Welcome back weekend events at state parks

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Turkey Run and Shades state parks will welcome back campers, Inn guests and day visitors with a weekend of outdoor activities the first weekend of May.

At Turkey Run, on Saturday, May 5, the INShape Indiana DNR Day Walk will start in front of the Nature Center at 10 a.m.  Participants can experience rugged hiking and breathtaking vistas during a two-hour fitness walk.

Visitors that day can also help "Feed the Birds" in the Nature Center wildlife observation area at 9:30 a.m.  Throughout the afternoon, park guests can blow giant bubbles, shoot off water bottle rockets, try some pioneer games, and take part in a variety of other outdoor activities on the lawn near the Olympic-size pool. At 2 p.m., everyone can relax inside the Nature Center's planetarium for a 40-minute preview of the evening's stars, planets and deep-space objects.  On Sunday, May 6, a 9:30 a.m. bird-feeding activity will again be offered.

At Shades, the DNR Day Walk will begin at the Hickory Shelter at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5.

Hikers will take a two-hour tour of some moderately rugged trails through this pristine wilderness. Visitors to the park can also enjoy a no-impact Scavenger Hunt as they hike throughout the weekend. Hunt sheets and prizes will be available at the entrance gate. Shades guests can show their entrance or camping receipt at the Turkey Run gate, to enjoy that park's activities at no additional charge.

 Indiana residents pay an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle on weekends and holidays. Non-residents pay $7 per vehicle.

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