An early snowfall on Oct. 18, 2022 blankets peak autumn leaves in the Brown County State Park. Brown County Democrat photo
For Hoosiers looking to burn off some Thanksgiving pie calories, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is offering free admission to state parks Friday.
DNR’s Opt Outside Day is offering free entry to all 24 state parks, plus the following other state recreation areas, lakes, and off-road parks: Lieber State, Raccoon, Deam Lake, and Starve Hollow SRAs; Brookville, Hardy, Mississinewa, Monroe, Patoka and Salamonie lakes, and the two off-road state recreation areas, Redbird and Interlake.
“There’s nothing like going for a hike the day after Thanksgiving to work off the turkey and fixings from the day before,” Dan Bortner, DNR director, said in a statement. “The benefits of opting outside go beyond the quality memories created with family or the mental perks of spending time in nature. Hoosiers can also win fun prizes that will keep them connected with Indiana DNR year-round.”
Those who participate in Opt Outside Day will entered in drawings for 2024 DNR annual entrance passes, Outdoor Indiana subscriptions, Smokey Bear materials, gift cards, and DNR-staff-led outdoor experiences, according to DNR.
To participate, Hoosiers can do one, two, or all three of the following to increase their chances of winning prizes:
1. Share your photos. Post photos of your adventures at Indiana State Park properties on DNR social media. More details are at on.IN.gov/optoutside.
When posting photos, use the hashtag and tag the DNR or the property you are visiting in your post.
2. Opt Outside Scavenger Hunt. Download and complete the form at on.IN.gov/optoutside and email it to [email protected] to be entered in a separate drawing for prizes and experiences.
3. Check in at a DNR State Park property with the Indiana State Nature Passport at visitindiana.com/explore.
