Travel to the southwest corner of Indiana to visit Harmonie State Park! We'll learn about their big trees, the park's features, how several groups tried to create harmony on earth here, and the charming town of New Harmony. We also discover how Harmonie is part of the story of Indiana's state insect, Say's Firefly. (Here's a ton more info about fireflies!)

In New Harmony, I highly recommend a visit to the Indiana State Museum New Harmony Historic Site. In town, you definitely want to explore the cathedral labyrinth, visit the roofless church, and go to the Working Men’s Institute (Indiana’s oldest continuously operating library). The institute’s second floor is a museum of oddities including an 8-legged, 2-headed calf and a skeleton of a Civil War soldier’s horse!

To learn more about Lynn Faust and fireflies, check out this article and here’s a link to her book.

If you want to support the Friends of Harmonie, you can be a member for $20 a year for individuals and $35 a year for families. There are some perks for you too, so check out their website to learn more.

Any mistakes are my own.

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It's another 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, activities, and family traditions.

Holiday Gifts

1. Purchase a 2026 state parks pass

2. Subscribe to Outdoor Indiana magazine

HOT TIP: Purchase the state parks Holiday Gift Pack (while supplies last)

3. Buy all the state parks merch and gear you need for next year

State Park Holiday Events

Pokagon – Ride the toboggan all winter

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

Mounds – Drive through Nights of Lights

Lieber SRA – Drive through Winter Lights display

Raccoon SRA - Visiting the Lost Canyon First Day Hike

Monroe Lake - Geminids Meteor Shower and First Day Trail Run & Walk

Spring Mill State Park – Join the Bedford Hiking Club for a volkswalk First Day Hike

Clifty Falls – Call Clifty Inn for Breakfast With the Grinch and Winter Weekend Getaway

O’Bannon Woods Events page

Any mistakes are my own.

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Get ready for an early Giving Tuesday and amazing examples of generosity and gratitude! You'll hear from Indiana Parks Alliance about how they support all the state parks and nature preserves. They also share practical ways you can support parks. To support Indiana Parks Alliance, visit their website. They're also on Facebook and Instagram.

You'll learn from the Friends of Charlestown State Park how IPA has funded grants for them and about a major grant they received from Indiana American Water! Finally, a really easy way to support parks is to attend their events, like going to Spring Mill's Holiday in the Village Dec 5-6 or the new Christmas tradition December 6 at Versailles State Park. Buy tickets ahead of time for Santa’s Lighted Forest at Versailles State Park and see more event details and updates on Facebook.

To see Carson Hughes’ incredible photography or to support the Carson Hughes Foundation, please visit this website.

Any mistakes are my own.

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