IN the Parks – Details, episodes & analysis

Come with me to Monroe Lake, home to state recreation areas like Paynetown, Fairfax, and many more! Indiana's largest lake has something for everyone -- boating, kayaking, camping, bird watching, hunting, private weekend getaways, and space for groups and families. With its proximity to Bloomington, this is the perfect place for people who want a mix of time in the city and nature. In this episode, learn about the lake's history, visit the dam, and discover the wide variety of activities that await at each recreation area!

Follow along on Facebook for all the incredible events at Monroe Lake. Look for information and pictures about osprey and bald eagles there too

Keep up with all the events at Monroe Lake: Beginner Kayaking, Explore Monroe Paddling Trips, the history of the reservoir, and so much more! 

Be sure to check our Two Herons Marina and Fourwinds Lakeside Inn and Marina.

Any mistakes are my own.

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Cagles Mill Lake was Indiana's first reservoir property! Home to Lieber and Cataract Falls State Recreation Areas, this lake is the perfect place for extroverts and introverts. Lieber has lots to do: camping, a beach, pool, nature center, water activities, events, and more. Cataract Falls has Indiana's largest waterfall, a red covered bridge, and creek stomping. Both sites provide picnicking spots, hiking, and plenty of beauty! Whether you need social connections or time alone, Cagles Mill Lake has you covered!

Cell phone service is really spotty driving from one side of the lake to the other and if there's serious flooding in the area, the country backroads may be flooded, so be sure to grab a paper map from the park or check out these directions to get from Cataract to Lieber. There are two options highlighted.

Join the Friends of Lieber and keep up with their year-round events. Follow the Army Corps of Engineers Cagles Mill Lake Facebook page to see how high water levels are.

Any mistakes are my own.

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Charlestown State Park is a hiker's paradise and a camper's dream! Full of legends, lore, and even a ghost town, Charlestown has plenty of excitement and beauty. The park's new hiking challenge will take you through every single trail, and this episode will too! You'll hear from the challenge creators, park staff, and even the mayor of Charlestown why each trail is worth hiking as we cover the mysteries and history of the park. Get ready to learn about Rose Island, the Welsh Prince Madoc, the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, and the future plans for Charlestown.

Get connected with the Friends of Charlestown State Park. Be sure to tackle the new Challenge! Sign up for Devil's Backbone hikes. (Scroll down to Events to see the hike dates.) And don't forget to Bring in the Green on St. Patrick's Day weekend.

Any mistakes are my own.

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Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, IN, may be the smallest state park, but the history and impact of this land is enormous! Come with me on a journey through time as we learn about the stories of the fossils, George Rogers Clark, the Underground Railroad, and more. You'll also learn what's going on with the park today as well as hear more rock puns than you wanted!

Be sure to visit Falls of the Ohio Foundation where you can check out the webcam to get a good idea of whether or not the fossil beds are exposed. Also be sure to look at Alan’s fossil brochure with pictures of the fossils. If paleontology camp sounds fun, here's info on it.

I've known general information about Hannah Toliver for a while, but it was wonderful to find her historic marker about a mile away from Falls of the Ohio. I was greatly helped by a presentation at Falls of the Ohio about Guinea Bottoms and the Underground Railroad that you may want to see in its entirety.

Any mistakes are my own.

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Hear about the State of the State Parks from Indiana's director of the Department of Natural Resources, Dan Bortner. This governor-appointed position gets to shape and guide the priorities of the administration, which means for the past four years, Dan has had a front row seat to exciting initiatives like the Unity Blaze, Next Level Trails, planting one million trees, building a new lodge at Potato Creek State Park, and so much more!

In this episode, Dan shares about his lifelong love for Indiana's state parks, what he's proud of accomplishing over the past four years, and what Hoosiers have to look forward to in 2025 and beyond.

If you're interested, learn more about Indiana's Unity Blaze initiative or the Black Folks Camp Too organization.

Any mistakes are my own.

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In nearly every episode, you've heard from the state park's interpretive naturalist. But what exactly is that job? In a word, they're storytellers. Listen to find out why I think this may be THE most important job in the state parks! You'll get to hear about the woman who started it all, why white tennis shoes are important, who was the state's top interpretive naturalist in 2024 (hint: we met her already this season!), and what it takes to be an interpretive naturalist. You'll hear a few familiar voices from past episodes and meet a couple new women who oversee the work at the state level. I loved talking with all of them!

Plus, don't forget to take advantage of these holiday deals! Buy a vintage, 1930s-inspired poster of a favorite Indiana state park, national park, lake, or small town from Recollection Project and get one free with the code INTHEPARKS. (FYI: Orders will arrive after Christmas.)

