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 Potawatomi Inn
Visit an Indiana State Park Inn this winter and save
Now through March 2, stay two consecutive nights, Sunday–Thursday, and your second night is free. Certain restrictions may apply. Reserve online or call 1.877.LODGES1 for more information.
Thanks for being a part of a hiking tradition!
First Day Hikes across Indiana State Parks once again brought hikers from across the state and beyond to DNR properties. A few hikers came from as far as Wales.
More than 4,000 people participated, trekking more than 7,000 miles through traditional guided hikes, horseback rides, UTV rides, fire tower climbs, 5K trail runs, and luminary walks. Find out where you can hike in 2023 at stateparks.IN.gov.
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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.
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Know before you go! Winter camping at Indiana State Parks
Many Indiana state parks offer camping year-round. Several offer heated modern comfort stations (restrooms and showers) and/or a single water source through all or part of winter.
Most have, at minimum, unheated vault toilets available. Know the facilities available before you go at on.IN.gov/wintercamping.
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 Winter is prime time for eagle watching!
Eagle watches will be hosted at DNR properties all over the state this winter. Register in advance for these events at Patoka, Mississinewa, Salamonie, and Monroe lakes, and Turkey Run State Park.
Patoka Lake will host its 35th annual eagle watch on Jan. 7 with indoor and outdoor activities to be included. The event costs $25 per person and advance registration is required. You can register by calling the Patoka Lake Nature Center at 812-685-2447. This event is limited to the first 65 registered participants.
Mississinewa Lake – Sunrise Eagle watch Jan. 7 and 14 – Advance registration required
Monroe Lake – Eagles over Monroe, Jan. 26-31 – Advance registration required for most events.
Turkey Run State Park – Eagles in flight weekend, Jan. 27-29 – Advance registration required
Salamonie Lake – Eagle watch, Feb. 4, 11, 18 – Advance registration required
Dave Hahn recognized at McCormick’s Creek
Dave Hahn has served McCormick’s Creek State Park as maintenance supervisor in an outstanding manner for the past 37 years. He possesses a vast amount experience, knowledge, and skill. Management at all levels see Dave as an invaluable resource and he consistently offers solutions to a variety of problems and issues.
He is the ultimate team player and he works well with both park and inn staff to accomplish all projects, task, and assignments. He maintains a positive working atmosphere among all employees and coworkers. |
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Buffalo Run Snowmobile Trail sees new trailhead, reroute
The Buffalo Run Snowmobile Trail, located in and around South Bend, is Indiana’s longest snowmobile trail at 68 miles in length. It has seen some changes for this winter season.
The old trailhead at the South Bend Motor Speedway has closed. A new central trailhead and staging location has been built on Pear Road. There is one-way direction of travel leaving and returning to this area.
Also, the west stretch of the Buffalo Run trail heading into New Carlisle has been rerouted south of a future solar farm.
Find current maps and stay informed on reroutes at on.IN.gov/snowmobiling.
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Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center’s Snowshoe Rentals available daily this winter, 9 to 4 p.m. CT
Thanks to the Friends of the Indiana Dunes, the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center offers snowshoe rental for all ages. As long as there is 6 inches of snow on the ground, you can explore the dunes with this fun outdoor recreational equipment.
A driver’s license is needed, and the cost is $5 for the day. Call the Nature Center with questions about snow conditions at 219-926-1390. |
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New Trail 3/5 Connector trail and bridge at Tippecanoe River SP
Tippecanoe River State Park added a new trail connection between Trails 3 and 5 which included a new 30-foot bridge. The project was a cooperative effort between the property, Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park, and Boy Scout Troop #229. The Friends Group provided most of the funding to purchase the bridge and much of the labor to install it.
Boy Scout Troop #229 provided the labor to create the new trail. This new 1,500-foot section creates an additional loop to Tippecanoe’s trail system, providing visitors many more options for shorter or longer routes.
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New skid loader at Chain O’Lakes State Park
The Ignite Trail 100 race series, which annually hosts Indiana’s only 100 mile foot race at Chain O’Lakes State Park, made several donations to the park.
These include a new Kubota skid loader to aid in park maintenance tasks and an electric golf cart for campground hosts to use. Volunteers from Ignite also help maintain the trails and have monthly trail clean up days with 25-40 volunteers in attendance.
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Indiana Dunes State Park’s Full Moon Hikes: Jan. 6 and Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m. CT
Enjoy the beautiful full moon and night sky on these special night hikes from Indiana Dunes Nature Center to Lake Michigan and back. Stories about our moon, up-close views, and “stellar” treats will be shared thanks to the Friends of the Indiana Dunes group. |
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