Category Archives: Events

Events, Fitness, Fundraising, Latest News

16th Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Registration Open Now

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5K Run/Walk Will Be Held on May 2nd

LINCOLN CITY, IND.—  The Friends of Lincoln State Park and Indiana Department of Natural Resources will co-host the 16th Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM CDT at Lincoln State Park.  The 5K will closely follow the same route as previous events with a slight change due to the dam construction project, but will start and end at the Lake Lincoln Beach parking lot as in the past.  The route consists mostly of paved park roadways and some hiking trails.  Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers for adults and kids under 16.  Random door prizes will also be awarded during the event including Indiana State Park annual passes, Lincoln Amphitheatre tickets, St. Louis Cardinals tickets, gift cards, and more!

“We hope that runners and walkers of all ages will join us for this annual 5K event at the park,” said Dan Wilkinson, president of the Friends of Lincoln State Park.  “This is a great chance to enjoy nature at the park, get some exercise, and see how the lake has begun to refill. It’s also a special year with America’s 250th birthday which we will commemorate with a special event t-shirt,” Wilkinson said. 

     The early registration fee is $25 when registering online by 7 PM ET on May 1st.  Interested walkers and runners may get more details, download registration forms or register online at lspfriends.com.  Completed registration forms can also be sent with a check or money order made payable to Friends of Lincoln State Park, PO Box 601, Chrisney, Indiana, 47611.

  • The early registration fee is $25 per person registering on or before May 1 and $30 on race day. 
  • Event participants will receive a commemorative America 250 event t-shirt only while supplies last, with priority given to early registrants.  Registration forms are also available at the Lincoln State Park office.
  • The registration fee does not include the $7 in-state or $9 out-of-state per car gate fee to enter Lincoln State Park.
  • All proceeds will benefit Friends of Lincoln State Park to support special projects and events at Lincoln State Park.

     For more information regarding the 5K run/walk, participants may call the Lincoln State Park office at (812) 937-4710 or visit our contact page. Lincoln State Park is located 5 miles west of Santa Claus, Indiana on State Road 162 in Lincoln City across the highway from Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.

About Lincoln State Park

Formed in June 2004, the Friends of Lincoln State Park is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide volunteer and financial support for events and projects within Lincoln State Park which includes Col. William Jones Home. The organization has invested over $100,000 toward projects and activities at Lincoln State Park since its inception.  Membership in the Friends of Lincoln State Park starts at $25 with varying levels of membership. Membership is open to everyone and all are invited to attend monthly meetings held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM CT in the Nature Center. More information about Lincoln State Park and the Friends of Lincoln State Park can be found on our website where visitors can get information about membership, activities and events, membership information, sign up to receive a monthly newsletter, and learn about the history contained within the park.

INFO & REGISTRATION
2025 Top Finishers

Events, Fitness, Latest News

2025 Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Results

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Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K. We were thrilled that the rain showers held off until after the race was over! Your support and the help of our volunteers resulted in a another successful event. We hope everyone enjoyed the 5K and we invite you to join us again next year on May 2, 2026.

Congratulations to our top finishers (pictured below) for a job well done!!

1️⃣ Kate Harney – 24:21 (Santa Claus – girls under 16)

1️⃣ Kyle Klem -26:57 (St. Meinrad -adult men 16+)

1️⃣ Tami Veit – 28:28 (Velpen – adult women 16+)

1️⃣ William Sparrow – 39:07 (Huntingburg – boys under 16)

Congratulations to everyone who finished the course and to all the winners in our door prize drawing! Complete results are at the end of this post below the photos.

L to R: William Sparrow, President Lincoln, Kyle Klem, and Tami Veit
Top overall and girls under 16 finisher, Kate Harney, with President Lincoln

2025 Final Results: Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K

We would also like to thank the management and staff of Lincoln State Park and our volunteers for their help and support for today’s race.

Finally, we would like to give one final thank you to all of our sponsors for today’s event: Jasper Engines & Transmissions; Hilltop Veterinary Services; Lincoln Amphitheatre; Santa’s Toys; Spencer County Bank; Freedom Bank; Spencer Industries, Martin-Serrin Insurance; Universal Design Associates; Messmer Mechanical; Pro-Rehab; Dean & Theresa Begle; and Dan & Emilie Wilkinson.

Events

Easter Egg and Golden Egg Hunts Coming to the Park on April 19th

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Friends of Lincoln State Park will host an EASTER EGG HUNT on Saturday, April 19th at the Spring Shelter House starting at 10 AM CT. Plan to arrive early. *Gate fees apply.

