Swim at This Iconic Quarry Swimming Hole in Indiana for the Ultimate Outdoor Fun

Imagine sparkling emerald waters, sandy shores, and towering cliffs surrounded by gorgeous woodlands. Doesn’t that sound like a fairytale destination? I can’t speak for you, but this is definitely a spot where I'd spend my days soaking up the sun. And on those days when it gets toasty, cooling off in this quarry swimming hole in Indiana is what summertime dreams are made of. Intrigued? Plan a day trip to Old Kenneth Quarry tucked inside France Park. It’s a popular spot for scuba diving, but we’d like to think of it as our own little oasis in the Hoosier State.  

France Park is a quick 90-minute drive from Indianapolis, so this outdoor playground is a great spot for a day trip or even a weekend getaway. It’s perfect for families who love to spend time outdoors hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and camping. Though Indy Dive Center uses the limestone quarry on the weekends for scuba diving, its most popular attraction is swimming.  

From Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, this dreamy swimming hole is the hot spot in Indiana. And it’s easy to see why because the water is crystal-clear and the area is downright gorgeous. On a hot summer day, you can spend hours wading in the calm emerald waters or soaking up some rays on the sandy shores.  

The kids will love making a splash here, especially since there is an inflatable water park. The adult kids love to climb over the obstacle course, too. There is an extra fee to play on the inflatables, but it’s worth it. After all, it will keep the little ones busy all day, so you’ll have uninterrupted time to soak up even more sun. 

For more adventure, bring your own kayak and paddle and float the scenic quarry, enjoying the views of the towering cliffs. Keep in mind that paddling is not allowed when divers are in the water. But that shouldn’t stop you from having fun all day long. Be sure to pack a cooler with your favorite snacks and plenty of drinking water.   

If you want to take a break from the beach, walk the France Park Loop to sit on top of the bluffs above the sparkling quarry. While perched here, you get to admire the breathtaking beauty of this oasis. The towering cliffs are unique to northern Indiana, so this spot will be one that you will keep coming back to. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the top summertime destinations for locals.  

Due to its popularity, this iconic swimming hole does get crowded. Want some quiet time? I’d suggest hiking the four-mile Spring Dry Loop to see the pretty little waterfall along the trail. And for more solitude, bring your fishing rod and spend a couple of hours catching crappies, largemouth bass, and bluegill at Elzbeck Lake in a more remote section of the park. 

Weekends and holidays are always the busiest, so plan your day trip on a weekday, and you could have more of the park to yourself. Of course, you could extend your time and plan a camping weekend. The park has over 200 campsites with primitive and hookup camping. Or book the rustic cabin that sleeps 4 if you want more comfortable accommodations. You can’t go wrong with a trip to this hidden gem. Old Kenneth Quarry is the perfect location to cool off and make a splash. 

There is a small entrance fee for the park, and rates vary for other amenities. Visit the France Park website to learn more. 

What do you think about this quarry swimming hole in Indiana? Would you plan a trip here? Planning on hitting the highway this summer in Indiana? Check out our road trip along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.