'Opt outside’ Over Thanksgiving Holiday

Indiana DNR will offer free admission to all State Park properties and several recreational areas.

People enjoying Clifty Falls State Park. Photo provided.

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 November 28 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.

“Thanksgiving is a great time to connect with family, friends, and the outdoors. You can do all three the day after Thanksgiving with free admission to DNR properties that charge admission, which is a great Black Friday deal,” said Alan Morrison, DNR director. “Make a new tradition this year and spend time this holiday season relaxing and recharging outdoors.”

Opt Outside Day participants can be entered in drawings for 2026 DNR annual entrance passes, Outdoor Indiana magazine subscriptions, Indiana DNR camping and Inns gift cards, and Smokey Bear 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 #OptOutsideIN2025 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 SPContests@dnr.IN.gov to be entered in a separate drawing for prizes.