Free state parks admission on Black Friday

INDIANA – Looking for a great place to socially distance and avoid crowds on Black Friday? Give yourself some space and #OptOutside at a Department of Natural Resouce property this year.

“Opt Outside” on Friday, Nov. 26, and get free admission to any DNR property that charges a gate fee on that day.

You also can be entered in drawings for DNR annual passes, lake permits, Outdoor Indiana subscriptions, Smokey Bear materials, gift cards, and DNR staff-led outdoor experiences, among other items, just by choosing to #optoutside at a DNR property.

Post Photos

Post photos of your outdoor Black Friday on DNR social media using the hashtag #OptOutsideIN2021. Posts that do not use that hashtag are not eligible for the drawings. All photos must be taken on November 26, 2021.

DNR social media sites for posting include division and/or property pages as well as the links listed below.

Indiana State Parks Facebook page: facebook.com/INdnrstateparksandreservoirs
Indiana Fish & Wildlife Facebook page: facebook.com/INfishandwildlife
Indiana State Forest Facebook page: facebook.com/INdnrforestry
Indiana Outdoor Recreation Facebook page: facebook.com/INdnroutdoorrec
DNR Facebook page: facebook.com/INdnr
DNR Instagram feed: instagram.com/indianadnr

Opt Outside Scavenger Hunt

Visit any DNR property and complete the #optoutside scavenger hunt on Black Friday, then return it to SPContests@dnr.IN.gov to be entered in a separate drawing for prizes and experiences.

Connect with the State Nature Passport Program

As a bonus this year, if you check-in at any DNR property currently listed in the Indiana State Nature Passport Program at visitindiana.com/explore or if you complete the Opt Outside Scavenger Hunt and enter the special Nature Passport Scavenger Hunt PIN, you will be entered in a drawing for a 2022 annual entrance pass and an Outdoor Indiana magazine subscription. The Nature Passport PIN for the scavenger hunt will be posted in the same location as each property’s Nature Passport PIN.

Everyone who posts a photo, checks in through the State Nature Passport Program, or participates in the scavenger hunt will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a gift pack from the outdoor gear retailer REI in Castleton. REI is a supporter of the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation and Indiana State Parks.

Share Your Photos Prizes

  • Annual Entrance Pass from Indiana State Parks
  • $50 camping gift card, provided by Indiana State Parks
  • Outdoor Indiana magazine subscription provided by DNR’s Division of Communications
  • Guided off-road riding tour for 3 at Redbird SRA or Interlake SRA, from Indiana State Parks
  • Fishing rod and reel from DNR’s Division of Fish & Wildlife
  • 2 nights of camping at an Indiana State Park with tent, other basic equipment, and one camp meal provided
  • Guided night hike at a state park or state park managed property for up to 15 people, provided by Indiana State Parks.
  • Free #OptOutside Drawstring Sportpacks from Indiana State Parks

Scavenger Hunt Giveaway Prizes

  • Annual Entrance Pass provided by Indiana State Parks
  • $50 inns gift card, provided by Indiana State Park Inns
  • Smokey Bear Gifts provided by DNR’s Division of Forestry
  • One hour of free shooting time for two people at one of several DNR shooting ranges around the state from DNR’s Division of Fish & Wildlife
  • Guided off-road riding tour for 3 at Redbird SRA or Interlake SRA from Indiana State Parks
  • Guided kayak tour for up to 8 people provided by Indiana State Parks
  • A choice of a property tour or bird banding experience at a Fish & Wildlife Area, or a State Fish Hatchery tour from DNR’s Division of Fish & Wildlife
  • Free #OptOutside winter gear (headbands, gloves, hats)
  • REI Prize Package Winner

State Nature Passport Prizes
Annual Entrance Pass provided by Indiana State Parks
Outdoor Indiana magazine subscription provided by DNR’s Division of Communications