What we’re about
Welcome to the Evansville Outdoors Co-op, a fresh new cooperative of outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to helping you find inspiration in the great outdoors.
Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just starting your journey, we at Evansville Outdoors believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore in a supportive and open environment.
Our mission is simple: to create a space where every member feels valued, supported, heard, and, above all, inspired. With Evansville Outdoors, you're not just joining a club; you're becoming part of a group whose goal is to make unforgettable outdoor experiences available to everybody.
What makes us different?
- Inclusive Adventures: Dive into new experiences in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere where there's something for everyone.
- Family Fun: We're passionate about nurturing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts with family-friendly events that ignite the love for nature.
- Your Voice Matters: This is your club! Members and organizers collaborate to shape our path. We elect officers and vote on important decisions—no top-down approach here!
- Safety & Respect: Our priority is your safety and ensuring a respectful environment, guaranteeing everyone's positive experience.
Adventure awaits with Evansville Outdoors!
If you're interested in joining, please check out our Rules and Guidelines. When you're ready to join, send us a New Member Agreement to acknowledge these policies and sign a Liability Waiver..
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Orienteering in Morgan-Monroe State ForestMorgan-Monroe State Forest, Martinsville, IN
Do you often find yourself lost? Wish you had a better sense of direction? Practice reading a map and blazing your own trail on a two part beginner and advanced course that'll teach us how to get unlost! We'll visit and practice our navigational skills on the permanent Orienteering courses in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Morgan-Monroe Pathfinder Trail Orienteering Course is a great way to ease into orienteering as this is a two part course. The compass course is set up to learn and practice how find our bearings and count our paces with 9 controls set along an established trail. Once you get the hang of how to find your way, the last control of the compass course becomes the first of the 16 control advanced course that is all off trail.
Can we find our way?
Plan to meet at East Side Lowe's at 8:00 AM (CST). We'll carpool to the Forest where we'll spend the day. Orienteering begins by 10:45a (CST). Bring a picnic lunch. We'll wrap up around 3:00pm.
WHERE/WHEN TO MEET:
== ALL TIMES LISTED IN CENTRAL STANDARD (CST) ==
8:00a - Meet at Lowe's to carpool
10:30a - Arrive at Forest
10:45a - Discuss routes and begin orienteering
12:00p - Lunch at Picnic area
3:00p - Finish course
5:30p - Arrive in EvansvilleWHO SHOULD JOIN:
- Adventurers who don't mind getting a little bit lost.
- People who like to blaze their own trail.
- People who hate modern technology and want to pretend it's pre-1990 again.
- Cartographers (map-lovers)
- Competitive people. (Remember, this IS a sport, and sometimes a race!)
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING:
- a compass (REQUIRED)
- a printed map (REQUIRED -- see links below)
- your favorite trail shoes (expect some mud off-trail)
- water (for drinking) and snacks
- Picnic lunch (in a cooler in the car)
- Sunscreen and Bug spray
- walking stick or hiking poles (optional)
WHAT TO CONSIDER LEAVING BEHIND:
- your cell phone
- your GPS (no cheating!)
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:
- Terrain is moderate, there will be hills.
- There may be upwards of 150ft of elevation gain between points.
- Only the compass course is near a trail. The advanced course is entirely off trail.
- Compass Course is approx. .75 miles.
- Advanced Course is approx. 4 miles straight line distance (Our distances will be greater depending on navigation) .
- There is a vault toilet at the Scout Ridge Shelter House.
COST:
- None
GROUND RULES:
- No children
- Dogs permitted on a six-foot leash only.
MAPS / INFORMATION:
- Lowe's Oak Grove (Carpool): https://goo.gl/maps/EzL8AnkaUQSeXAMg8
- Trailhead Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7fktZLktFuNeMnQG7
- Control Point Map (IN DNR) (this is best printed in full color!): https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/files/fo-MorganMonroeOrienteeringMap.pdf
- Morgan Monroe Trail Map (IN DNR): https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/files/fo-morgan-monroe-map.pdf
- Park Website: https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/properties/morgan-monroe-state-forest/
- Ferne Clyffe State ParkFerne Clyffe State Park, Goreville, IL
The Ferne Clyffe is known for its scenic woodlands, rocky cliffs, streams, and waterfalls. Let's go explore! We'll hike the Happy Hollow Trail (~5mi) and perhaps add a few more bonus miles if time permits.
