IDNR offers free park admission

This weekend is the annual Welcome Back Weekend at the Indiana state parks and reservoirs, which means hikers and nature lovers will be able to visit these areas for free.

“This weekend is an invitation to shake out the tent or set up the camper and enjoy all that our state parks have to offer,” Dan Bortner, Indiana Department of Natural
Resources State Parks and Reservoirs director, said in a press release.

The free admission also applies to state forest recreation areas.

There will be a number of events around the parks, which Murphy said she wants to encourage everyone to participate in.

The events include the fourth annual Morel Mushroom Festival at Brown County State Park, geocaching at Harmonie State Park and a walking-stick workshop at Patoka Lake. The Hound Hike at Shakamak Park is an opportunity for families to bring their dogs along.  

There will also be a couple of changes to the schedule, including the reopening of caves at Spring Mill State Park for groups with permits and Wolf Cave at McCormick’s Creek State Park for everyone, according to a press release.

“We do it just to remind people that, A, it’s time to get the tent out, shake it out and make sure you’re ready for summer, and, B, that we’re open all year,” DNR Assistant Director for Stewardship Ginger Murphy said. “We’re not just here from Memorial Day to Labor Day.”

It’s best to come out to the parks and reservoirs in spring because the bugs aren’t as bad, Murphy said.

The event has been going on since 2006, but this year the Division of State Parks and Reservoirs is really hoping people will share their experiences about the weekend over social media, Murphy said.

“We get some photos from people and comments from people about places they’ve liked, but it’s the first time we’ve really done it directed specifically to the weekend,” Murphy said.

Visitors are encouraged to take a selfie at their favorite state park and tweet it or submit photos to the DNR Flickr page, according to a press release.

Generally attendance depends on the weather, but Murphy said this weekend is
looking like it will have a good outcome.

“It’s no fun camping when it’s cold and wet, but if we have a weekend when the sun’s shining, then it’s a great time to be outside,” Murphy said.

“We’re hoping everyone will be outside and enjoying the weather together,” Murphy said.