Indiana State Park Inn summer lodging savings
Enjoy 25% Off Your Stay!
Book a two-night getaway between now and Aug. 27, 2026, and save 25% on your stay. Offer valid Sunday through Thursday only. Two consecutive nights required. Some property-specific restrictions may apply.
Reserve your escape today:
Call 1-877-563-4371 or book online at IndianaInns.com.
Make the most of your summer adventures
If you plan to visit state parks often or launch your boat on DNR waters, purchase your annual passes and permits online for easy access all season long. Available options include:
• Annual State Park Entrance Pass
• Golden Hoosier Entrance Passport
• Motorized Lake Permit
• Nonmotorized Lake Permit
• Annual Horse Tag
• Off-Road Cycling Permit
Buy now and enjoy unlimited outdoor fun at your favorite state park properties.
Volunteers needed for State Fair Fishin’ Pond
Summer is here, and preparations for the Indiana State Fair are underway. If you’re looking for a fun way to get involved and give back, consider volunteering at the DNR State Fair Fishin’ Pond.
Volunteer registration is now open, and DNR needs all hands on deck to reel in the next generation of anglers at this popular, hands-on, and FREE fishing experience for youth ages 5–17. Volunteers are needed throughout the Indiana State Fair, Aug. 7–23 in Indianapolis.
Volunteer duties include registering participants, baiting hooks, removing fish from hooks, preparing equipment, and helping guide participants around the pond. Training will be provided by DNR staff before the event. Volunteers also receive free parking, State Fair admission for days worked, and a DNR Fishin’ Pond volunteer T-shirt.
Learn more and register at on.IN.gov/fishing-pond.
Photo of Hileman Round Barn in Silver Lake taken by Carla Hall of Roann.
Historic Preservation Month photo contest winners
The Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology has announced the winners of its annual Historic Preservation Month photo contest.
The winning photos and a variety of other entries will be shared on the DNR’s Instagram account (@Indianadnr) throughout May.
Governor Braun plants tree at Summit Lake State Park with Great Lakes Governors & Premiers
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun recently joined the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP), the DNR, and other conservation leaders for a ceremonial tree planting at Summit Lake State Park.
This event is part of the GSGP’s regional effort to plant 250 million trees by 2033. So far, 27 million trees have been planted since 2024 across the region.
Just in 2026, more than 24,400 trees have been planted on DNR lands. The tree planted at the ceremony is a Shumard oak.
Have you seen an armadillo in Indiana?
Report your observation using DNR’s Report A Mammal tool. This tool allows you to submit a photo or brief video to help document the observation. Sightings of dead armadillos are accepted.
Armadillos have been found in Indiana since 2003, but their numbers have been increasing in recent years. This has made observing them much more common, especially in the southern half of the state.
With your reports, DNR biologists can monitor this species and answer questions like how far will they disperse across the state? Did last winter impact their populations? Can we confirm reproduction in Indiana? Once the data is collected, DNR biologists can develop new understandings about armadillos in their expanding range.
National Fishing & Boating Week
Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, June 6–14, by visiting Indiana’s lakes, rivers, and streams.
Whether you’re fishing for the first time, paddling a scenic water trail, or introducing someone new to the outdoors, there are many ways to enjoy the state’s waterways.
Indiana’s Free Fishing Days on June 6–7 make participation easy. On those days, Indiana residents can fish public waters without a fishing license or trout/salmon stamp (all other regulations still apply).
Need help getting started? Use the Where to Fish map to find public fishing spots, or explore tips, events, and beginner resources on the Fishing Resources webpage.
To plan a paddling trip, use the Where to Paddle map to find your nearest launch location, or visit one of Indiana’s scenic water trails.
However you choose to celebrate, stay safe by wearing a lifejacket, using sun protection, bringing water, and reviewing DNR's education courses for boating and paddling.
Ol’ reliable: Panfish
Some of the most reliable species to fish for during the summer are panfish. The term "panfish" encompasses several species such as bluegill, redear sunfish, pumpkinseed, and crappie. These species are found in almost all Indiana bodies of water.
As spring transitions to summer, you can find them in shallow water where they make their nests for spawning. These shallow areas in the lake bottom are also known as "beds" and have a hexagonal shape if there are several in one area. You can also find them under docks and vegetation such as pond lilies.
To learn more about panfish, visit the Indiana Fishing Species webpage. Ready to catch some? Check out the interactive Where to Fish map to locate a fishing spot near you.
Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, Huston Solar continue annual tree planting partnership
On Earth Day, we joined our partners at Huston Solar for yet another tree planting as part of the Indiana Tree Project. The group of volunteers planted 3,000 more trees at Prophetstown State Park, continuing their annual tradition of supporting Indiana's outdoors. This year's planting was the third time Huston volunteers have helped restore oak savanna habitat at the park by planting white and red oaks.
The Indiana Tree Project, a partnership with the Division of Forestry, seeks to create healthy Hoosier forests through tree plantings and land acquisitions. This work is made possible by the generous support of partners and individual donors. For every $10 donated, one tree will be planted in an Indiana state forest, and you'll receive an official tree certificate demonstrating your support of healthy forests.
Outdoor Indiana features beavers
Outdoor Indiana magazine’s summer issue features a cover story on beavers, nature’s engineers, and how they have shaped the landscape and history of Indiana. The issue also features an article on fly tying and much more.
It will be available in mid-June at Indiana State Park Inns across the state for $4. Save money by subscribing online for $15 for one year or $28 for two years at ShopINStateParks.com or call 317-233-3046.
To read article excerpts, go to OutdoorIndiana.org.
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