ALL TIMES ARE LISTED IN CENTRAL DAYLIGHT (CDT)
Plan to meet at Lowe's at 7:00 AM (CDT). We'll carpool to Marion, IL for a day of hiking. Hiking begins around 9:30a. Lunch will be eaten on the trail. We'll wrap up by 5pm and stop at a local ice cream place for dinner.WHERE/WHEN TO MEET:
7:00a - Meet at Lowe's to carpool
9:15a - Arrive at Ferne Clyffe State Park
9:30a - Begin hiking
Lunch on trail
5:00p - Depart for Evansville
5:30p - Stop for Dinner/Ice Cream (Sweet Thangs & Such) in Marion, IL
8:00p - arrive in EvansvilleWHAT TO BRING:
- sturdy shoes for hiking
- extra pair of socks
- water (for drinking) and snacks
- picnic lunch
- Sunscreen and Bug spray
- a flashlight... in case we find any caves :)
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:
- We'll hike approximately 6-8 miles
- Trails are rated moderate to rugged, and include steep inclines in some areas.
- Expect some creek crossings.
- Dinner has outdoor seating and should be dog-friendly.
COST:
- FREE (no day use fees)
GROUND RULES:
- No children
- Dogs on leash
- Leave no trace, and pack out all your trash.
MAPS / INFORMATION:
Lowe's Oak Grove (Carpool): https://goo.gl/maps/EzL8AnkaUQSeXAMg8
Buck Creek Parking Lot (Parking): https://maps.app.goo.gl/TRzFojJ6eL5JdgCt8
Ferne Clyffe Brochure/Map: https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/publications/documents/00000100.pdf
Ferne Clyffe (website): https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.ferneclyffe.html - Speleofest [Cross-posted from Louisville Grotto]Lone Star Preserve, bonnieville, KY
This event is hosted by the Louisville Grotto. If you wish to attend with your fellow Co-op crew, RSVP here and meet us at the event.
#### Speleofest 2025
- Where: Bonnieville, KY
- When: May 23~26
- Cost: $40 registration
### WHO SHOULD JOIN:
Anyone interested in caving! Grottos gather from across the country every year to participate.
### WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Cave trips are scheduled Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sign up sheets for individual trips are posted on the bulletin boards in "Cave Central" the night before at 6PM (EDT). Be there early, or you'll miss out! Sign up sheets fill up in a matter of seconds!
- There's on-site camping (free with your registration).
- There are festivities each night including a massive bonfire, live music performances, and door prizes.
- A ropes course is open Friday~Sunday to learn, practice, and compete in an Apline SRT (Single Rope Technique) obstacle course.
- A speaker will follow Sunday's banquet (additional $25), and all participants can enter for plentiful door prizes.
- Vendors are on-site, if you are interested in purchasing any gear.
Alcohol Notice:
- Alcohol will be present at event.
See the website for additional event details.
### ITENERARY:
--All times in Eastern Daylight (EDT)--
#### Friday, May 23:
- 8AM: Registration Opens
- Cave Trips -- See Cave Central
- 6PM: Saturday cave trips posted
- 8PM-11PM: Howdy Party
- 11PM: Registration closes
#### Saturday, May 24:
- 7AM - 10AM: Breakfast
- 8AM: Registration Opens
- Cave Trips -- See Cave Central
- 5PM-7PM: Banquet
- 7:30PM: Guest Speaker, Door Prizes to follow
- 9PM: Sunday cave trips posted
- 9PM: Registration closes
#### Sunday, May 25:
- 7AM - 10AM: Breakfast
- 8AM: Registration Opens
- Cave Trips -- See Cave Central
- 12PM: Registration closes
- 7PM: Caver social by the cave
- 7:30PM: Band (The Cave Rats) under the shelter
#### Monday, May 26
- Pack up and clean up.
- 12PM Lone Star Preserve Closes
INFORMATION / REGISTRATION:
- Registration: https://www.louisvillegrotto.org/speleofest-registration/
- Website: https://www.louisvillegrotto.org/speleofest/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Speleofest/
![Speleofest [Cross-posted from Louisville Grotto] cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/f/9/2/event_526540850.webp "Speleofest [Cross-posted from Louisville Grotto]")