Indiana Department Natural Resources Offering FREE Park Admission This Sunday

Visit Indiana Week is May 1-7

Free gate admission to all DNR properties on Sunday, May 1. 

During Visit Indiana Week, visitors will be eligible for prizes when they check in using the Indiana State Nature Passport.

At the end of the week, one person will win the grand prize, a 2022 State Parks Pass, a $50 gift card for camping and a subscription to Outdoor Indiana magazine.

Visitors who donate to the Natural Resources Foundation throughout the month will also earn a free check-in.

$65 million going toward trails across Indiana

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and DNR Director Dan Bortner recently announced 38 communities and non-profit organizations will receive a combined $65 million for 77 miles of new trail development. 

“Trails connect communities together in such a personal way and are perfect pathways to good mental and physical well-being,” Gov. Holcomb said.

Enjoy your visit to a DNR property

There are many fun and unique events happening around the state at DNR properties. From Breakfast with the Birds at Hardy Lake to Fabulous Foxes at Chain O'Lakes State Park there is something for everyone. 

Celebrate Mother's Day at Indiana State Park Inns

Natural Resources Foundation online auction coming

Celebrate and preserve Indiana’s natural legacy by participating in the upcoming online auction.

From April 29 – May 8, you can bid on exclusive DNR experiences and items that feature unique opportunities on Indiana’s public lands.

From a private party at Pokagon State Park’s historic toboggan run to a premier campsite at beautiful Brown County State Park during the 2024 solar eclipse, this auction has something for everyone.

DNR to host second annual ‘Teddy Bear Camp’ for stuffed animals

Does your child have a curious stuffed animal friend who loves adventures, new experiences, and making new friends?

If so, make plans to send it to Teddy Bear Camp, May 8-14. Run by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA), this second-annual “camp” is for stuffed animals belonging to kids ages 5-12 around Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, or Boone counties.

During camp, DHPA staff will take the stuffed animals to a variety of sites to learn about history, architecture, and historic preservation.

Don’t miss this year’s first Free Fishing Day

Each year, Indiana has four Free Fishing Days to provide Indiana residents the opportunity to cast a line without the need for a fishing license. The first of these days for 2022 is Sunday, May 1.

Inland stream trout season opens Saturday

Nearly 22,000 trout are being stocked by the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife in 16 different streams across Indiana for inland trout season, which starts at 6 a.m. local time on Saturday, April 30.

Trout will bite on a variety of artificial baits such as spinners and flies, but natural baits such as worms and bee moths tend to be the most popular.

How to celebrate Historic Preservation Month

May is Historic Preservation Month, which means it’s time to celebrate Indiana’s built environment.

This year’s theme is “That Exceptional One—Indiana’s Early Female Architects and Builders”.

Free guided hike at Pisgah Marsh NP, June 11

Pisgah Marsh Nature Preserve is 118 acres and is part of the larger Pisgah Marsh Fish & Wildlife area. It is located within the Northern Lakes Natural Region and contains high-quality examples of fen, sedge meadow, marsh, and oak woodland natural communities.

There is still time to take a turkey

State Park Inns Spring Savings Special

Stop the spread of invasive species

Prevent the spread of invasive species by removing plants, seeds, and mud from your boots, gear, pets, and vehicles before entering the recreation site. Repeat these steps before you hop in your vehicle to go home. Taking these small steps will help our wildlife and their native habitats thrive. 

Invasive species are plants, animals, and diseases that are not native to the area in question and have caused or are likely to cause environmental, human health, or financial harm in Indiana. 

Get your hands on Outdoor Indiana Magazine

The May/June issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine features a cover story on Twin Swamps Nature Preserve as well as features on Lincoln State Park and Indiana’s Lighthouses. Become part of Outdoor Indiana. Subscribe for yourself, a friend or relative.