Updates to playgrounds across state parks
Governor Mike Braun and First Lady Maureen Braun joined us at Fort Harrison State Park to celebrate updates to 43 playgrounds installed across the Indiana State Parks system. These playground updates are made possible as part of a $50 million grant awarded to the Indiana DNR by Lilly Endowment Inc.
The new playgrounds will provide updated equipment and improved accessibility. Twenty-one playground installations have already been completed, and the remainder will be finished by fall 2026.
Indiana State Park Inns & Lodges Summer Special
Stay two nights and receive 25% off your stay now through Aug. 27, 2026. Valid Sunday through Thursday only. Must stay two consecutive nights. Certain property specific restrictions may apply. Reserve today by calling 1.877.LODGES1 or reserve online at IndianaInns.com.
Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park
Have you considered being part of a Friends Group?
Friends Groups support the parks by volunteering, assisting with projects and/or raising funds to complete projects at each park. You can contact each park office to learn more about joining the local Friends group. Below are two recent examples of what Friends groups accomplished at two of our parks.
Mounds State Park
We officially dedicated the new playground! What began as a dream for the Friends group has become a reality, and we couldn’t be more grateful. This project was made possible through incredible community support, generous donations, strong partnerships, and countless volunteer hours. The dedication marks the culmination of years of planning, fundraising, and hard work by so many people who believed in this vision.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this playground possible. Your support has created a place where families can gather, children can play, and memories will be made for years to come.
Lincoln State Park
Here is a photo of a recently completed Friends of Lincoln State Park project. The Nature Center’s resident snapping turtle - is her name Cuddles, Shelly, Flash… we’re not sure - was a bit cramped in her old tank, so the Friends of Lincoln State Park provided funds to get her a new, larger tank that is now featured in this display in the Nature Center. She seems to enjoy her new home.
Clifty Connector Trail
We had the honor of being at the dedication of the Clifty Connector Trail, which now connects Clifty Falls State Park to Madison and the Ohio River Greenway. Plans are underway for the next extension to Hanover College.
Upcoming Events
Don’t forget to check out the events calendar. July is packed with activities each day. Interesting events on the calendar for July include:
- Birds on Display, Hardy Lake
- Snake Meet and Greet, Brown County State Park
- Activity Center/Craft of the Day, Paynetown SRA
- Otters of Indiana, Chain O’Lakes State Park
- Sentimental Journeys, Potato Creek State Park
- CCC Open House, Pokagon State Park
DNR Rewards program – don’t forget to check-in
Have you heard about the DNR Rewards Program?
