Indiana State Parks Offer First Day Hikes to Begin 2026

Region residents are invited to start off 2026 with a hike at an Indiana state park on New Year’s Day. The events in cooperation with America’s State Parks take place in all 50 states. They originated over 30 years ago in Milton, Massachusetts to foster healthy lifestyles and promote year-round recreation at state parks, a news release said. Locally, the Indiana Dunes State Park First Day Hike is a 2-mile loop along the beach and Trail 7 starting at 10 am from the City West Shelter. Enjoy snacks provided by Friends of the Indiana Dunes. Northern Indiana’s Potato Creek State Park will have a one-mile moderate hike, and participants are encouraged to bring binoculars to be prepared for the possibility of viewing eagles and other wildlife. Here is a link for more details on these events and others. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also said more may be added and encouraged those interested to check the website if a particular site isn’t listed.