The following alerts may include road construction advisories, blue-green algae information, park and trail closures, and other notices. Check with the property office for the latest updates.
Several DNR properties may experience high use. Some may reach parking capacity for day use on busy weekends, and close gates or only admit vehicles when others leave. For real-time information, follow Indiana State Parks on Twitter (@INDNRstateparks) or Facebook (@INdnrstateparksandreservoirs). You may also wish to follow your favorite property on Facebook. View a list of DNR social media accounts.
Blue-green algae
Blue-green algae is found in our lakes year-round. Under certain conditions, cells can reproduce in large numbers and can result in a harmful algal bloom (HAB). We test many of our beaches where people use the water in the summer, but HABs may occur in other seasons, too. Watch for algae accumulation, avoid drinking or cooking with lake water, and do not allow children or pets to swim where algae accumulation is present. For more information, visit algae.IN.gov or the DNR's web page on blue-green algae.
- Brookville Lake Alerts (2)
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- BLACK VULTURES: Birds may do damage to your vehicle. Learn how.
- Brown County State Park Alerts (4)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- FAMILY CAMPGROUND: All RVs and vehicles towing trailers MUST use the park's west entrance on State Road 46 two miles west of Nashville, Indiana. The park's north entrance east of Nashville has a historic Covered Bridge with a 9-foot height clearance and 3-ton weight limit. Oversized vehicles cannot use the north entrance. Horsemen's Campground: For equestrian users, the Horsemen's Campground entrance is on S.R. 135, five miles south of the intersection with S.R. 46.
- All campground users should note that GPS directions may not always send you to the correct entrances.
- State Road 135 Construction near South Gate: S.R. 135 is currently under construction and travel is down to one lane approximately 5 miles south of S.R. 46 near Stonehead. The single-lane traffic is being controlled by an alternating stoplight, and motorists should expect delays in the area as they access the South Gate (also known as the "Horse Camp Gate") into Brown County State Park’s Equestrian Campground. Please watch for construction signage and lower your speed. Check back here or on Facebook for updates.
- Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber SRA) Alerts (1)
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon SRA) Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Chain O' Lakes State Park Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Charlestown State Park Alerts (1)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- Clifty Falls State Park Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- Brough’s Tunnel Closed: Due to an early spring rockslide and the possibility of additional large rocks falling near the entrance, the tunnel is closed for an indefinite period of time. The park is evaluating how to mitigate any future rockslides, with the intention of opening the tunnel in the future. Trail 5 remains open, but please avoid both tunnel entrances.
- Deam Lake Alerts (2)
- SHOWER/RESTROOM BUILDING #2 CLOSED: Comfort Station 2 (serves Section E in the family campground) is CLOSED until further notice due to long-term foundational repairs that are needed. There are other modern showers/restrooms in the area that can serve the family campground, however, they are a little farther away from some campsites. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please check back for updates.
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Falls of the Ohio Alerts (1)
- DETOUR: Riverside Drive will be closed end of January until Nov. 20. Weather and materials may impact timing. The closure begins at Ashland Park, which is along the Ohio River 1/2 mile from Falls of the Ohio State Park. Guests should approach the park via West Winbourne Avenue. View a map of detour.
- Fort Harrison State Park Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- THE GARRISON CLOSING FOR RENOVATIONS: The Garrison restaurant and banquet facilities at Fort Harrison State Park will close for renovations on July 1, 2024. The planned work includes renovations of public restrooms and mechanical systems, along with structural repairs to the building. The golf course, pro shop and snack shop will remain open. Fort Harrison Inn remains open as well. Please check back for updates.
- Hardy Lake Alerts (4)
- BOAT RAMP CLOSURES: Effective Sept. 3, all three of the smaller boat ramps (Wooster, Carmel, Sunnyside) are closed. Boaters may still use Alpha Ramp while water levels allow.
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- MARINA FUELING: Due to issues with the fuel system, the Hardy Lake marina will no longer provide fuel for sale. Because there is no other fuel for sale on the lake, watercraft operators must be self-contained and/or bring their own fuel if needed. We apologize for the inconvenience.
- RAPTOR CENTER: DNR will be permanently closing the raptor rehab portion of the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center at Hardy Lake, while providing a greater focus on educational programming at Hardy Lake and across the state. DNR is grateful for the Friends of Hardy Lake, and for the staff and volunteers who have assisted with both the rehab and educational programming since the center’s inception.
The Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center at Hardy Lake was established to introduce Hoosiers to live birds of prey and to offer a rehab facility where injured hawks, owls, and other raptors could be brought to be treated and, when possible, released. DNR stopped accepting birds for rehabilitation in spring 2022 due to an avian influenza outbreak. The impact of that outbreak has lessened, but there are still reports of this disease in the state. It is DNR's responsibility to protect the birds in the education program. Because avian flu is highly contagious, closing the rehabilitation side of the center reduces the potential of exposure for these educational ambassadors.
With this change, DNR will devote more attention to training and enrichment for the education birds so their work of introducing Hoosiers to the habits and habitat of birds of prey is as effective as possible. Today, the number of licensed rehabilitators is greater than when the facility first opened. DNR’s Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains a list of these licensed rehabilitators that is available at on.IN.gov/wildliferehab.
- Harmonie State Park Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- POOL CLOSURE: The swimming pool has permanently closed. Read details.
- Indiana Dunes State Park Alerts
- None at this time.
- Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area Alerts
- None at this time.
- Lincoln State Park Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- McCormick's Creek State Park Alerts (3)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- PARK OPEN: The park, nature center, Canyon Inn, cabins, most shelters, and some trails for hiking are open and operating. The campground and some park trails remain closed due to the March 31, 2023 tornado damage.See details and read about recovery efforts.
- SADDLE BARN CLOSED: The saddle barn will be closed during the 2024 season for pasture restoration and barn maintenance.
- Mississinewa Lake Alerts (2)
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- ROAD CLOSURE: The Old Frances Slocum Trail is closed from south of Mississinewa’s Miami State Recreation Area (SRA) to near the entrance to Red Bridge SRA. County Roads S 700W and W 800S on the north side of Mississinewa Lake near Frances Slocum SRA are closed as well. Map of closure area.
- Monroe Lake Alerts (2)
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- BLACK VULTURES: Birds may damage your vehicle. Learn how.
- Mounds State Park
- None at this time.
- O'Bannon Woods State Park Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- STAGESTOP CAMPGROUND AND CANOE ACCESS RAMP CLOSED: Contact the office with questions.
- Ouabache State Park Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Patoka Lake Alerts (1)
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Pokagon and Trine Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: Pokagon State Park and Trine State Recreation Area will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The properties will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Potato Creek State Park Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Prophetstown State Park Alerts (3)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- WRONG DIRECTIONS: Many mapping services (including Google Maps, MapQuest, and Apple Maps) provide incorrect driving directions to the park. Use Exit 178/S.R. 43 north of Lafayette to access the park. Do not use S.R. 225. There is no park entrance, and the road has a one-lane bridge with a weight restriction.
- STATE ROAD 225 BRIDGE CLOSURE: There is NO access from old S.R. 25 onto S.R. 225. The S.R. 225 bridge is closed until further notice. Repairs are scheduled to start in 2024. Access to the park’s visitor center ONLY off of S.R. 225 (through Battle Ground) remains open. There is NO access to enter the park off of S.R. 225.
- Redbird Off-Road State Recreation Area Alerts
- None at this time.
- Salamonie Lake Alerts (1)
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Shades State Park Alerts (1)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- Shakamak State Park Alerts (1)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- Spring Mill State Park Alerts (4)
- Temporary Closure: Spring Mill State Park and Cave River Valley Natural Area will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The properties will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- INN REOPENS SOON: Spring Mill Inn has been closed for renovations and will reopen for lodging reservations on Dec. 6. The closure included lodging rooms, conference facilities, and the Millstone Dining Room. Read more about the renovations. Enjoy our other six beautiful state park inns.
- DONALDSON SHELTER CLOSED: Due to significant damage sustained during severe storms on March 31, 2023, the Donaldson Shelter will remain closed until further notice. All affected reservation holders will be contacted.
- GRIST MILL GRINDING: The grist mill will not grind until further notice pending extensive repairs to shaft, water wheel and flume are completed.
- Starve Hollow SRA Alerts (1)
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Summit Lake State Park Alerts (3)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- SOME CAMPSITES WITHOUT WATER: Due to a major water leak, campsites 10-62 do not have water on the site. There is a potable water filling station at the camp gate on the right side of the road. This water outage also affects the second restroom in the campground. There are portable toilets for use at this location. All campers are also able to use the other restroom in this loop or the restroom in the second loop of the campground.
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Tippecanoe River State Park (1)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- Turkey Run State Park Alerts (1)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- Versailles State Park Alerts (2)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- TRAIL CLOSURE ALERT: The Bradt Natural Area will have trail closures due to forestry mowing from August to September. Trail access points will be closed off with bright red closure tape and signage. Trails are estimated to be closed for about three weeks starting on August 13. Thank you for your patience while these trails are closed.
- Whitewater State Park Alerts (3)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Found in lakes year round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
- Black Vultures: Birds may damage your vehicle. Learn how.
