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Brown County State Park is the first episode to come in at over an hour, although just barely! Once you listen, you'll see why these stories had to be told together. You'll hear about the trees and peak leaf peeping time, and you'll also learn about the volunteers who have spent thousands of hours helping the park staff clean up from multiple storms and a tornado this spring. There are so many ways to support and appreciate this park. Here are just a few!
Want to see different oak leaves (including the white oak) and learn about them? Check this out!
Take on the 7 Vista Challenge by driving to the most popular scenic spots in the park.
To join the Friends of Brown County or support their work, visit their website. You can also donate to the Weed Patch Fire Tower restoration project.
Check out the Brown County Mountain Biking website. Be sure to mark your calendar for Epic next year and their mountain biking trail maintenance days. You can become a member or donate to help keep the trails clear.
The Indiana Trail Riders Association is who we have to thank for clearing and maintaining the horse trails. You can join their private Facebook page or check out their website to learn about group rides, how to donate to their ongoing work, or how to become a member. They gave a special shout out to Story Inn.
Oh and check out the Hilly Half Marathon, 5k, and 10k that happens in November.
Any mistakes are my own.
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Get ready to face your greatest fears at O'Bannon Woods State Park! Whether you're scared of heights, snakes, the dark, small spaces, or water, this park will help you find some inner courage to overcome those fears. You can climb the fire tower, see Indiana's venomous snakes from a safe distance in the nature center, take a hike down in Wyandotte Caves, or splash around at the aquatic center. You'll also hear about their tough mountain biking and hiking trails, camping options, and the historic haypress, pioneer village, oxen, and donkeys.
You can learn more about Indiana’s snakes on the DNR website.
If you're curious, I found a helpful explanation of steers and oxen here.
Want to attend OWAR and mountain bike with an awesome group? Sign up here! Follow the O’Bannon Woods Mountain Biking group on Facebook and learn more about the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association on their site.
Any mistakes are my own.
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Patoka Lake is a massive property with over 26,000 acres! In this episode, we'll explore all the great water activities you'll find there like boating and their commitment to excellent fishing. We'll also spend time out of the water in the campgrounds and on the amazing trails. I biked on the hilly, paved multi-use trail and hiked several beautiful spots in the woods. You'll be transported through time when you hike The Narrows, a historic trail people have been using for over 200 years! We'll also meet the park's turtles and red tailed hawk.
Patoka Lake's water recreation will absolutely draw you in, but stay for the adventures you'll find on the trails too!
Any mistakes are my own.
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Join me at beautiful Hardy Lake where you'll find all the water recreation, hiking, or hunting you crave along with the state's largest raptor program! The Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center was once a place to rehabilitate animals and birds of all kinds. Now, their educational birds can be seen at parks and events across the state. Much of the funding for the center comes from the Friends of Hardy Lake and their fun events. Hear all about the park, volunteers, and the incredible birds who call it home!
Follow the Friends of Hardy Lake and be on the lookout for their next Breakfast with the Birds!
If you find an orphaned or injured animal, check out the DNR Fish and Wildlife resources for who to contact.
Check out this link if you want to see the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife barn owl camera, provided by their Friends group.
Any mistakes are my own.
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It’s my birthday AND the podcast’s one year anniversary! So today’s episode is a little different. My friends Halle and Kelcy are hosts of the travel podcast Love It There, and today they are interviewing ME about myself, the podcast, and the parks. Hope you enjoy this conversational episode and get to know me a little better!
Plus, I'm excited that you'll now be able to find IN the Parks content on the website Get Indiana. From Small Town Breakdowns to Hidden Gems to podcast interviews with local business leaders and thinkers, I know you'll appreciate our state even more! You can check out my IN the Parks posts too!
Here are some of the Love It There episodes we reference in this episode:
If you’ve traveled somewhere fun that you want to share about, reach out to Kelcy and Halle on Instagram.
Any mistakes are my own.
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It's Brookville Lake's 50th anniversary! So grab some cake and ice cream, put on your party hat, and learn how this reservoir has been thriving for half a century. We'll cover the past (fossils and mounds), the present (bluebirds, sandhill cranes, camping, hunting, boating, walleye, hiking, and mountain biking), and discuss the future plans to keep the park a wonderful place!
If you want to learn more about bluebirds or make your own bluebird box, the North American Bluebird Society has a TON of resources. You can also find a bluebird box blueprint through Cornell’s website which also has recommendations for the pole’s height, spacing, sizing, and more.
To learn more about the mountain bike trails, join group rides, or help with trail maintenance, check out the Brookville Lake Trail Group on Facebook.
If you want to hear what sandhill cranes sound like, listen here so you can spot them when they migrate.
To learn more about the Glidewell Mound, look at Ball State University's report. You will need to request access to view it, or reach out to me via social media and I'll make sure you get a copy.
Any mistakes are my own.
