Who's that big guy in the woods?

- September 06, 2023

In the heart of Southern Indiana, nestled amidst the dense woods surrounding Patoka Lake, there lies a legend that has captivated the minds of locals for generations—the legend of Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch.

Stories of this elusive and towering creature have been passed down through the years, whispered around campfires and shared in hushed tones over cups of steaming coffee.

Tales of massive footprints found in the mud, mysterious howls echoing through the night, and fleeting glimpses of a towering figure disappearing into the depths of the forest have fueled the imagination of those who call this rugged wilderness home.

Many claim to have encountered Sasquatch over the years, though skeptics remain unconvinced. Some recount stories of camping trips interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps prowling around their tents, while others swear they've seen the creature darting between the trees, its massive form shrouded in shadows.

Bigfoot sightings began during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. Those reports usually consisted of finding footprints, sporadic encounters and a few grainy photos and videos. Those who claim to have seen Bigfoot have described the creature as a large, upright ape or a large and hairy human, powerfully built and sometimes standing over eight feet tall.

In Indiana, sightings have been reported in 46 the state’s 92 counties. In Monroe County, eight encounters have been reported. Some were reports of hearing shrieks or vocalizations. Others reported spotting a “gray creature” outside their homes.

The most recent report came in June of 2020 in Washington County where hikers reported hearing knocking in the woods that sounded like a baseball hit by a bat. A month earlier a father and daughter in Brown County spotted footprints and a creature who appeared to be, “6 feet tall, gray in color and very, very strong looking.”

One particularly famous sighting occurred near Patoka Lake, where a group of hikers stumbled upon a set of enormous footprints leading into the underbrush. Despite their best efforts to track the creature, it seemed to vanish without a trace, leaving behind only a sense of awe and wonder.

But perhaps the most iconic testament to the legend of Bigfoot in Southern Indiana is the colossal wood carving that stands near the Osborne ramp on Patoka Lake—a towering tribute to the mythical creature that has captured the imagination of so many. Standing at an impressive 25 feet tall, the statue was created by the team of Bear Hollow wood carvers who are based in nearby French Lick.

For some, the legend of Big Foot is nothing more than a fanciful tale spun from the depths of imagination. But for others, it is a reminder of the mysteries that still linger in the uncharted corners of the world, waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to venture into the unknown. And so, the legend of Sasquatch continues to endure, a timeless mystery woven into the fabric of Southern Indiana's rich tapestry of folklore and legend.

For Bigfoot enthusiasts, research is no small feat