On Dec. 16-18, Indiana State Parks will wind down its year-long centennial celebration by honoring the actual birthdate of the parks system 100 years ago.
McCormick’s Creek and Turkey Run state parks were presented to the state on Dec. 16, 1916. Celebrations recognizing 100 years of Indiana State Parks started on Dec. 16, 2015.
The weekend celebration kicks off with the dedication of the parks system’s 11th and final Centennial Legacy Project, the new Centennial Shelter at McCormick’s Creek State Park, at 11 a.m. on Dec. 16.
The McCormick’s Creek centennial shelter was designed by engineering students from Rose- Hulman Institute of Technology and Gonzaga University in partnership with the DNR Division of Engineering. It is similar to shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps but distinctive in its shape and size.
The event includes comments from DNR director Cam Clark, a chili lunch and birthday cake provided by Canyon Inn at McCormick’s Creek State Park in front of a warm fire in the new shelter.
Anyone attending should RSVP to spaddock@dnr.IN.gov by Dec. 12. Visitors should dress warmly and arrive early; parking is at the pool and shuttles are provided.
Between Friday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 18, each of the 22 state park properties with a full-time interpretive naturalist will host at least one history-oriented program. Programs range from hikes to talks. The schedule includes both outside and inside events. The first 25 participants at each history program will receive a commemorative centennial lapel pin.
Events are listed at stateparks.IN.gov/2420.htm and on the DNR Calendar at calendar.dnr.IN.gov. Search for “Centennial Feature” in the title.
Those who prefer time outdoors on their own can visit any state parks property for a hike or other activity and earn a chance to win an Indiana State Parks Annual Pass for 2017 through social media.
Take a photo of yourself, your friends or your family with one of the centennial banner signs at a park entrance, inn, office or nature center (they are in different locations at each property), post it on the Indiana State Parks Facebook page at facebook.com/INDNRstateparksandreservoirs, and tag it with #Happy100INStateParks.
If you include a short happy birthday message (Facebook Live, sign, etc.) you’ll also earn a chance to win a souvenir centennial coin.
More info about centennial activities is at INStateParks100.com. Discover more about Indiana State Parks history at stateparks.IN.gov/2410.htm.
Mother Nature’s Mercantile at innsgifts.com is also offering a “Birthday Sale.” Purchase three 100-Year merchandise items for the price of two (the one of lesser value is free; discount applied at the time of purchase.) Items include mugs, steins, coasters, salt and pepper shakers, plush animal toys, mini-backpacks, T-shirts and more with the Indiana State Parks centennial logo on them. The birthday sale is good now through Dec. 31, while supplies last.
