Cave Country Canoes in Milltown, Indiana
Looking for a beautiful way to spend the weekend? Look no further than Cave Country Canoes in Milltown, which offers kayaking and canoeing from April to October.
Owner Sherri Nail said, “The Blue River is a gem in Indiana and even in the country.”
Without having a lot of industry on the river, it is somewhat rural and remote and is also considered to be the cleanest river in Indiana. Nail said it is protected by the Blue River Commission.
Cave Country Canoes rents out kayaks and canoes. They run about 20 miles of the river on a regular basis and sometimes go all the way down to the Ohio River. Along with rentals, they also have campgrounds, tent and RV sites, and most recently added a glamping tent.
“The idea grew from two things: People are living with their parents longer because of the cost of housing and because of that, they don’t invest in a lot of gear — camping gear, sleeping bags … but they still want to participate. So, we needed a place so they could come, like a hotel room, but still have the camping experience.”
– Sherri Nail, Owner
“The idea grew from two things: People are living with their parents longer because of the cost of housing and because of that, they don’t invest in a lot of gear — camping gear, sleeping bags … but they still want to participate,” Nail said. “So, we needed a place so they could come, like a hotel room, but still have the camping experience.”
The glamping is perfect for those who want the experience but not the big investment in gear.
“It’s kind of new to this area, and I look forward to that growing and being able to accommodate families and groups and things,” Nail said. “If you’re not a camper, you can still make it through the night. King-sized bed, linens, towels, soft rug, furniture, fans, electricity. … You can enjoy the best of the outdoors and still be comfortable.”
All gear needed is included in your stay. The current site is suited for couples, but Nail said they are looking forward to expanding in the future.
“People that are long-time campers really enjoy it, especially if you’ve been camping all your life and now you’re 60 and you don’t have to sleep on the ground. It’s a win-win.”
Nail herself has always been an avid lover of the outdoors and worked for the original owners of Cave Country when she was a teenager.
“I was gone for over 20 years and then I came back supposedly to work for one summer and run the inside of the store, but I ended up purchasing with my husband instead.”
This is their fifth year operating.
Nail’s day-to-day is getting people to and from the river — anticipating their needs and making sure they have anything and everything guests could need.
For beginners, she would recommend the half-day trip, which is seven miles. The trip is truly meant for anyone. Cave Country has options for anyone age 3 and up and weighing 30-plus pounds.
For beginners, she would recommend the half-day trip, which is seven miles. The trip is truly meant for anyone. Cave Country has options for anyone age 3 and up and weighing 30-plus pounds.
While cavecountrycanoes.com has plenty of information, facebook.com/cavecountrycanoes is a great way to keep up with more in-the-moment updates throughout the day.
“Come for the weekend, come for the day, be riverside and leave it all behind,” Nail said.
Follow The District on Instagram (@thedistrictartisanmarket) and Facebook to keep up with the latest updates. “Come out, bring some friends, have some food and some drinks, and relax in New Albany’s newest place to shop and hang out,” Hardesty said.
And here’s a quick tip from a fellow community member: Try the cereal milk latte from Bloom Coffee while you shop. •
Story by Darian Decker
Photos by Michelle Hockman
.
silivingmag.com 