Versailles, In. — As the calendar turns and the weather continues to warm, Indiana state parks are ready for your return with Welcome Back Weekend, May 4-5.
There will be a host of activities to encourage families to get outdoors and receive a reminder of what makes Indiana special. From mushrooms to paddling to history and hiking, state parks have something for everyone.
Brown County State Park is hosting its annual morel mushroom festival May 4 beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing all day. Don’t miss the mushrooms and mash event at 6 p.m.
Whitewater Memorial, Mounds, and Pokagon state parks are hosting events through Arts in the Parks for those who want to express their creative sides.
Other special events at state park properties include a campground cook-off on May 4 at 5:45 p.m. at Lieber State Recreation Area, a kayak lesson at Chain O’Lakes State Park, Yoga in the Park at Prophetstown State Park, and an introduction to geocaching at Harmonie State Park.
Don’t forget about other activities, including the first tunnel tour of the season at Clifty Falls State Park, the guided hikes throughout the state and guided run at Mounds State Park, the Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park, and the guided 5-mile and six-ravine challenges at Turkey Run and Shades state parks. See details of these events at calendar.dnr.IN.gov and discover many more activities at other properties across the state.
Check out the What’s New list at stateparks.IN gov/9447.htm to catch up on the latest new and improved features. Those include a new campground comfort station at Whitewater Memorial, new ADA-compliant playgrounds in several locations, the restored CCC fire tower at Ouabache, acres of invasive species removed across the state parks system, and 12 newly renovated guest rooms at Turkey Run Inn.
Share your adventures on social media. Use the hashtag #welcomebackIN and tag us on Twitter (@INdnrstateparks), Facebook (INdnrstateparksandreservoirs), and Instagram (@indianadnr).
If you want to stay a few days, State Park Inns are offering 25 percent off two consecutive nights at the best available rate for any room through May 24, including weekends. Avoid future daily state park entrance fees by getting an annual pass, $50 for residents, $70 for non-residents or $25 for senior Indiana residents.
Remember, gate admission is free for everyone on Sunday, May 5 as a part of Visit Indiana Week.
