Memorial Day Weekend Fun
Memorial Day weekend is one of the most popular times to visit Indiana State Parks! While navigating this busy time, remember a few key tips to make your trip a fun and memorable experience!
• 
Carry out your trash, don’t leave a mess for others.
• Stay on the trail.
• Watch your noise level.
• Keep your pets on a leash.
• Park only in designated lots.
• Expect some lines and traffic.
• Be mindful of other visitors’ experiences.
Remember when camping the minimum holiday camping stay for Memorial Day includes the nights of May 22, 23, and 24.
Free Fishing Days!
Mark your calendars. Indiana’s 2026 Free Fishing Days are almost here: June 6–7, and Sept. 26.
On these days, Indiana residents can fish any public waters in the state, no license or trout/salmon stamp are needed. It’s the perfect chance to try out fishing or get back out on the water if you’ve been away. Already have a license? Bring someone new and share the fun!
Once-In-A-Blue-Moon Hikes This May
A “Blue Moon” is the second full moon which occurs in a calendar month. May 2026 will see this rare occurrence on May 31. Visit Indiana State Parks to see the vibrant moon or join us on a guided night hike to view the blue moon.
• Mounds State Park – May 31, 9-10 p.m.
• Charlestown State Park – May 31, 10-11:30 p.m.
• Indiana Dunes State Park – May 30, 8 p.m.
• Brown County State Park – May 30, 9-10 p.m.
• Spring Mill State Park – May 30, 9 p.m.
Plant Native & Support Parks!
Planting native species in your backyard promotes healthy habitats and attracts native pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Get our native plants at one of our native plant sales at Mounds State Park and Prophetstown State Park.
Upcoming Events
• New Moon Hike, Brown County State Park – May 16
• 2026 Nature Journaling Spring Series, Prophetstown State Park – May 17
• Living History Weekend, Spring Mill State Park – May 23-24
• Ice Cream Social, Lieber SRA (Cagles Mill Lake) – May 23
• Wildflowers and Watercolors, Chain O'Lakes State Park – May 24
• Bike Parade in the Campground, Summit Lake State Park – May 24
• Breakfast with the Birds, Hardy Lake – May 30
• Kayak Tour, Patoka Lake – May 30
• Limestone Weekend, Spring Mill State Park – June 6-7