Outside in Indiana: Stomp in a creek, learn about butterflies, hike under a full moon
The weather forecast calls for what may be the nicests weekend so far this summer, so take advantage of this great opportunity to get outside and explore the natural wonders Indiana has to offer.
Forecasters are calling for a drop in humidity, with highs in the low 80s both days and only a tiny chance of rain. Here are a few some fun, family-friendly options to get out in Indiana.
Saturday: Creek stomps, full moon hikes, celebrate a Hoosier icon
Wet & Wild Weekend, 10 a.m. to noon, McCloud Nature Park in North Salem: Family event is all about water play, with a water fight and a water pistol painting craft. Try your luck at the Lily Pad Obstacle Course, then join the naturalists for a creek stomp and water critter talk.
Camp Creek Hike, 9-11 a.m., Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis: Join the naturalist at Delaware Lake parking lot for a hike on Camp Creek Trail out to Duck Pond for wildlife viewing. Hike will be about two hours and cover two 2 miles. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
Virgil I “Gus” Grissom Days, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell: Gus Grissom, the second American in space, was born in Mitchell. Celebrate this American hero and Hoosier icon with guided tours of the Memorial, NASA and space related games and activities for children. Count Down Cardinals Rocketry Club will help you build your own rocket that they can launch for you at certain times throughout the day. Full moon walk at 9:30 p.m. Full schedule here. And stick around for a full moon hike at 9:30 p.m.
Nature Adventure Series: Aquatic Animals, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., O'Bannon Woods State Park, Corydon: Join a naturalist out on the water to help us clean up the Blue River and learn about its wildlife on a guided paddle. You can bring your own kayak/canoe or rent one from us. Life jackets will be required to be worn at all times!. Limited space available so please register. Fee $10 per person (cash only). To register, call the Hickory Hollow Nature Center 812-738-8234.
Full Moon Hike at Ogle Lake, 9-10:30 p.m., Brown County State Park, Nashville: Join a park naturalist for a guided night hike around Lake Ogle and learn about July's full moon, the Buck Moon. The trail is rated moderate, but should be considered rugged in the dark, with some stairs, uneven surfaces and muddy spots. It is 1.2-mile will take about 90 minutes to complete. No pets on night hikes. Red flashlights are preferred for night vision and can be loaned to hikers on request.
Sunday: Butterflies, salamanders and more creek stomping
Butterfly Bonanza, 10 a.m., Quakertown SRA (Brookville Lake), Brookville: Discover how important butterflies are for our environment in every stage of life. Meet at the campground playground.
Salamander Search, 9-10:30 a.m., Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis: Join a naturalist on a search for salamanders along park trails. You'll be turning over rocks and logs, and learning about the unique characteristics of these amphibians. Meet in the Delaware Lake parking lot.
Creek Peek, 10-11 a.m. (Central Time), Lincoln State Park, Lincoln City: Meet at the Nature Center to pick up tools, then follow the naturalist to Little Pigeon Creek to learn about aquatic ecosystems and get the chance to collect critters from the water. Bring rubber boots or old shoes because we will be wading in the water. Note: This location is in the Central Time Zone.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has many other event on its website.
Descriptions provided by sponsoring organizations.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Take advantage of a beautiful summer weekend with these outdoor events
