As a part of its Opt-Outside Day program, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering free admission for all state parks the day after Thanksgiving. 

According to a release from the DNR, all Indiana State Park properties will be free and open to the public on November 24. Along with the 24 state parks, other properties in the area will be participating including  Lieber State Recreation (SRA); Raccoon, Deam Lake, and Starve Hollow SRAs; Brookville, Hardy, Mississinewa, Monroe, Patoka, and Salamonie lakes, and the two off-road state recreation areas, Redbird and Interlake.
“There’s nothing like going for a hike the day after Thanksgiving to work off the turkey and fixings from the day before,” said Dan Bortner, DNR director. “The benefits of opting outside go beyond the quality memories created with family or the mental perks of spending time in nature. Hoosiers can also win fun prizes that will keep them connected with Indiana DNR year-round.”

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Those who chose to join in on Opt Outside Day will be entered into drawings for prizes like 2024 DNR annual entrance passes, Outdoor Indiana subscriptions, Smokey Bear materials, gift cards, and DNR-staff-led outdoor experiences. 

To get involved and participate, people can do one, two, or all three of the following to improve their chances of winning prizes:

1. Share your photos | Post photos of your adventures at Indiana State Park properties on DNR social media. When posting photos, use the hashtag and tag the DNR or the property you are visiting in your post.
2. Opt Outside Scavenger Hunt | Download and complete the form at the Opt Outside webpage and email it to DNR to be entered in a separate drawing for prizes and experiences.
3. Check-in at a DNR State Park property with the Indiana State Nature Passport | Checking in at any DNR State Park property listed in the Indiana State Nature Passport Program or completing the Opt Outside Scavenger Hunt and entering the special Nature Passport Scavenger Hunt PIN will enter you in a drawing for a 2024 annual entrance pass and an Outdoor Indiana magazine subscription. The special PIN for the scavenger hunt will be posted in the same location as each property’s usual Nature Passport PIN.

For more information on DNR activities, visit the DNR’s homepage.