Fall Special at Indiana State Park Inns
Sept. 8 - Nov. 26, 2024
Stay any two consecutive nights, Sunday through Thursday, and save 25% on the room rate.
Plan your fall getaway and enjoy delicious food, scenic hikes, and a comfortable room in a beautiful location. Not valid with any other offer or with group bookings. Valid on new reservations only. Early departure will result in a rate change. Restrictions and blackout dates apply.
Book online or call 877.LODGES.1 today.
Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana is home to 3 of the 'best state parks to visit this summer and fall'
According to the 2024 State Park Index, assembled by vacation rental company HomeToGo, Indiana Dunes State Park, Turkey Run State Park, and Potato Creek State Park are in the top 50 state parks across the nation based on overall ranking of trails, wildlife, picturesqueness, park size, and popularity.
Fall Into Adventure: Three mountain biking events across Indiana State Parks
Gear up for an exciting fall of mountain biking with three events across our stunning state parks. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting, these events have routes and rides for all skill levels. Join in for a weekend of adventure around Indiana for great rides and camaraderie amid fall colors.
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Hassmer Fest kicks things off at Versailles State Park, Sept. 27-29. Enjoy a three-day mountain biking festival exploring nearly 30 miles of mountain biking trail.
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Brown County Epic at Brown County State Park from Oct. 11-13 will feature bands, raffles, great food, and of course, epic riding. The Epic Ride offers SAG support and will take place on Saturday, Oct. 12. Routes of 25-61 miles will be available for all participants.
- O’Bannon Woods Adventure Ride wraps up the season from Nov. 1-3 at O’Bannon Woods State Park. Join in for a weekend of music, food, a great ride on the Adventure Trail, and more.
See you on the trails!
Reserved hunt applications now open
Hunters can apply for reserved hunts at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt, the one-stop information spot for the hunts.
The online method is the only way to apply. No late entries will be accepted. Applicants must possess a hunting license that’s valid for the hunt for which they apply.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 15. More specific hunt information for individual properties is available on the website.
Hunters will be selected through a random computerized drawing. An email will be sent to all applicants when draws have been completed. Applicants will be able to view draw results online within two weeks after the application period closes.
Last Free Fishing Day of the year is Sept. 28
Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish the state's public waters on Free Fishing Days. All other rules such as seasons, bag, and size limits apply.
Free Fishing Days are an excellent opportunity to learn how to fish, take your family fishing, or introduce a friend to fishing.
Indiana's Conservation Officer K-9 teams and how you can support them
“Go to work,” Indiana Conservation Officer Jon Cook calls out in the early morning sun at Prophetstown State Park. His command is directed at his K-9 partner TK, who immediately begins searching the area.
While Cook and TK, along with other K-9 teams, were at Prophetstown SP for training, these talented teams are regularly called in to help save lives and protect Indiana's natural resources.
New state record spotted gar
Fort Wayne resident Kyle Hammond caught a 9-pound, 11-ounce spotted gar on Rivir Lake in Chain O’Lakes State Park on July 11, besting the previous Indiana state record of a 6-pound, 12.5-ounce fish caught in 2017 from a gravel pit in Vermillion County. Hammond also holds the state record for shortnose gar.
Find your own fishing adventure for state record fish by visiting our Where to Fish map and submitting to the Record Fish program.
Indiana Archaeology Month starts Sept. 1
September marks the 29th annual statewide celebration of Archaeology Month, an opportunity for all ages to learn about archaeology in Indiana.
Hoosier history buffs can meet archaeologists and learn about the state’s past at events held by universities, museums, and other organizations and individuals throughout Indiana.
Rootwads and soil lifts applied to an outside bend of Eagle Creek for bank stabilization.
LARE grants support local lake and stream projects
The Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program announced its projects grantees in August. Organizations in 12 counties will receive $1,194,000 in grants to fund 18 lake, river, and watershed land treatment projects through LARE.
Many of the projects aim to improve water quality by reducing sediment and nutrient inputs, which will support fish and wildlife populations and improve recreational opportunities.
Celebrate National Public Lands Day, Sept. 28-29 with DNR
National Public Lands Day is Saturday, Sept. 28 and during that weekend Hoosiers can celebrate by supporting their favorite DNR property by doing volunteer work or simply visiting. DNR properties will have a variety of programs for guests to volunteer or see volunteers in action.
On Sunday, Sept. 29, Indiana State Parks, Indiana State Forests, and State Recreation Areas will offer free admission where entrance fees are normally charged.
Events include hikes, pioneer activities, crafts, fishing programs, live bird shows, volunteer activities and more. For a complete list of programs, see events.IN.gov/dnr.
New issue of Outdoor Indiana features wildlife viewing
The new Outdoor Indiana features a cover article on the hobby of wildlife viewing. Also featured are articles on the Knobstone Trail and on identifying and collecting tree seeds.
Read excerpts at OutdoorIndiana.org, and subscribe today.
The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.
