2022 fishing and hunting licenses
Indiana fishing and hunting licenses are now available for purchase. Valid from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.
State Park Inns spring savings special
Stay two nights, and receive 25% off your stay. Valid any day of the week. Must stay two consecutive nights. Certain restrictions may apply. Special ends May 26, 2022.
Easter meal at Indiana State Park Inns
Join us for a delicious family tradition at your favorite inn on Sunday, April 17. Enjoy our famous fried chicken, ham, carved roast beef, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, pies for dessert, and much more. Make your reservation now. Sorry, but The Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park is sold out.
Help reforest Indiana
When you purchase this limited edition shirt, one tree will be planted in an Indiana State Forest. Along with each shirt, you'll receive an official tree certificate with a unique tree ID and the coordinates for the acre where the tree will be planted.
First Free Fishing Day is May 1
Indiana residents do not need a fishing license to cast a line and get out on the water on these special fishing days. Free Fishing Days are a great opportunity to relax with family and friends, de-stress, and plan a picnic.
Where do baby fish come from?
DNR annually stocks fish throughout the state to improve fishing experiences for anglers. Many of these fish are raised at one of the state’s seven hatcheries. To peek behind the scenes at a hatchery, check out this video. To learn which fish have been stocked in your favorite lake, use the fish stocking database.
Crooked Lake Nature Preserve Hike, May 7
During our hike you will see a nice variety of spring wildflowers, including large flowered trilliums. You will also see glacial ridges and a shoreline overlook of Crooked Lake, one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Indiana. The hike starts at 10 a.m. and takes about two hours.
DNR is hiring summer workers
Indiana state park properties and inns are hiring workers for the summer season. Most positions will be seasonal, but some are full-or part-time year-round positions.
To apply for a position at one of the seven Indiana state park inns, see Indianainnsjobs.com. To apply for a position at one of the properties, see https://on.in.gov/dnrjobs.
Turkey hunting season is almost here
The spring youth season is April 23-24, and the regular season is April 27-May 15.
For safety reasons, DNR properties may restrict certain activities to specific times of day. Contact the property you are planning to visit for more information.
Celebrate National Volunteer Week with DNR
Hoosiers can celebrate National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, by donating their time and talents to help maintain, improve, and restore Indiana’s natural and cultural heritage at DNR properties.
During this week, the DNR will thank and recognize those volunteers and salute their accomplishments on the Facebook pages of the DNR divisions of State Parks, Fish & Wildlife, Forestry and Nature Preserves.
We need your input on Indiana’s fisheries management
Want to give feedback and help improve Indiana’s fisheries? We would like to hear about your 2021-22 fishing experiences via a new electronic angler survey.
The survey is your chance to provide input on Indiana’s fisheries management statewide and around where you live and fish. This information will provide valuable feedback in developing programs to better serve you.
40 years, 40 stories
The Nongame Wildlife Fund turns 40 this year. Learn about the accomplishments made possible by donors, partners, and volunteers by following its StoryMap and/or signing up for the Nongame Wildlife Fund Newsletter. For instructions on how to donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund on your state taxes, watch this video. You can also donate directly online.
Spring Mill Inn to close in November for major renovations
Spring Mill Inn at Spring Mill State Park will close for major renovations beginning Nov. 13. Reopening is expected in the first quarter of 2024.
The 73-room inn is structurally sound but needs significant work that requires closure of the entire facility, including the Millstone Dining Room, conference facilities, and overnight lodging.
Looking for a unique experience?
Celebrate and preserve Indiana’s natural legacy by participating in an upcoming online auction.
From April 29 – May 8, you can bid on exclusive DNR experiences and items that highlight amazing opportunities on Indiana’s public lands.
It’s free to register, and your participation will directly support conservation and our natural resources right here in the Hoosier state.
One of the featured auction items: Experience a private dinner for a party of 12 at the Grist Mill in Spring Mill State Park’s Pioneer Village. The candlelight dinner includes a main course, dessert, and wine.
Get your hands on Outdoor Indiana
Subscribe to Outdoor Indiana magazine for yourself or a friend. To read article excerpts, go to OutdoorIndiana.org.
The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.
