond and the Park’s Natural Filtration System
  17. 29:46Riding on a Black Trail & Getting a Flat Tire
  18. 33:49What if You Get a Flat Tire?
  19. 34:05Seeing Wildlife in the Park
  20. 35:03Entrance Fees for Off-Roading
  21. 37:43Park Activities and Events

Frequently asked

Quick answers.

The useful details, answered clearly and without the digging.

01

What is Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area?

Interlake is one of two off-road state recreation areas in Indiana. You can explore it in a Jeep, on a dirt bike or mountain bike, or even in your everyday Toyota, and you can also kayak and hike on the property.

02

How big is Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area?

Interlake covers about 3,500 acres. The episode walks through how the property is split into four zones and how to navigate it.

03

What time zone is Interlake in?

Interlake runs on Central Time because that is where the front office sits. The property straddles the line, so as you drive across the 3,500 acres you may switch from Central to Eastern and back.

04

Was Interlake a coal mine?

Yes. The land was surface mined for coal before it became state property, and that mining history is still visible on the landscape. The episode explains how the old mine ground created such good off-roading and how the park handles reclamation and restoration.

05

What are the best off-road spots at Interlake?

Two of the favorites are the Rock Garden and The Juicer. The episode also visits a hill for thrill seekers, the spot where a Ford Expedition commercial was filmed, and the beaver pond that acts as part of the park's natural filtration system.

06

Is Interlake good for kids?

Yes. The park has a practice course for kids, and the assistant property manager talks about how the staff keeps Interlake family friendly.

07

Where can I learn about Indiana coal history near Interlake?

The Museum of the Coal Industry in Lynnville is not far from the park. It covers the history of coal, especially in Indiana, and pairs well with a day at Interlake.

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