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- Nature Walk at the New Harmony Firefly FestivalAtheneum / Visitors Center, New Harmony, IN
Join the Co-op on a nature walk on the Jane Blaffer & Kenneth Dale Owen Heritage Trails to observe the Say's fireflies (aka lightningbugs) along the Wabash River.
We will meet near the main entrance of The Atheneum Visitors Center, then walk west to the Riverfront trail to follow the Wabash River north. We'll then walk along Earl W. Rapp Ln. and Jane B. Owen Ln., and follow the Jane B. Owen Trail that connects with Main Street near the Roofless Church and the Red Geranium restaurant, concluding the planned activity.
EVENT DETAILS:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 1.5 Miles
Most of the Jane Blaffer & Kenneth Dale Owen Heritage Trails are gravel or asphalt. The River Trail along the Wabash River may be muddy and slippery. We will detour back to the gravel trail as conditions dictate.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Sturdy shoes for hiking.
- A headlamp or flashlight.
- Day Bag.
- Water (for drinking) and snacks.
- Bug spray.
- Walking stick or hiking poles (optional).
- Clean shoes for the car ride (leave in the car).
SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES LISTED IN CENTRAL TIME):
- 7:00 PM: Meet in front of the Atheneum Visitors Center
- 7:10 PM: Start the nature walk
- 8:15 PM: Conclude the walk at the Roofless Church
GROUND RULES:
- Leave no trace, pack out all your trash.
- No children.
- No pets.
- No drug or alcohol use before or during the planned activity.
NOTES:
The city of New Harmony is hosting the Firefly Festival that day, so expect heavier traffic than typical. Plan to walk to the Atheneum.MAPS / INFORMATION:
- Meeting Place: Anteneum Visitor Center
- Trail Info: Jane Blaffer & Kenneth Dale Owen Heritage Trails
- Firefly Festival: New Harmony Firefly Festival
- Underground ExcursionNeeds location
It's time for our annual joint venture with the Evansville Metropolitan Grotto to go spelunking.
No experience is necessary, but some equipment will be required, along with a sense of adventure! We'll spend 4-5 hours underground.
Since caves are generally dangerous for the public and we aim to protect them from vandalism, their location is often kept secret. Those that sign up will receive location information directly.### WHO SHOULD JOIN:
People who enjoy caves. We'll be crawling, walking, climbing and wading through underground passages. If you are claustrophobic (tight spaces) or nyctophobic (dark) this is NOT the caving experience you are looking for.
Attendees need to be in good physical health; spelunking can be a strenuous activity.#### PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS for SPELUNKING:
Due to the nature of spelunking - confined spaces with very limited accessibility and zero emergency services - you need to be in good physical health. Be prepared to
- Walk
- Stoop
- Crawl on hands and knees
- Belly Crawl
- Climb
- Wade through water
### WHAT TO BRING FOR SPELUNKING:
- 3 light sources, one of which is helmet-mounted.
- helmet with chin strap (a bicycle helmet is acceptable)
- shoes and clothes that you don't mind disposing of (they will likely get destroyed)
- acceptable shoes: lugged sole shoes are preferred, but tennis shoes will work in a pinch. No sandals or water shoes.
- light jacket
- synthetic tops/bottoms/undergarments. No cotton.
- spare batteries (alkaline) if used to power flashlights
- athletic kneepads (optional, but suggested)
- cloth gloves
- 1L of water
- FULL change of clothes for the ride home
- towel
- small pack (e.g., fanny pack)
- snacks
Pack as lightly as possible! Large and heavy packs will make navigation more difficult.
### COST:
- This event is free.
### GROUND RULES:
- No children
- No pets.
- Leave no trace, and pack out all your trash.
### WHERE/WHEN TO MEET:
We will carpool from Lowe's (Oak Grove). Park in the northeast corner of the lot. Carpool time is listed in the itinerary below.
I'll be personally checking each person's gear prior to departure. If you don't have appropriate gear with you, you will not be allowed to attend.#### TIMELINE (may be updated later):
- 6:45a - Meet at Lowe's (Oak Grove) for gear inspection
- 7:00a - Depart from Lowe's for Salem, IN
- 9:00a - Rendezvous locally with our cave guide
- 9:30a - begin spelunking
- 12:30p - finish spelunking
- 1:30p - dinner at location TBD
- 3:00p - depart for Evansville
- 5:00p - return to Lowe's
SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. A FINAL SCHEDULE WILL BE EMAILED.
### MAPS / INFORMATION:
- Carpool (Lowe's)
- Parking Lot to be sent privately
![Open Forum for Members [Summer 2025] cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/5/b/0/event_524326512.webp "Open Forum for Members [Summer 2025]")
