Fox Ridge State Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is a well-preserved piece of American history. Founded in 1945, the site includes a 42 acre homestead with replicas of log cabins which were once home to Abraham Lincoln's parents and grandparents. In addition, visitors can explore recreations of an outdoor kitchen and smokehouse, orchard, garden, and animal pens. There are also beautiful nature trails winding through the woods on the grounds.

Lake Charleston is a pristine lake is full of cycling and paddling opportunities, while the surrounding area boasts plenty of camping spots and hiking trails. The surrounding towns have a great selection of restaurants and shops to explore, providing an enjoyable day out for all. Anglers will find plenty of fish to be caught in the lake's depths, and adventurous visitors can rent canoes or kayaks for some unforgettable water sports experiences.

Ashmore Estates, is an abandoned mental asylum and amusement park. Originally the grounds of the asylum served as farmland for local settlers in the early nineteenth century. In 1848, Dr. Richard Ashmore partnered with other prominent citizens to establish a separate institution dedicated to psychiatric care. The estate included a large stone building, with numerous other structures used both for residential and vocational purposes.

World's Largest Pitchfork is a unique roadside attraction standing over 45 feet tall. It draws attention from both tourists and locals alike. Built in 2013, the bright yellow steel and fiberglass pitchfork features intricate artwork including symbols of Clark and Coles counties, as well as an American Eagle decorated with red and blue stripes. The sculpture also contains larger-than-life depiction of cornstalks on its sides to illustrate the many agricultural products made in Clark county.

Standing at 17 feet tall and measuring a whopping 64 feet long, this impressive structure was unveiled in 2016 by local farmer Jim Bolin, who set out to display his array of exotic birds in an appropriate setting. Containing seven cages inside its expansive frame —installed with a unique modular system that allows for reconfiguration — the cage boasts numerous feeding and watering areas as well as perching elements.

The World's Largest Mailbox is an impressive sight. Standing at 25-feet tall and 18-feet wide, this red sculpture of a mailbox weighs over 10 tons and was built in 1985 by Terry Craney. According to locals, he had only one mission for the mailbox's construction: to show the world that rural areas have creativity. Surprisingly, it is functionable as local residents drop off their mail inside on a daily basis.