This summer, ARI and the Oxbow Nature Conservancy are teaming up to bring you a monthly summer hiking series that blends nature, archaeology, and the stories written across the landscapes of the Ohio River Valley. Each hike invites participants to explore the connections between people, plants, wildlife, and places — all while enjoying some of the region’s most beautiful trails.
Best of all, every hike is free and open to the public.
The Summer Hiking Series is an invitation to slow down, look closely, and discover how the land around us holds stories from both the natural world and thousands of years of human history. Each hike helps participants see the landscape the way archaeologists and conservationists do: as a living record of the past and a vital resource for the future.
For ARI, these guided hikes create space for curiosity and hands-on learning, helping build a deeper appreciation for the landscapes we work to preserve.
Our collaboration with the Oxbow Nature Conservancy is one of the most exciting parts of this series. Oxbow’s decades‑long commitment to habitat restoration and wildlife conservation pairs naturally with ARI’s focus on archaeology and human history. Together, we’re able to offer a richer, more holistic experience that highlights both the ecological and cultural significance of the region.
This partnership allows hikers to:
By combining our strengths, we’re creating a summer hiking experience that celebrates the full story of the Ohio River Valley.
From wetlands and wildlife to ancient cultures and early farming, each month offers a new theme and a new way to experience the Oxbow and ARI’s surrounding landscapes. Hikes alternate between Oxbow‑led programs focused on ecology and conservation, and ARI‑led hikes that explore archaeology and the deep history of the region.
All guided hikes begin at 4:30 PM and last approximately 90 minutes.
Led by Oxbow Inc.Â
Kick off the season with an introduction to the Oxbow Nature Conservancy and learn why wetlands are among the most important — and threatened — ecosystems in our region.
Led by ARIÂ
Walk the trail while exploring how the Adena people used native plants and transitioned into early forms of agriculture during the Early Woodland period.
Led by Oxbow Inc.Â
A family‑friendly adventure along the 1.3‑mile Osprey Lake Trail, complete with a nature scavenger hunt perfect for kids and curious adults alike.
Led by ARIÂ
Discover the remarkable world of the Hopewell people and learn how they used native plants during the Middle Woodland period.
Led by Oxbow Inc.Â
Timed with peak fall migration, this hike is ideal for anyone interested in learning the basics of bird identification and behavior.
Led by ARIÂ
Enjoy a scenic autumn walk while exploring how the Fort Ancient people thrived using native plants during the Late Woodland period.
All hikes begin at the main entrance of the Oxbow Nature Conservancy:
17160–17278 Reardon Dr, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a new way to explore the outdoors, the Summer Hiking Series offers something for everyone. If you’re looking for things to do in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, we invite you to come discover the stories of the land — past and present — with ARI and Oxbow Inc.
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