STATE PARKS

Montana State Parks is seeking volunteers to serve as campground hosts, visitor center attendants, park naturalists, and event coordinators. Last year, volunteers contributed over 33,000 hours across state parks and fishing access sites, with Beth Shumate and Duane Schlabach highlighting the critical role volunteers play in welcoming residents and visitors to Montana's natural destinations.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Flathead Audubon Society invite the public to a free Great Backyard Bird Count celebration at Lone Pine State Park on February 14. Participants will observe birds, learn about local species, and contribute data to the international Great Backyard Bird Count community science effort.

Kick off America’s semiquincentennial with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes offered Jan. 1 at Indiana’s state parks and lakes. Find one near you at on.IN.gov/INStateParkEvents.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in January. Activities take place at the Schramm Education Center south of Gretna, the Wildcat Hills Nature Center south of Gering and virtually.

Montana’s Travelers’ Rest State Park will host a temporary exhibit, “The Art of the Angle,” from the Maclean family illustration collection beginning in January. The display is centered around fly fishing and illustrations from related books.

What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in an Iowa state park or forest! More than 40 parks are hosting either a guided group hike or suggesting a self-guided hike.

Start the new year by getting outdoors and participating in First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks Jan. 1. These annual guided hikes give you the chance to explore trails, snap photos, watch wildlife and participate in any planned activities.

Applications are now being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program for 2026 spring, summer and fall and 2027 winter residency periods. The Artist-in-Residence Program is open to artists and artisans whose work can be influenced by the unique northern wilderness setting of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – also known as "the Porkies.”

Do you know the difference between pictographs and petroglyphs? If you want a chance to learn the answer while getting a first-hand look at both ancient art forms, join First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park (Montana) for one of their guided rock art hikes on Friday, Dec. 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Ledges State Park staff will host their 10th annual State of the Park public meeting on Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m., in the Boone City Hall Auditorium, 923 8th Street, in Boone. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event is free to attend.

Dave Caserio, local writer and educator, is leading a writing workshop at Pictograph Cave State Park on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pictograph Cave State Park is located just outside of Billings at 3401 Coburn Road.

Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays in December. Volunteers are needed to help restore natural areas by removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems. 

Visitors are invited to join Santa and kick off the holiday season with a “Trim the Tree” event at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park on Friday, Dec. 12 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. The free event is open to all ages and hot chocolate and cookies will be available during the festivities.

The holiday season means feasts and festivities — and plenty of no-school days. Keep your children busy outside with these five ideas from Nebraska Game and Parks. Explore one of Game and Parks’ education or nature centers, each of which offers engaging ways to learn about Nebraska’s wildlife and natural history.

With high temperatures forecast near freezing all week in the Glendive area, the road at the base of the switchbacks in Makoshika State Park will be limited to walk-in access for the winter season.

For Hoosiers looking to get outside the day after Thanksgiving, aka Opt Outside Day, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer free admission on Nov. 28 to all Indiana State Park properties that normally charge a gate fee.

Spend some time in Nebraska’s state parks this fall and winter by attending a variety of events throughout December. Don’t forget a vehicle park entry permit is required at Nebraska state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

For the ninth straight year, Rickwood Caverns State Park will become a walkable extravaganza known as “Wonderland Under Warrior,” an immersive attraction filled with holiday lights and characters designed to captivate the imagination of children of all ages.

On-site holiday light shows are coming soon to five Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) destinations, so make plans to visit.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in December. Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.