Ways to Celebrate National Public Lands Day in Indiana

By Sarah Wells
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Date Published: September 17, 2024

Hoosier National Forest - Image Courtesy of Indiana Public Land Trust

National Public Lands Day is held annually on the fourth Saturday of September, and it’s a prime opportunity to get out there and explore the natural spaces and places that make this land spectacular.

This land truly is your land, so let’s celebrate these public lands together!

Every corner of Indiana offers someplace beautiful to discover.

Indiana’s National Parks, Reserves, and Memorials

All national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on September 28, 2024 in celebration of National Public Lands Day, so if you don’t already have a Parks Pass, this is a prime opportunity to explore!

Indiana Dunes National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including beaches, dunes, wetlands, and forests along the shores of Lake Michigan. My family and I visited Indiana Dunes a few summers ago and climbed 126 feet to the top of Mount Baldy to experience the view of Lake Michigan from the top of a “wandering sand dune.” It was absolutely worth the visit.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, located in Lincoln City, Indiana, commemorates the early life of Abraham Lincoln, who lived on the site from 1816 to 1830. The memorial features a visitor center with exhibits, a replica of the Lincoln family’s log cabin, walking trails, and historical markers that offer insights into Lincoln’s formative years and family life.
The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park commemorates the victory of George Rogers Clark and his men during the American Revolutionary War. It features a grand memorial and exhibits on Clark’s campaign.
Hoosier National Forest covers approximately 200,000 acres in southern Indiana. It offers diverse recreational opportunities including camping, scenic drives, and hiking, particularly on the North Lookout Tower Trail and Twin Bridges Trail.

Indiana State and County Parks

Interspersed between and around national parks are the hidden gems of state and county parks. The parks system in our country isn’t like a sports league, where the national parks are somehow superior to local or state parks. The distinction indicates which government officials are responsible for managing that park. So don’t discount local and state parks as inferior to national parks—all of these parks are fantastic places to experience the unique wonders of God’s creation.

As of 2024, Indiana has more than 180,000 acres of state parks managed by the Indiana Division of State Parks and Reservoirs. Here are several you won’t want to miss:

Brown County State Park – This 15,776-acre-park is about 50 miles south of Indianapolis and is Indiana’s largest state park. It is known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and vibrant fall foliage.
Turkey Run State Park – Turkey Run is famous for its rugged terrain, deep gorges, sandstone cliffs, and picturesque trails.
Clifty Falls State Park – Clifty Falls runs along the Ohio River and is home to beautiful waterfalls and scenic hiking trails.
McCormick’s Creek State Park – Features unique limestone gorges, waterfalls, and a historic lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It is about 30 miles southwest of Bloomington.
Spring Mill State Park – Offers a historical pioneer village and beautiful natural scenery 60 miles south of Bloomington.
Fort Harrison State Park (Marion County) – Offers wooded trails, a golf course, and historical sites to explore. The fort served as a military post during the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
Mounds State Park (Madison County) – Known for its ancient Native American earthworks and scenic trails.

Indiana Municipal and Metro Parks

If you aren’t up for a wilderness adventure and want to stay within city limits, Indiana has several beautiful municipal and metro parks that are perfect for day hikes, biking, picnics, and other recreational releases:

Indianapolis’ White River State Park – This downtown park offers trails, green spaces, the Indianapolis Zoo, NCAA Hall of Champions, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s 100 Acres Art and Nature Park.
Bloomington’s Bryan Park – Features sports fields, a playground, and ample green space.
Fort Wayne’s Headwaters Park – A popular spot for events, picnics, and outdoor activities along the river.