Falls of the Ohio, Clarksville, IN

Ancient fossil beds make a rare riverside photo op

by Carrie Daut | August 29, 2011

For one of the most unique views of Louisville, residents and visitors alike head 5 minutes outside the city – to the Falls of the Ohio.

Located just across the bridge from downtown Louisville, the Falls of the Ohio is a 220-acre fossil bed site along the banks of the Ohio River. And for eager photographers, the site offers extraordinary snapshots of Louisville’s geography, history, sunsets, skyline and more.

The falls themselves are a series of rapids in the Ohio River that originally stretched over 2.5 miles. Centuries ago it made the river unnavigable, forcing explorers to settle at the site. The city of Louisville owes its entire existence to the falls.

Today, visitors flock to the falls to explore the 390 million year-old fossil beds, one of the largest areas of naturally-exposed fossils in the world. In addition to the fossils, camera-carrying visitors can snap shots of the gushing falls, the bridges and dam that span the river, the Louisville skyline, vibrant sunsets and blooming gardens. Be on the lookout for frequent wedding and engagement photo shoots, too.

(Insider Tip: The best time to visit the Falls of the Ohio is right now! From August through mid-November the river is at its lowest, allowing for the best visitor access.)

The Falls of the Ohio is part of the Falls of the Ohio State Park, a perfect spot for fishing, hiking, bird watching and picnicking. An interpretive center is open year-round, providing films, fossil exhibits, an aquarium, history and geology of the area.

(Insider Note: Fossils cannot be collected from the park, and swimming is not allowed.)

To reach the Falls of the Ohio, follow Interstate 65 North out of downtown Louisville. As you cross the bridge, take exit 0 and follow the signs. If using a GPS, be sure to use the address: 201 West Riverside Drive, Clarksville, IN.

The park is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entrance is free. If also visiting the Interpretive Center, admission prices are $5 for adults, $2 for children 2-18. The Interpretive Center has different hours. Several pay-to-park stations can be found nearby, but parking is free if also visiting the Interpretive Center.

For more information on the Falls of the Ohio, visit fallsoftheohio.org or call (812) 280-9970. For river conditions, special events and breathtaking photos, visit the Falls of the Ohio State Park Facebook page.