‘Opt outside’ over Thanksgiving holiday

For Hoosiers looking to get outside the day after Thanksgiving, aka Opt Outside Day, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer free admission on Nov. 29 to all Indiana State Park properties that normally charge a gate fee.

In addition to the 24 state parks, participating properties also include Lieber State Recreation (SRA); Raccoon, Deam Lake, and Starve Hollow SRAs; Brookville, Hardy, Mississinewa, Monroe, Patoka and Salamonie lakes, and the two off-road state recreation areas, Redbird and Interlake.

"Visit any of our properties on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and you'll score the best Black Friday deal around - free admission to explore the beautiful scenery and the chance to get away from it all, relax and recharge," said Dan Bortner, DNR director.

Opt Outside Day participants can be entered in drawings for 2025 DNR annual entrance passes, Outdoor Indiana magazine subscriptions, Indiana DNR camping and inn gift cards, and opt outside promotional gear. Do either or both of the following, and you'll increase your chances of winning prizes:

1. Share your photos. Post photos of your adventures at DNR properties on social media. When posting photos, use the hashtag #OpOutsideIN2024 and tag the DNR or the property you are visiting in your post. More details and rules of the contests are at on.IN.gov/optoutside.

2. Opt Outside Scavenger Hunt. Download and complete the form at on.IN.gov/optoutside and email it to [email protected] to be entered in a separate drawing for prizes.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.