Three age groups all starting at 10 AM CT:

  • 3 & Under
  • 4-6 years of age
  • 7-10 years of age

GOLDEN EGG HUNT! 8 AM-3:30 PM CT throughout the park.

4 Golden Eggs will be hidden around the park for all guests to find. The Golden Eggs contain prize vouchers that can be redeemed at the park office before 4 PM on April 19th. Prizes include:

  • DNR Camping Gift Card
  • Annual Entrance Permit
  • 2-night winter stay in the Blue Heron Family Cabins
  • Lincoln State Park Merchandise Bundle

Happy Hunting!!

Events, Fitness, Latest News

15th Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Registration Open

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LINCOLN CITY, IND.—  The Friends of Lincoln State Park and Indiana Department of Natural Resources will co-host the 15th Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM CDT at Lincoln State Park.  The 5K will follow the same route as previous events, starting and ending at the Lake Lincoln Beach parking lot.  The route consists mostly of paved park roadways and some hiking trails.  Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers for adults and kids under 16.  Random door prizes will also be awarded during the event including Indiana State Park annual passes, gift cards, gift certificates, and more.

“The Friends of Lincoln State Park have been busy funding and planning projects and events for 2025,” said Dan Wilkinson, president of the Friends of Lincoln State Park.  “Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K is an important fundraising event that will benefit our 2025 goals which include providing substantial funding for a new interpretive CCC camp trail in the park to commemorate the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the creation of Lincoln State Park. We hope runners and walkers alike will join us on a 5K trek through Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood,” Wilkinson said. 

The early registration discount saves entrants $10 when registering by the early deadline of April 30.  Interested walkers and runners may get more details, download registration forms and event flyers, or register online at lspfriends.com.  Completed registration forms can also be sent with a check or money order made payable to Friends of Lincoln State Park, PO Box 601, Chrisney, Indiana, 47611.

  • The early registration fee is $20 per person registering on or before April 30 and $30 from May 1 until race day. 
  • All event participants will receive an event t-shirt while supplies last, with priority given to early registrants.  Registration forms are also available at the Lincoln State Park office.
  • The registration fee does not include the $7 in-state or $9 out-of-state per car gate fee to enter Lincoln State Park.
  • All proceeds will benefit Friends of Lincoln State Park to support special projects and events at Lincoln State Park.

For more information regarding the 5K run/walk, participants may call the Lincoln State Park office at (812) 937-4710 or visit our contact page. Lincoln State Park is located 5 miles west of Santa Claus, Indiana on State Road 162 in Lincoln City across the highway from Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.

ABOUT FRIENDS OF LINCOLN STATE PARK

Formed in June 2004, the Friends of Lincoln State Park is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide volunteer and financial support for events and projects within Lincoln State Park which includes Col. William Jones Home. The organization has invested over $100,000 toward projects and activities at Lincoln State Park since its inception.  Membership in the Friends of Lincoln State Park starts at $25 with varying levels of membership. Membership is open to everyone and all are invited to attend monthly meetings held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM CT in the Nature Center. More information about Lincoln State Park and the Friends of Lincoln State Park can be found on our website where visitors can get information about membership, activities and events, membership information, sign up to receive a monthly newsletter, and learn about the history contained within the park.

REGISTER NOW

Thank you to our sponsors:

Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Hilltop Veterinary Services
Lincoln Amphitheatre
Santa’s Toys
Spencer County Bank
Freedom Bank
Spencer Industries
Universal Design Associates
Pro-Rehab

Events, Fitness, Latest News

2024 Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Results

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Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K! Your support and the help of our volunteers resulted in a successful event! We hope everyone enjoyed the 5K and we invite you to join us again next year on May 3, 2025.

Congratulations to our top finishers (pictured below) for a job well done!!

1️⃣ Hailey Arnold – 24:45 (Santa Claus – girls under 16)

1️⃣ Levi Steckler -26:47 (Ferdinand, IN -boys under 16)

1️⃣ Kyle Klem – 27:13 (St. Meinrad – adult men)

1️⃣ Kendall Flannagan – 27:39 (Santa Claus – adult women)

Congratulations to everyone who finished the course! Complete results are at the end of this post below the photos.

Pictured above left to right: Levi Steckler of Ferdinand, Kyle Klem of St. Meinrad, Kendall Flannagan of Santa Claus, and Hailey Arnold of Santa Claus.

2024 Final Results: Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K

We would also like to thank the management and staff of Lincoln State Park and our volunteers for their help and support for today’s race.

