By Andrea Neal In 1916, Indiana celebrated its 100th birthday with pageants, parades and a presidential visit and gave the best gift imaginable to future generations of Hoosiers: a statewide parks system. The planning began in 1915 when lawmakers created the Indiana Historical Commission — today the Historical Bureau — to oversee centennial events and …read more.

By TERRI RITTER Public Relations Coordinator, North Webster Community Library NORTH WEBSTER — Spring has finally arrived bringing warm temperatures and the opportunity to enjoy some outdoor living. In times past, families often sat outside on their front porches, relaxing and connecting with neighbors. The North Webster Community Public Library has designated May as Front Porch Month. Throughout May, …read more.

INDIANA — Discover the hidden treasures of Indiana’s state parks as they celebrate their centennial year by taking part in the SPR GO game. The game is similar to bingo. Players must find game codes at designated locations on the properties and record them on their game card in the appropriate space. Completing five spaces …read more.

Ball State University students have developed a new phone app that will allow visitors to Indiana state parks to create driving or walking history tours for their trip. The Indiana State Park History Tour app allows users to discover historic sites, view historic photos, read stories and see maps interpreting the history of 23 state …read more.

By MARTY BENSON Communications, Department of Natural Resources Your guide to Indiana’s best values in outdoor recreation is available now at dnr.IN.gov/5280.htm. The Department of Natural Resources’ 2015 Indiana recreation guide is the source for information on state parks, lakes, state park inns, fish and wildlife areas, state forests and other DNR properties. Local retail …read more.

Let Indiana State Parks and Inns be your cupid this Valentine’s Day with gift ideas and lodging specials. InnsGifts.com offers gift cards for camping at Indiana State Parks and for lodging at State Park Inns, annual park entrance passes, and more. Or, buy one of two GO! Pack specials that include an entrance permit, one-year …read more.

By GINGER MURPHY Deputy Director for Stewardship, Indiana State Parks When you start thinking about your new year’s recreation, make sure you plan for every month so you don’t miss out. Use the DNR’s special events calendar, StateParks.IN.gov/3282.htm, which shows what’s planned for 2015 at state parks and reservoirs throughout Indiana as your guide. You’ll …read more.

No need to worry, Hoosier outdoor lovers. Although national parks and national wildlife refuges are closed because of the federal government shutdown, Indiana’s 24 state parks and eight reservoir properties remain open for business as usual — if you call the burst of fall colors usual. There is an Indiana state park or reservoir property …read more.

Give the outdoor lovers on your list the gift of Indiana’s state parks, reservoirs, state park inns and Outdoor Indiana magazine, all in one bargain package, without ever leaving your home. You may even want to get yourself one, too, considering the savings. The $99 State Park Holiday Gift Pack includes a 2013 resident Annual …read more.