State Parks, Reservoirs Offering Free Admission Sunday

STAFF REPORT -- The Statehousefile.com

INDIANAPOLIS — As the summer travel season kicks off, the state officials will offer free admission to all Indiana state parks, reservoirs and forest recreation areas on Sunday.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with Visit Indiana, is offering free admission to kick off Visit Indiana Week.

“With so much to experience in our great state, Visit Indiana Week is the perfect time for Hoosier families to hit the road and explore the amazing destinations and attractions Indiana has to offer,” Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb in a statement.

Holcomb said Visit Indiana Week is extra special this year because this is Indiana’s bicentennial year and the centennial of the state park system.

Several tourist destinations have been recognized as popular places nationwide by many publications, including Costal Living Magazine, which named Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline as one of the top four beaches in America. Officials said Visit Indiana Week is an opportunity for Hoosiers to experience what travel experts are writing about.

Tourism has become the state’s sixth largest industry, created more than 144,000 jobs and contributed $10.7 billion in revenue to Indiana business. Officials said tourism contributes to strong and diverse economy.

“Visit Indiana Week is a terrific time to experience the beauty of our backroads, the allure of the unique destinations that dot our landscape and the heartwarming appeal of Hoosier Hospitality,” Executive Director for Visit Indiana Mark Newman said in a statement. “As we head into May and the start of the popular spring and summer travel season, I hope Hoosiers will make plans during this bicentennial year to visit an Indiana destination.”

Visit Indiana listed more than 250 trip ideas, including Columbus, French Lick and West Baden, and mountain biking trails in Brown County. Visitors can get more information about traveling around Indiana on VisitIndiana.com.

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