MyDNR - Your Summer adventures start now

May MyDNR

Enjoy your visit to a DNR property

There are many fun and unique events happening around the state at DNR properties. From beautiful butterflies at Brookville Lake to Paddle Prowl at Chain O'Lakes State Park there is something for everyone. 

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Spring Mill

Spring Mill State Park

Visit and fish at DNR properties for free on May 7

The DNR is offering free admission to state parks, recreation areas, forests, and reservoirs on Sunday, May 7, which is also a Free Fishing Day.  

On Free Fishing Days, all Indiana residents can fish the state’s public waters without a fishing license or trout/salmon stamp. All size and bag limits remain in effect. For public places to fish near you, see on.IN.gov/where2fish

Free admission provides a great opportunity to enjoy your favorite DNR property or visit a new site. Find DNR properties across the state and the facilities they offer. 


Desserts

Mother's Day brunch at Indiana State Park Inns

Treat Mom to a fabulous Mother's Day Brunch at her favorite State Park Inn on Sunday, May 14. Mom deserves the best, and we do the dishes. Feel free to start with desserts first; some recommend it.

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Cave

Wyandotte Caves reopen for summer tours Memorial Day weekend

The caves at Wyandotte Caves State Recreation Area (SRA) in Crawford County will re-open for guided cave tours starting May 27. The tours will be offered on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays through Labor Day. 

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turtle

DNR needs volunteer paddlers to collect wildlife data

Become a Paddlecraft Wildlife Index volunteer and help DNR by documenting the wildlife you observe while on the water from June 1 to July 31. After signing up online, you will be mailed a packet with details on how to participate.

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planting

Help grow Indiana’s forests

The Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, in partnership with the Division of Forestry, is planning another busy year for the Indiana Tree Project. In 2022, more than 11,000 trees were added to Indiana’s public lands through Indiana Tree Project plantings, and this year is expected to be another successful year. 

When you support the Indiana Tree Project, we provide you with an official tree certificate to demonstrate your support for the smart management of Hoosier forests. It includes the coordinates for the acre on which your tree is, or will be, planted. 

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Turn in a Poacher or Polluter

DNR needs your help catching those who try to harm our wildlife, fish, and water resources. When you witness something illegal, call 1-800-TIP-IDNR (800-847-4367) or visit the Turn in a Poacher and Polluter webpage to file a complaint.

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mothers day

Spring into Savings at Indiana State Park Inns

Now through May 25, 2023 - stay two or more consecutive nights and get 25% off the best available rate. Valid any day of the week. Some restrictions and blackout dates may apply. 

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Teddy Bear

DNR to host third annual ‘Teddy Bear Camp’ for stuffed animals

Does your child have a curious stuffed animal who loves adventures, new experiences, and making new friends?

If so, make plans to send it to Teddy Bear Camp, May 8–19. Hosted by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA), this “camp” is for stuffed animals belonging to children ages 5–12 who live in Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, or Boone counties.

During Teddy Bear Camp, DHPA staff will take the stuffed animals to a variety of sites to learn about history, architecture, archaeology, and historic preservation. Photos of the visits will be posted to DHPA’s Facebook page, and a digital photo album will be emailed to parents/guardians along with an Indiana Junior Preservationist certificate.

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Join us for Bows and Barrels at Mississinewa Lake

Bows and Barrels will be held at Mississinewa Lake’s Miami State Recreation Area on May 20. Certified instructors will share techniques of shooting bows and arrows at 11 a.m. at the archery range. At 1 p.m., shotgun safety, handling, and target shooting will take place near the Shepoconnah Trailhead near the campground mooring area. These programs are designed for youth, but all ages and experience levels are welcome. 

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bats

Volunteer for the Summer Bat Roost Monitoring Project 

Do you have bats roosting on your property? Help DNR by counting how many bats fly out during a few evenings this summer. Monitoring bats as they emerge from roosts helps us manage the reproductive health of bats across the state.

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Pisgah Marsh

Join us for a Pisgah Marsh Nature Preserve guided hike on July 15 

An Indiana birdwatcher’s hidden treasure, Pisgah Marsh includes grassland, marsh, lake, and upland habitat. Two state-endangered species are found there, the Massasauga rattlesnake and Blanding’s turtle. The wetland and upland areas also provide habitat for migratory waterfowl, sandhill cranes, beavers, rails, squirrels, raccoons, and deer.

The Pisgah Marsh Boardwalk and Golden Eagle Viewing Deck was constructed to allow visitors the opportunity to experience and understand the natural habitat and diversity of the marsh while protecting the habitat.

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Roush Lake

Explore J.E. Roush Fish & Wildlife Area

Visit this scenic property in Huntington to watch wildlife, practice target shooting, camp, or fish. 


Crazy 333 Sale 

Stay 3 nights and get 33% off, Sunday through Thursday only, at either Potawatomi Inn or Abe Martin Lodge. Hurry and book a room. This sale ends May 24.

Valid on new reservations only. Certain restrictions apply.


OI magazine

Get your copy of Outdoor Indiana Magazine

The May/June issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine features a cover story on microfishing, which is the pursuit of tiny fish most anglers overlook or don’t know about. Become part of Outdoor Indiana. Subscribe for yourself, a friend or relative.


events

INRF

The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.

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