Past Projects

The Outdoor Classroom created an educational space under a tree canopy. The classroom includes native trees, seating created out of large driftwood trees, and large limestone boulders for study and exploration. The project also included adding new interpretive signage which relates the stories of the Falls’ indigenous people (slated to be done in 2025).

• Completed in 2023
• Made possible by Duke Energy Foundation, Mark Wood, Irving Materials, Inc., Indiana Parks Alliance

With its panoramic view of the Falls, the River Room is the most beautiful room at the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center. The Foundation supported new overhead graphics with satellite images for educational purposes, and added a video screen and exhibits cases to support rotating exhibits,added new window film to reduce sun/heat/humidity issues, and added new sofas to enjoy the view.

• Completed in 2023
• Made possible by Jamey Aebersold

Mounted over the deck at the Interpretive Center the camera pans from the dam gates to the lower fossil beds at the base of the stairs and gives visitors an opportunity to view water levels before coming to the Falls. The camera is particularly helpful for paddlers and anglers who depend on specific water levels for recreational activities.

• Completed in 2022
• Made possible by the Bales Foundation
• View the webcam.

In 2020 the Falls of the Ohio Foundation led the effort to create a virtual classroom at the Falls of the Ohio. The project included installation of top-of-the-line video conferencing equipment to assist with online programming, educational recordings, and meetings. The virtual classroom can be used by interpretive naturalists to host Falls of the Ohio programs anywhere in the world.

• Completed in 2020
• Made possible by the generosity of individuals. 

The PNC Music Garden took an under-utilized portion of the park and anchored it with a fabulous new music garden to inspire creativity in the natural environment. This music garden is enjoyed all year by people of all ages.

• Completed in 2019
• Made possible by PNC Bank Foundation

The Falls of the Ohio’s introductory film was reimagined in 2018. This beautiful film spans the entire way of the auditorium and introduces guests to the historical stories of the Falls of the Ohio, helping guests understand what they will learn while exploring the exhibits at the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center. The film summarizes over 400 million years of history in just twelve minutes.

• Completed in 2018
• Made possible by the generosity of numerous foundations, corporations, organizations, individuals, and our community.

In 2016 the Falls of the Ohio re-opened after being closed for a major renovation of the exhibit gallery. The $6 million project completely brought the exhibits in line with contemporary museum practices and standards for the 21st century student, family, and visitor by emphasizing an immersive experience. Today, state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits chronicle the region’s scientific, cultural, and natural history with four interpretive themes: An Ancient Sea, A Changing Land, Converging Cultures, and The Falls Today.

• Completed in 2016
• Made possible by the generosity of numerous foundations, corporations, organizations, individuals, and our community.
• Learn more about the exhibits.

The Falls of the Ohio Foundation supports projects across the Falls area which help preserve and elevate this unique landscape. Other past projects include: Bird Room window safety film, Kids Corner exhibit area, aquarium exhibit, George Rogers Clark Cabin, Lewis and Clark exhibit, Sun Circle and Ohio Valley Improvement Association exhibits, three new video projectors for the auditorium orientation film, a big screen video adaptor for the auditorium, 20 auditorium seats/aisle lighting, handicap accessible door opener, Woodland Loop Trail upgrade to handicap accessible, an outdoor drinking fountain, sidewalk to Ashland Park, glass sculptures in Rotunda.