Indiana State Park Inns summer lodging savings
Stay two nights and receive 25% off your stay now through Aug. 27, 2026. Valid Sunday through Thursday only. Must stay two consecutive nights. Certain property specific restrictions may apply.
Reserve today by calling 1.877.LODGES1 or reserve online at IndianaInns.com.
DNR hard card license art & photo contest now open
Hoosiers can submit their original artwork and photos to serve as background artwork for next year’s hard card licenses.
Hard cards are an optional license upgrade that costs $10. They are weather‑resistant, list up to seven licenses on the back, and serve as the only item customers need to carry while in the field.
From July 1-31, Indiana residents are encouraged to submit up to two pieces of their nature and wildlife-themed artwork to DFWcontests@dnr.IN.gov.
This year’s categories include Deer, Wild Turkey, Fish, Wildlife (Other), and Indiana Landscapes. All 2-D art mediums (i.e., photography, painting, drawing, graphic design, etc.) are eligible, with the exception of art generated by artificial intelligence. The artist’s name will be credited on the cards.
Five entries from the contest will be selected and printed on next year’s licenses. The new selection of hard card designs will be available in early 2027.
Indiana State Parks updating 43 playgrounds
Governor Mike Braun and First Lady Maureen Braun joined the DNR on June 4 to celebrate 43 new playground updates across Indiana State Parks, cutting the ribbon on an updated playground at Fort Harrison State Park.
These playground updates are made possible as part of a $50 million grant awarded to the DNR by Lilly Endowment Inc. in 2024. The grant is being used for a variety of enhancements at Indiana State Parks, including $11 million invested into playgrounds.
Ohio River Greenway extension now open in Jeffersonville
The DNR and the city of Jeffersonville celebrated the opening of the Ohio River Greenway extension at a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 5.
The 0.35-mile asphalt, multi-use trail was constructed by the city of Jeffersonville with help from a $2.36 million grant administered by the DNR.
The extension adds a critical connection to the Ohio River Greenway, extending the trail west from Jeffersonville beneath the Interstate 65 bridge. The new trail comes close to Falls of the Ohio State Park, where a short sidewalk connection links into the existing trail in Clarksville. The Jeffersonville end of the trail also connects to the Big Four pedestrian bridge, which extends into Kentucky and connects to the trail networks in Louisville.
Salamonie River
Salamonie River State Forest & Frances Slocum State Forest to become part of Indiana State Parks
Governor Mike Braun and the DNR recently announced that more than 1,400 additional acres of forestland in northern Indiana will soon be part of Indiana State Parks, with Salamonie River and Frances Slocum state forests transitioning in management from the DNR Division of Forestry.
Recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding, will continue to be available at both properties
Celebrating and preserving northeast Indiana’s outdoors
Since 2012, the Northeast Indiana Conservation Partnership & Preservation group has demonstrated what’s possible when a community rallies behind a shared vision of expanding public lands and preserving our natural resources.
At this year’s biennial fundraiser, the group of passionate outdoor enthusiasts raised more than $215,000 in support of land acquisition and conservation projects in the region. Explore the group's continuing impact and learn more about recent projects in the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation's latest impact story.
Photo by Laurel Hinten, submitted to Turkey Brood Survey in 2025
Turkey brood count, report your observations
DNR needs your help monitoring the wild turkey population. Participate in the Turkey brood count this summer by reporting turkey hens with poults (broods) and hens without poults. Report your 2026 observations online from July 1 until Aug. 31.
Poults began hatching in May and will continue to hatch over the next several months throughout Indiana. Reporting observations takes only a few minutes, and no login is required.
Brood reports have been collected since 1993 to calculate the annual Wild Turkey Production Index, which informs biologists about population status and guides wildlife management for the species.
Can we top last year’s count? In 2025, DNR received more than 2,500 reports across all 92 counties, and we are hoping for even more this year. We appreciate your help.
Bat roost reporting tool launched June 8
A new DNR tool allows individuals with bats roosting on their property (or a property where they have access) to report the roost to DNR mammalogists.
This data allows biologists to learn how and where bats and humans coexist. Over time, the data will contribute to a map of these locations. The information will also guide outreach efforts and allow DNR biologists to contact property owners who submit reports for additional survey opportunities.
Data collection projects and many of the outreach and conservation efforts that result from them are made possible largely thanks to donations to the Nongame Wildlife Fund.
New trail opens connecting Clifty Falls State Park to Madison’s riverwalk
The DNR and the City of Madison celebrated the opening of the Clifty Connector Trail on June 17 with a ribbon cutting.
The 1.5-mile asphalt, multi-use trail was constructed by the city of Madison with help from a $2.16 million grant administered by the DNR.
The Clifty Connector Trail adds 1.5 miles of paved trail connecting Clifty Falls State Park to Madison’s riverwalk along the Ohio River in the heart of the city. In addition, a new trailhead has been added along Vernon Street, providing parking, bike racks, a water fountain, and other trail amenities.
State Fair Fishin’ Pond volunteers needed
The countdown to the Indiana State Fair is on, and DNR is still looking for volunteers to help make the State Fair Fishin’ Pond a memorable experience for young anglers!
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the fair from Aug. 7–23 in Indianapolis. This popular, hands-on, and free fishing experience introduces youth ages 5–17 to the fun of fishing. Those who volunteer play a key role in helping participants have a successful day at the pond.
Volunteer duties include registering participants, baiting hooks, removing fish from hooks, preparing equipment, and assisting participants around the pond. No fishing experience is required, and training will be provided.
As a thank-you for volunteering, participants receive free parking, admission to the fair on days worked, and a DNR Fishin’ Pond volunteer T-shirt.
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