Orange County, Indiana
Orange County sits in the south-central part of the state. Paoli, the county seat, is a small town with a big ski resort. Yeah, you heard that right—skiing in Indiana.
The county is surprisingly hilly, with plenty of forests and winding country roads. You’ll also find a mix of farmland and wilderness here. Patoka Lake and the Hoosier National Forest add to the area’s natural beauty.
But French Lick and West Baden Springs are the stars of the show, with their historic hotels and casino drawing visitors from all over. The historic vaudeville-era Opera House in Mitchell, just north of the county, is another star attraction.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Orange County |
| County Seat | Paoli |
| Etymology | Named after Orange County, North Carolina, which was the original home of many early settlers |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Paoli, French Lick, West Baden Springs, Orleans, Valeene, Chambersburg, Orangeville |
| Interstates and Highways | US-150, IN-37, IN-56, IN-145, IN-337 |
| FIPS Code | 18-117 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 408 square miles (Land: 398 sq mi, Water: 10 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Lawrence County (North), Washington County (East), Crawford County (South), Dubois County (Southwest), Martin County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| Population | 19,000 (estimated) |
| State | Indiana |
| Coordinates | 38.5249° N, 86.4999° W |
| Major Landmarks | French Lick Resort, West Baden Springs Hotel, Paoli Peaks, Hoosier National Forest, Patoka Lake |
