Save with the 2023 Holiday Gift Pack
The $99 State Park Holiday Gift Pack includes:
- A 2023 Indiana resident State Park Annual Entrance Permit.
- A $65 gift card (you choose either an Inns card for hotel lodging or a Camp card for site reservations).
- A 1-year (6 issue) subscription to Outdoor Indiana magazine.
All for just $99. You save $31.
Offer ends Dec. 31, 2022 or when sold out. Limited quantity available.
Holiday Gift Packs are also available for seniors and nonresidents.
Shop the official store of Indiana State Parks
Skip the holiday shopping chaos, consider getting the outdoor lover on your shopping list a gift from the Indiana State Parks online store. There you will find gifts, clothing, permits, gift cards, and of course the Holiday Gift Pack.
 Hunting for answers or a new license?
Search no more. For questions about equipment, regulations, or which license you need, use our Deer Hotline by calling 812-334-3795 or emailing indeerhotline@dnr.IN.gov.
For questions related to the CheckIN Game system, your online license system account, license-purchasing errors, or deer control permits, email inhuntfish@dnr.IN.gov or call 317-232-4082.
Remember, hunters—buy your deer license early. Find a list of license retailers online and be sure to check your license for accuracy before you leave the store. If you plan to purchase your license online, log into your Access Indiana account before the season begins—don’t risk delays.
 Thanksgiving at the Inns - it's a family tradition
It's not too late to join us on Thanksgiving for some delicious favorites, our inns are serving a feast. Call to reserve your spot.
Clifty Inn - 812-265-4135
Potawatomi Inn - 260-833-1077
Turkey Run Inn - 765-597-2211
Abe Martin Lodge - Sold Out
Canyon Inn - Sold Out
The Garrison at Fort Harrison - Sold Out
Spring Mill Inn will be closed for renovations.
Spring Mill Inn closing for renovations
Starting Nov. 13, 2022, until the first quarter of 2024, the inn is closing for significant mechanical modernization. The exterior appearance of this historic structure will remain the same, although windows and doors will be replaced. The extent of this work requires closure of lodging rooms, conference facilities, and the Millstone Restaurant through the first quarter of 2024. Camping and all other activities at Spring Mill State Park will still be available.
18 state parks scheduled for deer management hunts
Select Indiana state parks will close for four days in the coming weeks to allow for controlled deer management hunts. The dates for the closings are Nov. 14-15, and Nov. 28-29.
The properties are:
- Brown County State Park
- Cave River Valley Natural Area at Spring Mill State Park
- Chain O’Lakes State Park
- Charlestown State Park
- Fort Harrison State Park
- Harmonie State Park
- Lincoln State Park
- McCormick's Creek State Park
- Ouabache State Park
- Pokagon State Park
- Potato Creek State Park
- Prophetstown State Park
- Shades State Park
- Shakamak State Park
- Summit Lake State Park
- Tippecanoe River State Park
- Trine State Recreation Area
- Whitewater Memorial State Park
 Firearms safety tips
Stay safe in the field. Here are some important safety measures to practice when hunting with a firearm.
- Keep your firearm unloaded until you are settled into your tree stand or hunting blind. Never climb a fence or cross a creek with a loaded firearm. A simple misstep could cause a fall or an accidental discharge of your firearm, putting yourself and others at risk of injury or even death.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Remember to make sure your firearm is pointed in the opposite direction of your hunting partners as you walk to your hunting spot. Practice muzzle control, even when you know the firearm is not loaded.
- Keep your finger off the trigger. Outside of the trigger, guard your firearm until you are ready to shoot at your target.
- Always identify your target and what lies beyond your target before pulling the trigger. Know for certain that any noise you hear in the bushes is a deer and not a person.
 INRF Receives $22,000 Grant from TC Energy to Support Prescribed Fire at Patoka Lake
TC Energy recently awarded a $22,000 grant to the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF) to help purchase a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) at Patoka Lake. The UTV will primarily assist with prescribed fire implementation and gives Indiana DNR staff more resources to better manage the diverse habitat around the property.
The Indiana DNR, Next Level Trails (NLT), and Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) held an official opening and ribbon cutting of the newly completed West Gate and Gnawbone trails in Brown County State Park on Oct. 7.
"The trails at Brown County State Park attract visitors from all across the state and country,” said DNR Director Dan Bortner. “These two new trails will provide additional mountain biking opportunities for locals and trail tourists alike.”
 2 nights for the price of 1 at State Park Inns
Nov. 27, 2022 - March 2, 2023
Stay two nights, Sunday - Thursday, and your second night is free. Must stay two consecutive nights. Blackout dates Dec. 25, 2022 - Jan. 5, 2023. Certain restrictions may apply.
 DNR celebrates two trail openings in Greenfield
The Indiana DNR, Next Level Trails (NLT), and the City of Greenfield recently celebrated the opening of the Franklin Street and Brandywine Connector trails.
The Franklin Street Trail is a 1.4-mile asphalt multi-use trail that was constructed by the city with the help of a $699,200 NLT grant.
The new 1.1-mile Brandywine Connector Trail runs along scenic Brandywine Creek on the city’s southeast side, connecting Brandywine Park to the Pennsy Greenway.
 Check your sights - hit your target
|
Don’t shoot your shot just yet. Making sure your firearm or bow is shooting accurately is an important part of the hunting process. Not only does it help make the equipment safer to use, but it also saves you ammunition in the field.
Shooting ranges for both firearms and archery can be found across the state, and many of our Fish & Wildlife areas offer services for both.
|
|
 See cranes at Jasper-Pulaski FWA
As fall wanders into Indiana, migration is underway for sandhill cranes, and these charismatic birds are gathering at Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area.
Experience the sights and sounds of flocks numbering in the thousands from the property’s viewing platform, which is accessible for all ages and abilities. We recommend timing your visit for when numbers are high by checking our website, which is updated weekly with crane numbers.
 Turkey Run State Park
Join us for #OptOutsideIN2022
Planning is underway for #OptOutsideIN2022, Friday, Nov. 25, a day often referred to as Black Friday.
#OptOutsideIN2022 is promoting the great outdoors and all the gifts it has to offer. This year, there will be giveaways, free admission to DNR properties that normally charge an entrance fee, and there will be a chance to share photos and stories. Be on the lookout for more information on our social media channels and we’ll see you outside on Nov. 25.
Veterans can also enjoy free admission on Veterans Day (Nov. 11).
 New Outdoor Indiana features calendar, Christmas trees
The new Outdoor Indiana features a cover article on Christmas trees as well as a removable 2023 calendar. The 2022 calendar was named best calendar of its kind in the country by the Association for Conservation Information last summer. To get yours for 2023, subscribe at ShopINStateParks.com or by calling 317-233-3046. Read excerpts at OutdoorIndiana.org.
 |
|
The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.
|
|