Finally, we would like to give one final thank you to all of our sponsors for today’s event: Price & Associates, LLC; Freedom Bank; McDonald’s (Mann Enterprises); Jasper Engines & Transmissions; Universal Design Associates; Uebelhor Chevy Cadillac Toyota; Fat Santa’s Pizza; Spencer County Bank; Messmer Mechanical; Martin-Serrin Insurance; Holiday Foods; Dean & Theresa Begle; Dan & Emilie Wilkinson.

Events, Fitness, Fundraising, Latest News

Registration is Open for the 14th Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K

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LINCOLN CITY, IND.—  The Friends of Lincoln State Park and Indiana Department of Natural Resources will co-host the 14th Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 9:00 AM CDT at Lincoln State Park.  This year’s out-of-this-world theme is “May the Fourth Be With You.”  The 5K will follow the same route as previous events, starting and ending at the Lake Lincoln Beach parking lot.  The route consists mostly of paved park roadways and some hiking trails.  Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers for adults and kids under 16 as well as best dressed for the “May the Fourth Be With You” theme.  Random door prizes will also be awarded during the event including Indiana State Park annual passes, gift cards, gift certificates, and more.

“It’s hard to believe we are in the 14th year of this 5K through Honest Abe’s Indiana neighborhood at Lincoln State Park,” said Dan Wilkinson, president of the Friends of Lincoln State Park.  “This event is an important fundraiser for our organization each year that helps fund the many projects we support at the park including nature center exhibits and trail improvements.  We look forward to supporting even more events and projects in 2024 and the 5K will be an important part of those efforts,” Wilkinson said.  “We also encourage everyone to have a little fun and come dressed for our other worldly ‘May the Fourth Be With You” theme for 2024.” 

The early registration discount saves entrants $10 when registering by the early deadline of April 30.  Interested walkers and runners may get more details, download registration forms and event flyers, or register online at lspfriends.com.  Completed registration forms can also be sent with a check or money order made payable to Friends of Lincoln State Park, PO Box 601, Chrisney, Indiana, 47611.

  • The early registration fee is $20 per person registering on or before April 30 and $30 from May 1 until race day. 
  • All event participants will receive an event t-shirt while supplies last, with priority given to early registrants.  Registration forms are also available at the Lincoln State Park office.
  • The registration fee does not include the $7 in-state or $9 out-of-state per car gate fee to enter Lincoln State Park.
  • All proceeds will benefit Friends of Lincoln State Park to support special projects and events at Lincoln State Park.

For more information regarding the 5K run/walk, participants may call the Lincoln State Park office at (812) 937-4710 or visit our contact page. Lincoln State Park is located 5 miles west of Santa Claus, Indiana on State Road 162 in Lincoln City across the highway from Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.

ABOUT FRIENDS OF LINCOLN STATE PARK

Formed in June 2004, the Friends of Lincoln State Park is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide volunteer and financial support for events and projects within Lincoln State Park which includes Col. William Jones Home. The organization has invested over $100,000 toward projects and activities at Lincoln State Park since its inception.  Membership in the Friends of Lincoln State Park starts at $25 with varying levels of membership. Membership is open to everyone and all are invited to attend monthly meetings held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM CT in the Nature Center. More information about Lincoln State Park and the Friends of Lincoln State Park can be found on our website where visitors can get information about membership, activities and events, membership information, sign up to receive a monthly newsletter, and learn about the history contained within the park.

REGISTER NOW
Events, Latest News

April 7 “Total Eclipse of the Park” Event to be held at Lincoln State Park

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Featuring live music, food trucks, and activities for kids the day BEFORE the total solar eclipse
Learn about the eclipse
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Lincoln State Park and the Friends of Lincoln State Park will host “Total Eclipse of the Park” on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. central time as one of the anchor events of Spencer County’s offerings the weekend ahead of the more than two minutes of total darkness that will occur as part of the Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. 
Lincoln State Park and the Friends of Lincoln State Park will host “Total Eclipse of the Park” on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. central time as one of the anchor events of Spencer County’s offerings the weekend ahead of the more than two minutes of total darkness that will occur as part of the Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. 

“Total Eclipse of the Park” will feature food trucks, activities for children of all ages, and live music from at least three live bands throughout the day. The featured entertainment, Sonny & the Moons, is comprised of Nashville studio musicians that will perform a set of pre-dominantly sun, moon, and eclipse-themed songs. From the obvious (“Total Eclipse of the Heart”, “Bark at the Moon”) to the relevant (“Ain’t no Sunshine”, “Walking on Sunshine”) to the fun (“Waiting on the Sun”) and so much more!

