BLOOMINGTON — Visitors heading to Monroe Lake this fall can take advantage of a wide selection of nature programs, guided hikes, paddling excursions, and seasonal craft workshops offered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Over 90% of the scheduled events are free with standard park admission.
The hub for many of these family-friendly activities is the Activity Center at Paynetown State Recreation Area (SRA), located adjacent to the swimming beach. Through October 31, the center operates on fall hours—Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.—offering a kids’ play area, drop-in craft stations, live snakes, a puzzle table, and a naturalist library.
Explore Monroe Guided Paddling Trips
For those looking to experience the quieter backwaters, wetlands, and bays of Monroe Lake, naturalists are leading two-hour guided kayak excursions highlighting local wildlife and unique land features.
Paddling trips cost $15 per person (ages 16+) with an optional $20 kayak rental fee. Previous paddling experience is required.
- Sunday, Sept. 20 (5:15 p.m.): Northfork of Salt Creek (southern section) (Currently full; waitlist available).
- Tuesday, Sept. 22 (6:00 p.m.): Cartop SRA launch (Currently full; waitlist available).
- Extended 12-Mile Excursion (Sunday, Oct. 4, 12:30 p.m.): A special 5-hour, 12-mile trip starting at Crooked Creek SRA for experienced paddlers ages 18+. Cost is $40 per person (Currently full; waitlist available).
Special Fall Events and Nature Hikes
- Wildlife Habitat Hikes (Sunday, Sept. 27): A rare behind-the-scenes look at seasonal wetland management and forestry operations. Hikes include the Northfork Habitat Hike at 9:30 a.m. (7 spots open; registration required by Sept. 25) and the Stillwater Levee Walk at 1:00 p.m. (12 spots open; registration required by Sept. 25).
- Flora Field Day (Wednesday, Oct. 7, 9:00 a.m.): Held at Cutright SRA, this free interactive workshop teaches participants how to use plant identification keys to identify regional wildflowers and plants. Registration is required by Oct. 5.
- Rocks, ROCK! Geology Weekend (Oct. 15–18): A multi-day series of geology-themed craft programs, activities, and hikes focused on local rocks and fossils. All activities are free with park admission, except for a $2 donation for the sand candle craft.
- Ghostly Gathering (Oct. 23–25): The park’s annual Halloween celebration at Paynetown SRA features campground games, craft sessions, a campsite decorating contest, trick-or-treating, and Halloween-themed art projects.
Halloween Legends Luminary Trail
Taking place on Friday, Oct. 23 and Friday, Oct. 30 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Halloween Legends Luminary Trail offers a self-guided evening walk through the woods at Paynetown SRA.
Along the illuminated trail, signboards detail the history of traditional Halloween monsters and folklore. Hikers can participate in a visual scavenger hunt for hidden “glowing eyes” and pumpkins in the trees for a chance to win a 2027 Indiana State Parks annual pass. Hot cider and treats will be available at the trail’s end.
- Admission: Free with park entrance; donations accepted.
- Trail Rules: No entries permitted after 8:30 p.m. Flashlights are required (red light covers provided at the entrance). Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Planning Your Visit
Campers receive a full activity sheet upon check-in, and schedules are posted on bulletin boards throughout Paynetown SRA. Because outdoor schedules can change due to weather, visitors are encouraged to check the official Indiana DNR online calendar prior to arriving.
