IN the Parks

an Indiana state parks podcast
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IN the Parks is an Indiana state parks podcast telling the stories of the Hoosier state's incredible parks! Hosted by Indy-native Allison Martin, IN the Parks gives you the history, stories, best trails, hidden gems, and all the latest park events. On each episode, you'll hear from Indiana state parks staff and volunteers. So come fall in love with the Hoosier state and see why the best memories are made in the parks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Redbird Off-Road State Recreation Area: Learning to Be Brave

    1H AGO

    Redbird Off-Road State Recreation Area: Learning to Be Brave

    Redbird Off-Road State Recreation Area in Dugger, IN, is another epic spot for driving, riding, and hiking! This park provided me with a chance to be a little braver than I wanted to be, but was I ready to take advantage of it? If you visit Redbird to ride, don’t forget the park fees are a little different. You’ll need to pay a different (but still small) fee if you plan to take a motorized vehicle on the trails. Check the park’s website to learn more. The dates for this season’s night rides are April 18 for the Spring Night Ride, July 25 for Trails for Tikes Night Ride, and October 24 for Hall-O-Wheelin. Check out the website and follow on Instagram and Facebook to see pictures from Redbird. Buy IN the Parks stickers and support the podcast! Any mistakes are my own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min
  2. Turkey Run State Park: The Rugged Beauty of Indiana

    MAR 3

    Turkey Run State Park: The Rugged Beauty of Indiana

    Turkey Run State Park may be Indiana's best-loved park! It was cherished by the Lusk family, the white settlers who owned the land in the 1800s. Later, the community fought to keep it as a park instead of letting a lumber company get their hands on it. The creator of our state parks system, Colonel Richard Lieber, also had a very strong connection to the property. There's something about the rugged beauty, adventure, and reminder of how small you are that keeps people coming back! Learn about the Lusk family and how the park began, discover old and new trails, and hear about the Eagles in Flight weekend that happens every January. Plus, you'll find out how long I've been visiting this park! If you want to support Turkey Run or learn about the Eagles in Flight weekend, be sure to follow their Friends volunteer group online. Buy IN the Parks stickers and support the podcast! Any mistakes are my own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  3. Deam Lake: Doctor's Orders -- Go for a Walk

    FEB 17

    Deam Lake: Doctor's Orders -- Go for a Walk

    Head to Southern Indiana to visit Deam Lake! You'll enjoy time on the water and discover it's the gateway to more trail systems than you'd expect! Horse riders and hikers can camp at Deam Lake and access Clark State Forest, for more miles of exploring. The Knobstone Trail's southern terminus is at Deam Lake, and the Monon South has a trailhead here too. You'll also learn that Deam Lake is named for Charles C. Deam, Indiana's first forester. Deam was a man of intense focus and conviction, an early conservationist who spent his life discovering plants in the state and beyond. The Deam Lake Loop Trail Run is October 3, 2026, and you can sign up for the race here.   If you want to bring your horse to ride at Deam Lake, Indiana Trail Riders Association is a valuable resource. Get maps, tips, segment ideas, pictures, history, and more on the Knobstone Hiking Trail Association website. Follow Deam Lake on Facebook and be sure to take on their new hiking challenge! Buy IN the Parks stickers and support the podcast!  Any mistakes are my own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  4. Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area: An Off-Roading Adventure

    FEB 3

    Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area: An Off-Roading Adventure

    Get ready for an off-roading adventure at Interlake, one of two off-road state recreation areas in Indiana. Interlake OSRA offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-roading, fishing, kayaking, hunting, and more! It's a stunningly beautiful park whose history is literally visible on the land. Learn how this property went from surface coal mining to an exciting off-road experience! I didn’t mention it in the episode, but please note that Interlake is in the central time zone because that’s where the front office is. However, as you drive back and forth across the 3,500 acres, you may switch from central to eastern and back. Not very often you can time travel so easily! If you want to learn more about the history of coal, especially in Indiana, check out The Museum of the Coal Industry in Lynnville, not far from the park. Buy IN the Parks stickers and support the podcast! Any mistakes are my own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  5. Lincoln State Park: How Our Childhood Shapes Us

    JAN 20

    Lincoln State Park: How Our Childhood Shapes Us

    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.

    42 min
  6. Harmonie State Park: The Magic of Fireflies

    JAN 6

    Harmonie State Park: The Magic of Fireflies

    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.

    38 min
  7. Side Trail: Holidays IN the Parks 2025

    12/09/2025

    Side Trail: Holidays IN the Parks 2025

    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.

    23 min
  8. Indiana Parks Alliance: Giving Back to the Parks

    11/25/2025

    Indiana Parks Alliance: Giving Back to the Parks

    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.

    43 min
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4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

IN the Parks is an Indiana state parks podcast telling the stories of the Hoosier state's incredible parks! Hosted by Indy-native Allison Martin, IN the Parks gives you the history, stories, best trails, hidden gems, and all the latest park events. On each episode, you'll hear from Indiana state parks staff and volunteers. So come fall in love with the Hoosier state and see why the best memories are made in the parks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    an Indiana state parks podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Allison Martin
  • Show Website
    IN the Parks

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