Cataract Falls: Making a Splash in Indiana's Waterfall Wonderland
Cataract Falls is a breathtaking waterfall within the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area situated in northern Owen County in Indiana. This iconic landmark on Mill Creek features both the Upper and Lower Cataract falls, and serves as the headwaters for Cagles Mill Lake. Cataract Falls boasts the title of Indiana's largest waterfall by volume . While here, don't miss the historic Cataract Falls Bridge, the last surviving covered bridge in Owen County Indiana.
Cataract Falls State Recreation Address and Map
Cataract Falls State Recreation Area is at 2605 N Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN 47460, near State Roads 42 and 243. It is approximately 50 miles southwest of Indianapolis and about 30 miles northwest of Bloomington.
You can find a PDF map of the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area here.
How much does it cost to go to Cataract Falls Indiana?
The Cataract Falls State Recreation Area, like most Indiana state parks, costs $7 per car for Indiana license plates and $9 for out of state plates. While the entry fee might seem steep for the relatively small park, the waterfalls awaiting inside justify the price.
Upper Cataract Falls
The Upper Falls are about 45 feet tall and are located next to the entrance. There are a couple of viewing platforms and a trail leading to the Lower Falls. The parking lot is next to the viewing platforms making it easy to see the falls without a lot of walking.
Cataract Falls Covered Bridge
The historic Cataract Falls Covered Bridge, the last of its kind in Owen County, spans Mill Creek just upstream from the falls. It is a pedestrian only bridge, and it is possible to walk across it. It was constructed in 1876 from limestone and white pine.
Lower Cataract Falls
A scenic trail following the creek about a mile long connects the upper and lower falls. If walking isn't on your agenda, a short drive will bring you to the Lower Cataract Falls.
The Lower Falls are about 30 feet tall, with Mill Creek flowing into Cagles Mill Lake shortly downstream.
Things to do near Cataract Falls
Lieber State Recreation Area
Lieber State Recreation Area is next to the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area and contains Cagles Mill Lake. It has a marina, multiple boat launches, an aquatic center, and a campground.
McCormick’s Creek State Park
McCormick’s Creek State Park is just 17 miles south of Cataract Falls State Recreation Area. It has a nature center, numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and a swimming pool.
Cataract General Store
Cataract General Store is a short 2 minute drive from Cataract Falls. It claims to be a "21st Century version of a 19th Century General Store". The address is 2799 S Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN 47460.
Cataract Schoolhouse
Experience history and indulge in some sweet delights at this historic schoolhouse-turned-ice-cream-shop. Cataract Schoolhouse is just quick 2 minute drive away at 2661 Cunot-Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN 47460.
Camping near Cataract Falls
While camping isn't permitted within the recreation area itself, there are nearby options.
Camping in Lieber State Recreation Area
The adjacent Lieber State Recreation Area offers 120 electric and 96 primitive sites, as well as a dump station.
Camping in McCormick’s Creek State Park
Another alternative, McCormick’s Creek State Park, is currently closed due to tornado damage. It used to have 189 electric sites, 32 primitive sites, a dump station, and a camp store. There is no timeline for reopenining, and the campgrounds will remain closed until repairs are complete.
History of the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area
The area was originally home to the Miami, Shawnee, and Potawatomi Indians, but conflicts with white settlers in the late 18th century led to the exodus of these tribes. The town of Cataract was founded in 1851. The Cataract Falls Covered Bridge was built in 1876. The generous donation of 38 acres, including the Upper and Lower falls, by Agnes Steiner Stuckey in 1952 to the state of Indiana allowed for the creation of the park.