Weather Causes Changes in State Park Activities

Winter weather is causing some changes in state park activities over the next day or two. 

State park properties remain open for hiking. State Park Inns, cabins, and campgrounds will also be open as usual, but snowplowing may limit access in some locations. Guests are asked to be aware of weather conditions if hiking or enjoying other outdoor activities, dress warmly and in layers, and limit time exposed to extreme conditions.

Changes in activities thus far include:

  • The Pokagon State Park toboggan will be closed Dec. 23 due to the bitter cold to ensure the safety of guests and staff. Reopening is expected Dec. 24, if temperatures moderate, but that determination will be made as the weather picture for Saturday emerges. The toboggan is closed on Christmas Day. The park will be open for other daily activities. Pokagon’s annual Christmas Eve walk will be modified with activities at the Nature Center at 9 a.m.; guests can enjoy refreshments, make a Christmas ornament and reindeer treats, enjoy the new exhibits, and bird-watch at the updated Woodland Window.
  • Mounds State Park’s Nights of Lights is canceled Dec. 23-24, but will reopen Dec. 25.
  • Ouabache State Park’s Wonderland of Lights is canceled Dec. 23-24 and will reopen Dec. 25.

DNR property offices are closed Dec. 23-26, but open today, if you need to buy annual passes as gifts. State Park Inn gift shops will be open normal hours through the weekend, and the inns have annual passes available for sale, too. Holiday Gift Packs can be purchased online at shopINStateParks.com through Dec. 31.

Watch for other changes or notifications on Indiana State Parks’ and property-specific Facebook pages or on Twitter at @INDNRstateparks.