France Park, Indiana

West of the north central Indiana town of Logansport is France Park, a multifaceted recreational attraction that draws rock climbers, hikers, bicyclists, plus miniature golf and disc golf enthusiasts. But for divers visiting the park, the star attraction is the Old Kenith Quarry, once a limestone mining operation in the 1940s. Mining ceased and underground springs eventually filled the abandoned seven-acre quarry with water. Steep cliffs guard three sides of the site, and a sandy, sloped area is on a fourth side. Underwater divers will find an old school bus, pickup truck and remnants of the mining days, among other surprises. France Park is owned by Cass County but diving is supervised by Tom and Linda Stough who have operated the site's air fill station for 15 years. The couple owns Diving Den, a dive store in Kokomo, Indiana, which is southeast of the park.

Depths to: 30 feet (9 m)

Visibility: Ranges from a few feet in the summer to 50 feet (15 m) in the spring and fall, which are considered the best times to dive.

Water temperature: Upper 30s Fahrenheit (3-4 degrees Celsius) in the winter to 80s F (27-31 C) in the summer.

Aquatic life: Includes about 30 paddlefish, plus bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish.

Fees: $1.50 to enter France Park and another $10 to dive.

On-site amenities: Air fill station; campground with a convenience store, bathrooms, showers, water and electrical hookup; swimming beach, trails.

More info: Contact France Park by phone at (574) 753-2928 or by e-mail at fpark@francepark.com, or call Diving Den at (765) 452-1034.

Open: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and Mondays that are holidays, usually from late April to November, depending on the weather. Additional times are available by appointment. Diving is allowed only when a divemaster is present.

Getting there: From Indianapolis, take U.S. 31 north to U.S. 35. Continue north, turn west on U.S. 24 and drive three miles. France Park will be on the left.