The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is seeking nominations of passionate outdoor recreation enthusiasts to serve on the Indiana Trails Advisory Board (TAB). The openings are for representatives of the following trail-user groups: all-terrain vehicle users, equestrians, four-wheel-drive users, pedestrians, and snowmobile users.

Nominees should be involved with a regional or statewide organization, club or association related to the trail-user group they would represent. Selected board members would serve a three-year term starting March 2025 and attend quarterly meetings at varying locations around the state. TAB meetings are in-person and occur on the first Thursday of March, June, September, and December at 3 p.m. local time.

In addition to the meetings, optional activities are often planned, presenting members an opportunity to learn of and participate in other outdoor recreational activities, explore newly opened trails or facilities, or hear presentations from parks departments and municipalities on their outdoor recreation initiatives and programs.

The 15-member voluntary TAB is an essential part of the state’s trails system, acting as an advisory board to the DNR and providing recommendations on trails issues throughout the state. Members are also encouraged to report on any news from their user groups to the board as well as share pertinent trail information with their constituents.

Nominations will be accepted by the DNR Division of State Parks until Dec. 30. To learn more about the TAB and nomination information, see dnr.IN.gov/state-parks/recreation/trails/indiana-trails-advisory-board/trails-advisory-board-members/trails-advisory-board-nominations-and-appointments/.

Cornerstone plaque dedicated at Potato Creek lodge

On Dec. 3, Governor Eric J. Holcomb joined Indiana State Parks to dedicate a plaque to be placed on the cornerstone of the Lodge at Potato Creek. Potato Creek will be the first state park lodge built in Indiana since 1939.

The lodge, which will be the eighth to join the Indiana State Parks Inns system, will sit on the scenic south shore of Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park, near North Liberty in St. Joseph County.

The dedication follows the groundbreaking ceremony held in October 2023. Work on the lodge is progressing on schedule, including excavating, preliminary development of parking areas, construction of a new water tower for the park, installation of the trunk for water and sewer lines, and the pouring of basement walls. Individuals can follow construction progress online at on.IN.gov/potato-creek-lodge.

The plan for the lodge includes 120 guest rooms, a full-service dining room seating 150, a conference center with three break-out rooms and capacity for 350 guests, an indoor aquatic center, a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for small gatherings, a nature room for programs and exhibits, a café, a gift shop, and access to the lake and other park features.

The lodge will provide a base for four seasons of outdoor recreation for guests, with activities ranging from bike riding and boating in summer to ice fishing and hiking in winter, along with the viewing of spring wildflowers, migratory birds, and fall colors in the woods and prairies.

To support the lodge’s construction, $100 million was appropriated in 2023 in the state budget. The lodge will be operated through the Indiana Inns Authority, a legislatively established, quasi-governmental entity which is a functional part of the DNR Division of State Parks.

“Construction is well underway on the Lodge at Potato Creek, which will provide Hoosiers and visitors alike with a second lodge to welcome them to Northern Indiana’s stunning landscapes,” said DNR director Dan Bortner. “With the dedication of the cornerstone plaque, we’re excited to provide this update on construction and look forward to the day when we officially open our doors here on the shores of Worster Lake. The Lodge at Potato Creek is sure to be a year-round destination for memories made naturally.”

More information about Potato Creek State Park is at on.IN.gov/potatocreeksp.

Holiday lights shine at five DNR locations

On-site holiday light shows will shine at five DNR destinations this month.

Ouabache State Park in Bluffton hosts its 11th annual Wonderland of Lights nightly through Dec. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m., in its campground and throughout the park. The presentation features more than 40 light displays and a synchronized music and light show at the Civilian Conservation Corps fire tower. Cost is $5 per vehicle, cash or check only.

Mounds State Park in Anderson hosts its fourth Nights of Lights celebration every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Dec. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. More than 60 light displays will be featured in the campground along with decorated buildings throughout the park. Cost is $10 per vehicle, cash and credit card accepted.

Lieber State Recreation Area in Cloverdale hosts its third Lieber Winter Lights celebration Dec. 13-15 from 6 to 9 p.m. Donations will be accepted for the drive through the light display in the park and campground.

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area in Vallonia hosts its third Christmas in the Campground on Dec. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event includes a drive-through Christmas display and holiday activities in the Forest Education Center, where guests can vote for their favorite campsites. A $5 donation per car is recommended.

Proceeds from the events go to the individual parks’ Friends groups to fund park projects. Learn more about DNR Friends groups at on.IN.gov/INstateparksfriends.

‘till next time,  

Jack

Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication or e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com 

Spaulding’s books, “The Best Of Spaulding Outdoors” and “The Coon Hunter And The Kid,” are available from Amazon.com as a paperback or Kindle download.