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Time to go back to Peru, Indiana, to visit another beautiful reservoir property at Mississinewa Lake! There is so much to do here from camping, fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, and so much more. Plus, the Native American history here is information every Hoosier should learn about.
If you’re interested in seasonal camping, be sure to enter the lottery when it opens. My boating fans will definitely want to learn more from Red Bridge Marina.
To find out about all the Friends of Mississinewa Lake events, including the fireworks show, visit their Facebook page.
If you want to learn about the Miami history in Indiana you can do that here and find out about the Miami Days at the Seven Pillars.
I found the definitions of preservation and conservation, along with some basic history about them, on the National Park Service website.
Any mistakes are my own.
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Potato Creek State Park has been many things to many people for hundreds of years, and there is so much to discover here! You’ll learn about how bugs helped this park come to life, hear stories of an integrated community pre-Civil War, and find out about the diverse activities and events the park offers. You'll also get the latest info on the inn being built in the park. All of these experiences define the creek and show the immense power of what a place means to us.
Be sure to check out NIMBA (Northern Indiana Mountain Biking Association) so you can learn about their membership, events, education opportunities, races, and trail maintenance days. Info specifically about Potato Creek is here and find them on social media @nimbamtb
Also look for ways to join or support the Friends of Potato Creek. You’ll want to follow them on Facebook to stay updated on events like the summer concerts, Halloween weekend, and Easter egg hunt!
Any mistakes are my own.
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Cecil M Harden Lake aka Raccoon State Recreation Area aka the Mansfield Dam. They're all the same place, and the place is amazing! In this episode, we're learning some reservoir history and visiting the Mansfield roller mill while getting a little philosophical about change and opportunities. You'll also learn about the trails, fishing, water, and the beautiful campground! If you need to rent a boat, visit Raccoon Lake Boat Rental.
You'll also want to be part of the Smokey Bear Pedal Parade on August 9 for Smokey's 81st birthday!
Be sure to come back to Cecil M Harden Lake and camp at Raccoon SRA for the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. You can hit up Mansfield and see the mill before visiting Rockville. They're both fun and will set you up for the perfect Indiana fall!
Any mistakes are my own.
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Keep enjoying that lake life and join me at Salamonie Lake! The park is big enough you’ll find there’s room for every personality, and I've come up with quite a few people who will love this place: Academic, Zoologist, Horse Lover, Trailhead, Happy Camper, Water Baby, Gardener, Hunter & Fisher, Frolfer, and Volunteer! Yup, you’re all welcome here.
At Salamonie, be sure to go to the Pirate’s Cove Marina for boat rentals, the annual t-shirt, and any camping needs.
And you should definitely visit the Friends of Upper Wabash Interpretive Services volunteer group and learn about their events and activities. Keep an eye on the Salamonie website for winter eagle watch dates.
Oh and you'll love Ronnie Hileman’s state parks song!
Any mistakes are my own.
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Come with me to beautiful Chain O' Lakes State Park in Albion, Indiana! This park is absolutely a small boater's paradise thanks to the 5 mile, 9 lake paddling challenge. But it's also a hiker's haven with almost 30 miles of trails and as home to Indiana's only 100 mile trail race, the Indiana Trail 100. I earned my 9 Lakes Challenge shirt, but still need to come back to hit the trails. The park offers activities for both kids and the endurance athlete. Plus, there's the Stanley School, a one room school house that was open until 1954!
Check out the map and photo spots for the 9 Lake Challenge so you can say “I paddled the chain!” Learn about the three events that are part of the Ignite Trail Series. And to find out about the preschool program, contact the park's interpretive naturalist, Carly Cornhill.
Any mistakes are my own.
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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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Summit Lake State Park is the perfect spot to kick off your lake life summer! The lake is where all the action is -- fishing, bird watching, swimming, and boating. But there are also several nice trails and tons of year-round activities for kids and families. Mark your calendar for the Youth Fishing Derby on June 7. Dates and information about Nature's Classroom are on the park's Facebook page. And their big fall events to keep in mind are Truck or Treat on Oct 11 and Spooktacular trick-or-treating in the campground on Oct 18.
The exact address for Hoosier Hill, the highest point in Indiana, is 11951 Elliott Rd, Lynn, IN 47355. I found very helpful directions to Hoosier Hill on this site. And that's where I discovered the tip about the nearby Coffin House.
To get to the bald eagle nest, go left out of the park on 600N. Take the first left on 500 E. You’ll drive between Summit Lake and a nature pond which was a cool little section. Then take a right on 750N. The eagle's nest is on the north side of the road, and there are several areas where you can pull onto the side of the road for viewing.
Any mistakes are my own.
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Get to know the rebel state park -- The Shades! But is Shades actually the rugged, rebel, isolated park I think it is? You might be surprised to learn the real history of the property. Yes, there's lore and murder, but there's also innovation, social movements, and my favorite hike in Indiana so far! Plus, we get into astronomy and why Shades is the best place for star-gazing. If you've never been to Shades, make it a priority!