In addition to the food trucks, beer/wine service will be available for guests 21 and over.

“We are very excited to be hosting this special event with Lincoln State Park as part of Spencer County’s solar eclipse experience. The next total solar eclipse in Indiana won’t be until 2099 in the far northeast portion of the state which makes the April eclipse a once-in-a-lifetime event for Spencer County.  ‘Total Eclipse of the Park’ will be a fun way for family and friends to create special memories around the eclipse.” 

—Friends of Lincoln State Park President, Dan Wilkinson

Ticketing Info and Details

“Total Eclipse of the Park” is presented with support from the Spencer County Community Foundation and the Spencer County Tourism Commission and will be held in Lincoln State Park’s Troy Road Picnic area.  It will be an outdoor, all-ages event with advanced tickets available at bit.ly/LSP-Eclipse2024 online for $9.95 per person with children 12 and under tickets at $6.95.  The per-ticket price is inclusive of any fees, including the Lincoln State Park gate fee.  Tickets will be available the day of the event at Lincoln State Park for $12.95 per person (children 12 and under $7.95).  All proceeds will benefit the Friends of Lincoln State Park organization.

Important Event Policies

No carry-in tents, food, or coolers will be permitted, although guests are welcome to bring chairs and blankets.  Similar to other area festivals and events, a clear bag policy will be in place and the only bags allowed through the entry gates must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”.  Small clutch bags (up to 4.5” x 6.5”) and medical/diaper bags will be allowed upon inspection.   

About Friends of Lincoln State Park

Friends of Lincoln State Park is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization consisting of volunteers devoted to the support and preservation of Lincoln State Park in Lincoln City and the Col. William Jones Home in Gentryville.  The mission of the Friends of Lincoln State Park is to support appreciation, conservation, enhancement, understanding, and responsible use of the natural, cultural, and historic resources that are the foundation of Lincoln State Park by generating funds through memberships, grants, gifts, bequests, or other means and by providing avenues of volunteer service through activities, events, and special projects.

buy TICKETS

We would like to thank these very special sponsors and supporters of “Total Eclipse of the Park”:
Spencer County Community Foundation, Spencer County Visitors Bureau, Cleveland-Cliffs, Spencer County Bank, American Electric Poser (AEP), Winkler, Inc. and Perry-Spencer Communications (PSC)

Events, Fall

Young Abe’s Bluegrass and Country Craft Fair

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“Young Abe’s Bluegrass and Country Craft Fair” will return to Lincoln State Park on Sunday, October 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. central time. The second annual event will feature craft vendors and food trucks, as well as a live birds of prey interactive display, children’s activities, roving naturalist demonstrations with snakes, and more.

Young Abe’s Bluegrass and Country Craft Fair is a free event, although the normal Lincoln State Park gate fee will apply ($7 for in state, $9 for out of state) to enter the park. Any proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of Lincoln State Park, a 501c3 organization devoted to the support and preservation of Lincoln State Park and the Col. William Jones Home.

The afternoon will culminate with a ticketed bluegrass event at the Lincoln Amphitheatre at 4 p.m. with an exciting double bill of traditional bluegrass talent featuring ROMP veterans Kings Highway and Western Kentucky’s Classy & Grassy. Tickets for the event are all general admission, are $14.95 per, and can be purchased at www.LincolnAmphitheatre.com, directly at bit.ly/AbeandBluegrass, or by phoning the Lincoln Amphitheatre box office at 812-937-2329. Children 12 and under can attend the performance free with a downloaded ticket.

Events, Latest News, Lincoln Amphitheatre

Win Lincoln Amphitheatre Tickets!

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The Lincoln Amphitheatre concert season is underway and some events have already sold out! Friends of Lincoln State Park are proud to be a sponsor of the 2023 Sunday Amp Unplugged series at Lincoln Amphitheatre and we have tickets to every single concert this season and we want to give them away!

Entering our contest is simple. Just complete and submit our survey form you will be entered and have a chance to win tickets to each and every 2023 event. You only need to submit the form once to be entered in every drawing or you can choose which concerts you’re interested in. Only one entry per person. Be sure to enter ASAP and good luck!!

We will select winners on Wednesday afternoon before each event and will notify winners via text and email. Be sure to provide a valid email address and phone number where we can contact you if you are a winner. Ready to submit your entry?

TAKE THE SURVEY!