Spring Getaway to Madison, Indiana

Established in 2000, Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, north of Madison, sprawls across 50,000 acres on what was once the U.S. Army's Jefferson Proving Ground. Though it does not yet have hiking trails, visitors are able to fish, hunt, view wildlife, take tours and attend special events.

The refuge opens for the season in mid-April; guided tours are available. The park is open Mondays, Fridays, and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. See Midwest Living's review. (812) 273-0783; fws.gov/midwest/bigoaks