If you want to hike the Pine Hills Nature Preserve, this map gives information about what you’ll see. Learn more about The Friends of Turkey Run and Shades State Parks and keep track of their great events!
If you live in the area, be sure to connect with the Wabash Valley Astronomical Society. If you live in other parts of Indiana, the state’s astronomical society is a great place to start. I’m confident nearby states have their own societies, so my out of state listeners, you’ll have to look up your closest group. But everyone can be sure to check out the Indiana Family Star Party this summer too!
Any mistakes are my own.
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I loved learning about fire towers and lookouts in Indiana and across the country. There's so much history here, and I barely scratched the surface! You can learn tons about fire towers at the Forest Fire Lookout Association site. If you want to see a presentation Teena Ligman did in March 2025 about them, including pictures, click here. You’ll hear much of the same information but get the awesome visuals a podcast can’t provide.
If you have a kid who loves fire towers, check out Headstrong Hallie!, an illustrated kids’ book about Hallie Morse Daggett.
I saw Clarisse Carroll's name spelled several ways (Clarisse, Clarrise, and Clarissie). I pronounced it Cla-reece; Teena pronounced it Cla-rissie. I'm not sure which is correct, and unfortunately, I didn't have time to track down any of her relatives. If you know the right pronunciation, please reach out! If you'd like to read more about her, here’s information. I learned a lot about the Georgia Fire Tower on the US Forest Service site.
Finally, if you want to climb all Indiana’s fire towers and learn more about ones no longer in use, check them out here.
Any mistakes -- and I'm sure there are some! -- are mine.
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The Civilian Conservation Corps, started by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, made our state parks what they are today. Not only did these boys (as they were endearlingly called) work in Indiana, but throughout the entire country developing parks, protecting forests, and on soil conservation projects. White, Black, Native American, and Hispanic -- young men from all walks of life left their fingerprints on our country.
I learned so much about the CCC from Glory-June Greiff whose book you can purchase on her website or potentially find at your local library. I also learned about the CCC from the book The Complete Guide to Indiana State Parks by Nathan D. Strange. In addition, the Indiana Historical Society was an enormous help in finding pictures of the boys and issues of the CCC company newsletters. I'm also hugely indebted to Katie Martin (no relation) for her excellent research. She and others wrote about Marshall Carter, but it was her work that directed me to his poem.
I also found information about the CCC on the Steuben County website, read interviews with Roger Woodcock in the Whitley County paper, learned about several African-American enrollees through the DNR's research, and learned about CCC companies nationwide on the CCC Legacy site.
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Come along with me to Pokagon State Park and let's tackle the 8-mile-long Hell's Point Challenge together! We'll learn all about the park including the Pokagon band of the Potawatomi, the CCC young men, the wide variety of park habitats, the Potawatomi Inn, stable barn, toboggan run, and more. We'll also learn a few hacks for how to get the most out of the toboggan run and how you can cheat the system for an easier way to complete the Hell's Point Challenge!
While this episode is coming out AFTER the toboggan run closes, you’ll want to keep it in mind for next year! You should definitely book a room at the Potawatomi Inn. And be sure to support the Friends of Pokagon and check them out at their open meeting on April 6th.
Any mistakes are my own.
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What do a 200 year old grist mill and an astronaut have in common? Quite a lot actually! We head back to Spring Mill State Park to learn about the cultural impact of the place. You'll get a lesson in physics, history, and space travel as we learn about the pioneer village, the mill, and Gus Grissom. Plus, you'll find out what happened to the mill a couple years ago and how the reopening progress is going!
The episode also touches on the CCC African American Company 539, how a volcano eruption in Indonesia affected Indiana, and plans to reopen the village's old distillery.
If you want to learn more about The Year Without a Summer, check this out.
I'm confident there are errors in this episode that have to do with my limited understanding of physics and mill operations. Rest assured, those are my own mistakes and do not reflect the park staff's knowledge and competence!
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Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, IN, offers everything a state park should -- nature, history, and culture. There's so much going on at this park, I had to make two episodes! In Part 1, you'll learn why old growth forests are important, find out what's hiding in the dark cave systems, and discover how you can explore the caves by foot or by boat. You'll also get the backstory on how an unexpected bird, the brown booby, transformed the park last year!
Plus, you'll hear some updates on the newly renovated inn and learn about events the Friends of Spring Mill puts on every year. In Part 2, we'll spend time in the pioneer village checking out the redone grist mill and learn about astronaut Gus Grissom who grew up in Mitchell.
If you want the Spring Mill wassail recipe, here it is!
2 quarts apple cider
1 1/2 cups orange juice
3/4 cup pineapple juice
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
2 cinnamon sticks
Dash of ground cloves
Combine all ingredients, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat. Simmer for 1 hour.
Discard cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
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