Before he was the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln was a kid growing up in southern Indiana. From ages 7 to 21, he was shaped by his experiences in the forests and farmlands of our state. Those formative moments from his childhood developed him into our country's leader. Learn a few stories from Abe's childhood and consider how your own childhood has influenced you.

Learn about the events and projects supported by the Friends of Lincoln State Park volunteers and follow them on Facebook.

Get your tickets from the Lincoln Amphitheater for Lincoln productions and the summer concert series. The 2026 season launches February 3.

Learn more about the post office in Santa Claus, IN, and its sweet history.

Buy IN the Parks stickers and support the podcast! At buymeacoffee.com/intheparksonline

Any mistakes are my own.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Whitewater Memorial State Park was created to honor WWII veterans and be a place of solace for them and their families. Decades later, the park still offers peace for veterans, their families, and the entire state of Indiana. You’ll find options for camping, water activities, hiking, bridle trails, and events that specially honor veterans.

Look for information about Shine a Light On Our Veterans next September so you can be part of the special luminary event.

And don’t forget, all veterans have free entry to Indiana’s state parks on Veteran’s Day.

Any mistakes are my own.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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