Our History

The Falls of the Ohio Foundation originally formed as The Clarksville Riverfront Development Foundation in 1987. The Foundation’s first mission was to preserve and protect the Falls of the Ohio and to spearhead the fundraising effort to build a first-class educational interpretive center at the Falls and oversee its development.

The Foundation became partners with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in 1990, helping establish the Falls as Indiana’s twentieth state park.

Through the Foundation’s fundraising efforts and partnerships with the State of Indiana and Town of Clarksville, construction of the Interpretive Center began in 1992, and was completed in 1994.

Since the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center’s opening in 1994, the Foundation has focused on supplementing the state park’s efforts with additional educational program development, capital improvements to the Interpretive Center, and other projects to help elevate and preserve the Falls area.

In January 2016, the Foundation completed a $6 million fundraising campaign for new interactive and immersive exhibits, including building renovations. And in 2018, the Foundation completed fundraising for the New Orientation Film in the auditorium. These two massive undertakings elevated the visitor experience while increasing the opportunity for people to learn about the Falls’ unique history.

In 2003, 2015, and 2023 the Falls of the Ohio Foundation and State Park received the Partnership of the Year Award by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for our work on capital improvement projects. In 1999, the Foundation was honored with the competitive Excellence in Interpretive Support Award from The National Association for Interpretation. The Foundation received this award for its work at the Falls of the Ohio in recognition of exceptional and sustained support toward enhancement of interpretation, and for serving as a model for other interpretive venues and contributors.

The Falls of the Ohio Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors and has a Community Leadership Council. The physical office is located in the Falls of the Ohio State Park Interpretive Center, with space being donated by IDNR. The Foundation employs a part-time administrative and programs assistant, and executive director. In addition to special capital and program fundraising projects, the Foundation is responsible for the Falls membership program, engraved bricks and telescopes, the Family Paleontologist Day Camp, and provides free educational experiences through an endowment fund established by the generosity of our donors.

Since 1994, the Falls of the Ohio State Park Interpretive Center has served over 1,100,000 visitors, including over 350,000 school-age students through its educational exhibits, programs, special events, and workshops. Most of the targeted audience for educational programs are school-age children from the Falls of the Ohio region. Many of these programs address the Indiana and Kentucky science standards. Additionally, more than 500,000 people (children and adults) have participated in 20,000+ educational programs. This includes school groups preK-college, home school groups, scout and other children and adult groups, teacher workshops, summer day campers, nature and history enthusiasts, and visitors of all ages.

Visitors have come from all 50 states and over 100 countries. In addition, an estimated 500,000 visitors have used the park annually as sightseers, anglers, hikers, canoeists, bird watchers, and for a vast range of other recreational and educational needs