Take a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day
Welcome the new year with an Indiana DNR tradition — a First Day Hike on Jan. 1.
First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start 2023 and a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and connect with friends.
Nearly all state parks and lakes, as well as some state forests, will offer hikes. Here is a complete list and details for each property.
And if you find yourself at a park with one of our Inns, stop by the restaurant to fuel up.
Abe Martin Lodge, Canyon Inn, Clifty Inn, Potawatomi Inn, and Turkey Run Inn are offering a First Day Hike breakfast buffet starting at 8 a.m. followed by a full brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park has a brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Brown County SP ranks 6th in country for beauty
Brown County State Park ranks 6th on a list of most beautiful state parks in the country according to a study done by Travel Lens.
The online publication used Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews, the number of times they mentioned the words beautiful, stunning, and breathtaking, as well as a park's Instagram popularity and Google search data to compile its list of the "most aesthetically pleasing" state parks.
Shop the official store of Indiana State Parks
It's not too late. Consider getting the outdoor lover on your shopping list a gift from Mother Nature's Mercantile, Indiana State Parks' online store.
There you will find gifts, clothing, permits, gift cards, and of course the Holiday Gift Pack.
2022 annual licenses valid through March 31
Heads up, hunters—2022 annual licenses are valid through March 31, 2023. The 2023 licenses will go on sale in January.
To ask about your online license system account, license-purchasing errors, or deer control permits, email inhuntfish@dnr.IN.gov or call 317-232-4082.
Hot tips for ice fishing
After you’ve practiced all the safety measures we recommend, check out our guidelines for reeling in a great catch while ice fishing:
- For novice anglers, be sure to fish on a day that has mild weather temperatures, low wind, and a bit of sun.
- Target bluegill, as they’re plentiful this time of year.
- Use a light line and a small jig tipped with live bait for the best odds of catching fish.
- To attract largemouth bass, use flashy jigging baits or set out tip-ups to cover more area.
- Both bluegill and bass can typically be found around vegetation. Fishing near the edge or above weeds can give you the best chance for success.
Lakes and depth maps can be found on the Where to Fish Interactive Map.
DNR K-9 program celebrates 25-year anniversary
The Indiana DNR K-9 program is recognized as one of the top K-9 programs in the nation. It has helped start or train teams from natural resource agencies in Virginia, Kansas, Washington, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Oregon, Utah, and the African country of Zambia.
The program trains the teams that serve in Indiana in man-tracking, wildlife detection, and article searches. All K-9s are trained to locate white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and ginseng. They may also be trained to locate other species, depending on where in Indiana the handler is stationed. Indiana teams excel in man-tracking and locating firearms.
Clifty Falls SP to kick off statewide celebration of 100 years of interpretive services
The 2023 year-long celebration of Indiana State Parks interpretive services’ 100th birthday starts with Clifty Falls State Park’s Winter Weekend Getaway, Jan. 6–8.
Getaway weekends were popular during the 1980s. These naturalist-led special events combined recreational and interpretive activities. Activities for all ages at Clifty Falls’ getaway will follow that lead, exploring wildlife, geology, and the arts.
Deer hunters, there’s still time
Hunters, you still have time to harvest your deer. Archery season ends Jan. 1, and reduction zone season runs until Jan. 31. Want to check out all our deer data? Find current harvest numbers on our website.
Hunting and trapping seasons ending soon
Deer Archery Season: Ends Jan. 1
Deer Reduction Zone: Ends Jan. 31
Turkey Fall Archery: Ends Jan. 1
Raccoon & Opossum (hunting, trapping): Ends Jan. 31
Gray & Fox Squirrel: Ends Jan. 31
Quail (South of I-74): Ends Jan. 10
Mink, Muskrat, & Weasel (hunting, trapping): Ends Jan. 31
Red & Gray Fox (trapping): Ends Jan. 31
Dove: Ends Jan. 2
Duck North Zone: Ends Jan. 3
Duck Central Zone: Ends Jan. 8
Duck South Zone: Ends Jan. 22
2023 state park passes and permits now available
The 2023 Indiana state park passes, lake permits, off-road cycling permits, and horse tags are now available at property offices and front gates, and online.
A resident annual entrance pass costs $50. A nonresident annual entrance pass costs $70.
Golden Hoosier Passports cost $25 and are available to Indiana residents 65 and older.
Karst Farm Greenway marks 50th mile of Next Level Trails
The DNR and Monroe County Parks and Recreation celebrated the opening of a newly completed segment of the Karst Farm Greenway in Monroe County on Dec. 6.
The 2.67-mile asphalt extension accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists and was made possible by a grant of more than $2.33 million from the DNR Next Level Trails (NLT) program. The greenway extension is the 15th NLT project to be completed and marks the 50th mile of trail funded by NLT.
Year of success for the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation in 2022
As we prepare to close the door on 2022, the INRF is grateful to its generous donors, partners, and supporters of conservation for making this another successful year. And as always, we’re thankful for the tireless efforts of the Indiana DNR in protecting and managing Indiana’s special public lands.
Join us in wrapping up the year by exploring some highlights and messages from supporters of conservation like you.
Celebrate MLK Day of Service by volunteering for DNR
Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by becoming a volunteer at one of Indiana’s DNR properties in 2023.
DNR provides a variety of ways for citizens to make a difference in maintaining, improving, and restoring Indiana’s natural and cultural heritage. Several opportunities are available, including maintaining trails, helping in nature centers, and sharing photography or artwork.
Subscribe to Indiana State Park’s Newsletter
Find out about upcoming events, deals, and everything new with Indiana State Parks. You can sign up to receive this bi-monthly newsletter by subscribing here.
New issue of Outdoor Indiana features oak trees
The new Outdoor Indiana features a cover article on oak trees. Also featured are stories on Cagles Mill Lake and bug antennae.
Read excerpts at OutdoorIndiana.org and subscribe today. If you love Indiana’s outdoors, you’ll love Outdoor Indiana.
The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.
