Celebrate fall at DNR properties this October
Experience a festive lineup of fall and Halloween-themed activities happening all month long at DNR locations across the state.
From campsite and pumpkin decorating to costume contests and seasonal games, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're dropping in for a single event, spending the day, or making a weekend of it, you'll find plenty of ways to embrace the season.
For details regarding a fall or Halloween event near you, or one that’s well worth a road trip, see calendar.dnr.IN.gov.
Fall getaway special at State Park Inns
Book any two consecutive nights between Sunday and Thursday and receive 25% off your room rate. Offer valid now through Nov. 25, 2025. New reservations only. Restrictions may apply.
Whether you're chasing fall foliage or seeking a peaceful retreat, there's no better time to unwind.
Get ready for deer season
If you are a deer hunter, you know the excitement that comes with the first few cold days of fall. Here are a few things you can do to feed that excitement, while also getting prepared for the season:
- Visit a DNR shooting range to get your equipment sighted in.
- Check out the Where To Hunt map to make a plan for your hunt.
- Familiarize yourself with DNR’s new license system, the Activity Hub, so that you can get into the field without issues. If this is your first time logging into the new system, you will need to verify your personal information. Go ahead and purchase your license now so that you don’t run into issues when it’s time to get into the field.
- Watch this video for instructions on how to link friends and family to your account in the Activity Hub.
Experience Falls of the Ohio State Park
Watch the video above and take a journey to Falls of the Ohio State Park, led by long-time interpretive naturalist Alan Goldstein.
Waterfowl season is taking flight
From breakfast in the blind to celebrating a full strap with your fellow hunters, waterfowl hunting is one of the most social and fun-filled outdoor activities. Do you have your ducks in a row for the season?
DNR has a new license system, the Activity Hub. Getting your account set up now, as well as making sure you have the required hunting licenses, stamps, and HIP registration number, will give you plenty of room to troubleshoot, ask for help, or visit a retailer if needed.
To log in:
• Go to GoOutdoorsIN.com and click the Login button.
• You’ll be directed to Access Indiana, where you'll log in or create an account.
• Once logged in, you'll be returned to the Hub to verify your personal info, purchase licenses, and apply for reserved hunts.
Need help or have questions? Call: 317-232-4200 or 877-463-6367 or email INHuntFish@dnr.IN.gov.
For a full list of waterfowl hunting dates, regulations, and an outline of which stamps are needed for each age group, take a look at the Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide.
Indiana tree recognized as the largest of its species in the nation
A swamp chestnut oak tree in Jennings County has been recognized as the largest of the species in the country by the National Champion Tree program, with a height of 95 feet, a circumference of 318 inches, and a canopy spread of 118 feet.
The DNR Division of Forestry, which maintains a list of Indiana’s largest known tree of each of the state’s native species, notified the national program of the tree, and its record score of 442.5, which is the sum of the tree’s height (feet), circumference (inches), and canopy spread (in feet, multiplied by 0.25).
Sandhill cranes begin fall migration at Jasper-Pulaski FWA
Sandhill cranes can be seen at Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area now through December. Crane numbers peak in mid-November. The best time to view is sunrise from the FWA's Goose Pasture viewing area.
It's never too late to learn
Have you always wanted to try a certain outdoor activity, but didn’t have anyone to show you how to start? The DNR can lend a helping hand by offering a range of beginner hunting and fishing workshops.
Participants will have the chance to explore a variety of activities, including basic fishing, squirrel hunting, deer hunting from a ground blind, bass fishing, waterfowl hunting, and more. Questions are encouraged as you are guided through a classroom curriculum, followed by hands-on experiences.
To find the perfect workshop for you, visit the event calendar and register before classes fill.
Parke Community Rail Trail completes phase 1
The DNR and Parke Trails Alliance celebrated the opening of the first phase of the Parke Community Rail Trail on Sept. 9 in Rosedale.
The segment, a 2.6-mile hard-surface trail, was constructed by the nonprofit with help from a $5 million grant administered by the DNR.
Phase 1 stretches from Big Raccoon Creek, through Rosedale, to the Vigo County line. The section features a repurposed railcar that has been transformed into a cost-effective bridge.
When complete, the Parke Community Rail Trail will add more than 8 miles of trail between the Rockville Depot and the Vigo County line, connecting multiple cities. The project uses portions of the former Vandalia Railroad and will include eight bridges and four trailheads.
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