(Ripley County, IN) – It’s time to lace up your walking shoes and grab your passport.
The 2026 Ripley County Reads Park Hop returns March 7 through May 2, inviting families to explore the beauty, history, and creativity found in 21 parks, trails, and outdoor spaces across Ripley County.
Designed as a free, family-friendly scavenger hunt, the Park Hop encourages participants to visit local town parks, scenic nature areas, walking trails, and our own Versailles State Park. At each location, adventurers will search for clues and answer fun questions on their passport. They can also choose to scan a QR code to submit their answers for a chance to win prizes.
“It’s like a treasure hunt,” organizers say, “but with nature as your playground.”
Participants can visit as many parks as they’d like during the eight-week event. Each stop reveals something unique — from playgrounds and murals to wooded trails and wildlife habitats — all while encouraging families to spend time outdoors together.
The adventure concludes with the Park Hop Finale on May 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oak Grove Shelter at Versailles State Park. All passports turned in at the Finale will be entered into
an exclusive drawing for an Indiana State Park Pass and be entered into the main drawings.
This year’s Finale will be held alongside the popular Art in Nature Art Show & Artisan Demonstrations, offering even more excitement for families. Activities include: Swag bags for the first 50 kids, live artisan demonstrations – including glass blowing, blacksmithing, and basketmaking – and hands-on art experiences such as pottery, woodturning, marble art, and more.
The Kids Discovery Factory will also be on hand to share activities and information about their new facility.
The Park Hop combines literacy, exploration, art, and outdoor adventure into one unforgettable spring tradition.
Families can pick up a Park Hop passport at Tyson Library, Batesville Memorial Public Library, Osgood and Milan libraries, Candyland Creations, the Ripley County Welcome Center, or download from the RipleyCountyReads.org website.
Don’t miss this fun-filled opportunity to discover the parks of Ripley County and make lasting family memories along the way.
For more information, visit RipleyCountyReads.org or email RipleyCountyTourism@gmail.com.
(Ripley County Tourism press release)
