BEDFORD / TELL CITY — The Hoosier National Forest has announced a lineup of free family-friendly public programs for November, featuring evening luminary hikes and educational craft sessions at both the Hardin Ridge and Indian-Celina Lakes recreation areas.
Evening Luminary Hikes
Visitors can experience the national forest after dark through a pair of self-guided, illuminated nighttime hikes:
- Hardin Ridge Recreation Area: Scheduled for November 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST. This moderate-to-easy, 1.5-mile hike features a starting stretch of uneven terrain before transitioning to a paved section of road. Following the hike, participants can gather at the amphitheater for a children’s story time and campfire.
- Directions: Located at 6464 Hardin Ridge Road, Heltonville, IN. Enter Hardin Ridge, follow the main road to the 5th entrance on the right just past the White Oak camping loop to reach the amphitheater parking lot. Vault toilets are available.
- Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area: Scheduled for November 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CST. This 1-mile self-guided interpretive trail runs behind the historic Rickenbaugh House and features somewhat rugged terrain with uneven footing. After the hike, staff will host a children’s story time inside the historic house.
- Directions: Located 3 miles south of Interstate 64 off State Highway 37. Turn at the main Indian-Celina entrance sign, take the first left past the gatehouse, and continue past the campgrounds to the dead-end boat launch and parking area. GPS coordinates are Lat 38° 11′ 56.664″N, Long 86° 35′ 53.951″W. Vault toilets are available.
All About Oak Trees & Acorn Crafts
Later in the month, both recreation areas will host educational programs highlighting the ecological importance of oak trees on the Hoosier National Forest, accompanied by a hands-on crafting session where attendees can make decorative “acorn people” for the fall season.
- Hardin Ridge Recreation Area: November 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST at the Forest Education Center (6464 Hardin Ridge Road, Heltonville, IN). Enter the main gate, take the second entrance on the left just past the RV pump-out station, drive in, and stay to the left to find the yellow house.
- Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area: November 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. CST at the historic Rickenbaugh House.
All events are free and open to all ages. Participants for the evening hikes are advised to bring a flashlight, dress appropriately for the weather, and wear sturdy footwear.