And you'll definitely get a good night’s sleep with a pillow from Comfort Option. Use the code INtheParks to save 15%.

Any mistakes are my own.

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Travel to Versailles State Park in southeast Indiana where you'll learn about the incredibly supportive family culture the staff has that extends to everyone who visits the park. And this place is an outdoorsy person's dream! You've got mountain biking, hiking, and horse trails plus a lake for boating, kayaking, and fishing! There's also camping, history, and a supportive community that welcomes guests into the family. The pool is perfect in the summer and you can't beat the leaf gazing in the fall!

Mountain bikers, be sure to learn more about SIMBA and how to get involved with their work. And definitely look into Hassmer Fest! Hikers and trail fans should learn more about Mammoth March. See you at the 20 mile hike on June 28, 2025! If you're in the area, you definitely want to join the Friends of Versailles State Park.

Don't forget to take advantage of these holiday deals! Buy a vintage, 1930s-inspired poster of a favorite Indiana state park, national park, lake, or small town from Recollection Project and get one free with the code INTHEPARKS.

And you'll definitely get a good night’s sleep with a pillow from Comfort Option. Use the code INtheParks to save 15% on a pillow or mattress.

Any mistakes are my own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a special Holidays IN the Parks episode! Your shopping list, wish list, and holiday events are all taken care of! Listen now and you'll be in the know for the best gifts, events, and family traditions.

Holiday Gifts

1. Buy a vintage-style state park, national park, or any poster from Recollection Project and get one free with the code INTHEPARKS

2. Purchase a 2025 state parks pass

3. Subscribe to Outdoor Indiana magazine

HOT TIP: Purchase the state parks Holiday Gift Pack while supplies last (2025 state parks pass, Outdoor Indiana subscription, and gift card to an inn or campground)

4. Get a good night’s sleep with a pillow from Comfort Option. Use the code INtheParks to save 15% on a pillow or mattress.

5. Buy awesome state parks merch and gear from the DNR store

State Park Holiday Events

Pokagon – Ride the toboggan all winter and go on the Christmas Eve morning walk

Potato Creek – The Hillsiders Band concert 

Chain O’ Lakes – Christmas Carol Clue Hunt 

Ouabache – Wonderland of Lights and Santa Saturdays

Prophetstown – Head to The Farm for Breakfast with Santa or Christmas on the Farm (UPDATE: Breakfast with Santa is sold out at both times; waitlist available)

Mounds – Drive or walk through Nights of Lights

Lieber SRA – Drive through lights display

Spring Mill State Park – Drive through lights and Holiday in the Village

Clifty Falls – Call Clifty Inn for Breakfast with the Grinch or get tickets to the New Year’s Eve party

Any mistakes are my own. (Including a grammatical one in this episode!)

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Let's visit an Indiana State Parks fan favorite: Clifty Falls State Park! Clifty Falls is another beauty and is well-loved for its history, hiking, and waterfalls. Oh, and the bats! In this episode, you'll see what it means to be a good neighbor thanks to the actions of the city of Madison and the Friends of Clifty Falls volunteer group. From battling invasive plants to finding new ways to offer accessibility, Clifty Falls is supported by a variety of people who love it. And yes, we'll learn about an Indiana bat species too since they live in Brough's Tunnel in the park.

If you’d like to learn more about the Friends of Clifty Falls, including becoming a member or volunteering, visit their website or Facebook page. On the DNR website, you can also Report A Mammal to track park populations or use the Sick or Dead Wildlife Reporting site. (Please note, that is not for roadkill or animals hit by cars.)

This episode also covers Clifty Inn, chimney swifts (a kind of bird), and the CCC impact. Plus, save the dates for women's hiking events and the Vintage Camper Rally which happens yearly at the end of June!

If you’re hungry for some ice cream after your time at Clifty Falls, be sure to visit Chillbilly Treats. And thanks to our sponsor Comfort Option – customizable, rebuildable mattresses from our very own Hoosier state! Use code INtheParks to save 15%.

Any mistakes are my own.

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Come back to Prophetstown State Park with me and enjoy time at The Farm, a non-profit in the park that tells the story of Indiana farm life in the 1920s. The Farm at Prophetstown is an ideal spot for a Third Place. Never heard of the term "Third Place" before? That’s okay; neither had I! So listen and learn along with me.

You’ll also hear about their farm-to-table dinners, all the animals, the farmhouse, tenant house, blacksmith shop, and windmill. Whether you’re interested in raising chickens, want to remember what your great-grandfather’s house was like, or want some outdoor fun, The Farm at Prophetstown is the place to be!

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