Free Entry to Indiana State Parks on September 11

In so many ways, it’s hard to believe it has been 10 years since the tragedies of September 11. I remember hearing about the World Trade Center while heading out to my first class of the morning my senior year at Butler University. Later that day, I remember taking a long walk through Holcomb Gardens on campus to try to clear my head.

Many Americans will mark this anniversary in a variety of ways. Some in prayer, some in solitude. One way I’ve always tried to find peace in troubled times is to spend time in nature. In that spirit, the Indiana Department of  Natural Resources has waived the entry fee to state parks, reservoirs and forests on Sunday, September 11. More information, including participating properties, is available here.

A quiet hike in the woods with your family is a great way to escape the graphic images that will likely flicker on television all day long this Sunday. Or maybe a picnic, a few hours spent fishing, or some birdwatching is more your speed. Regardless, do consider getting outdoors on this occasion.

This is also a great time to visit the park system. The weather has cooled but the fall foliage seekers haven’t started arriving in mass yet. If you’re looking for a few ideas as to which park to visit or what to do while there, I’ve written several posts about some of my favorite state parks.

• So Much To Do At Spring Mill State Park
• Ways To Enjoy Indiana State Parks
• Discovering Natural History at Falls of the Ohio State Park
• Winter Fun at Indiana State Parks
• Splashing Around at Brown County State Park’s Indoor Aquatic Center
• The Lakes of Brown County

The freedom to spend a Sunday afternoon doing whatever I want is something I hold dear to my heart as an American. Perhaps you’ll choose to spend it at one of Indiana’s natural beauties this Sunday.