City Parks
The Jasper Park and Recreation Department has one of the most comprehensive recreational programs in the United States. The department provides special events for children, Kamp for Kids (ages 4-6), Camp C.A.R. E. (special needs), swimming classes, and sports programs such as golf, softball, volleyball, soccer, football, and baseball leagues. In addition, there is the Arnold F. Habig Senior Center (for seniors over age 55) with a community room for rental. The city has nineteen parks, Beaver Lake, shelter houses for rental, an Olympic size swimming pool with a 65-foot waterslide, basketball courts, horseshoe courts, 11 lighted tennis courts, pickle ball courts and lighted volleyball courts. The Jasper Youth Sports Complex has 11 lighted ball diamonds and 16 batting cages. There are also physical fitness trails and 2 golf courses.
Family Recreation
The RiverWalk is a paved trail winding along the Patoka River from 15th Street to Clay Street crossing over the river twice. Walkers, joggers, and bicyclists can enjoy the two-mile, scenic nature trail without the worry of traffic. Along the trail and below the Patoka Bridge, Buehler Plaza offers picnic areas, shelter houses and a gazebo. The Jasper City Mill, train depot, and the German American Bank Plaza are also located near The RiverWalk.
Central Green Park is located in the center of town. It is a passive park with a fountain and splash pad.
The entire family can enjoy recreational activities at Jasper 8 Theatres and Jasper Skate Palace. Eastown Recreation Center offers public and league bowling. Fitness centers and health clubs are also available.
Golf
Jasper attracts golfers to its scenic rolling hills, practice greens, driving ranges, clubhouses, and pro shops. An 18-hole golf course on the north side with clubhouse and pro shop and a par-three course bordering the Patoka River are city-owned. Sultan’s Run is located on Jasper’s east side where the world champion saddlebred, Supreme Sultan, once roamed. The privately owned public course is known for its landscaped greens, unique waterfall, lake, rolling hills, and large clubhouse.
Patoka Lake
Patoka Lake, a 25,950-acre recreation area, and 8,880-acre lake, is only twelve miles from Jasper and offers swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and hunting.
Constructed primarily for flood control and a water supply to five counties, Patoka Lake has campsites, shelter houses, playgrounds, boat ramps, bicycle and hiking trails, a beach, softball field, archery range, disc golf course and visitor center.
Ferdinand State Forest
Ferdinand State Forest, southeast of Jasper, is a 7,680-acre woodland featuring an abundance of trails for biking or hiking and a swimming and fishing 42-acre lake. The forest also offers campsites, shelter houses, picnic areas, playgrounds, boats to rent, and hunting.
Lincoln State Park
Lincoln State Park is a small drive away and includes 1,747 acres in Spencer County. It is adjacent to a living historical farm, the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and the burial site of Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln. A roofed outdoor amphitheater offers musical performances. The park also has a nature center and a lake for swimming, fishing, and boating. Campsites, group cabins, and boat rentals are available.
Dubois County 4-H
The 4-H Fairgrounds is also southeast of Jasper and is the home of the Dubois County Fair in late July each year. Adjacent to the grounds is the Dubois County Park which offers campsites, shelter houses for rent, lake, playground, horseshoe pits, volleyball, basketball and lighted tennis courts.