Here is the latest update from Indiana State Parks concerning COVID-19. In keeping with this guidance, the Nature Center at Lincoln State Park is closed, however outdoor programs such as the naturalist led hikes will continue as scheduled within State Department of Health guidelines…
As posted on the Indiana State Parks Facebook page…
Updated COVID-19 Information (03/22/20): Indiana State Parks, lakes, and inns remain open, with some modifications and exceptions:
Entrance fees at all properties are temporarily suspended.
Modern and primitive campgrounds, inns and cabins are open (fees still apply), along with our hiking trails, boat ramps and picnic areas.
Group camps, youth tent and rally campgrounds and rentable recreation buildings are closed.
Our property offices are open, but with limited public access.
Our nature centers, indoor program facilities, and historic buildings are closed, but our interpretive naturalists will still offer outdoor programming within State Department of Health gathering guidelines, and you will see them out in our parks answering questions and sharing information.
Our inn restaurants are serving carry-out meals only.
Our state park inn pools and the aquatic center at Abe Martin Lodge are closed.
All IDNR-managed facilities at J.E. Roush, Salamonie, Mississinewa, Brookville, Cecil M. Harden, Cagles Mill, Patoka and Monroe lakes (campgrounds, wildlife areas, boat ramps, trails, etc.) remain open. However, public facilities managed directly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at or below the dams at these lakes (tailwater areas, observation mounds, etc.) are closed.
This is a fluid situation, and we are following the lead of the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and local county health departments as we monitor the virus and its potential impacts. Thank you for your patience, and you can read the most current information about what we are doing at on.IN.gov/dnrcovid19. Now please #washyourhands, practice #socialdistancing, and #staysafe.
Interpretive Naturalist Michael Crews snapped these photos this morning of a beaver and a couple of common loons inside the park. He also informs us that the scheduled hikes for this weekend are still on.
Meet at the Nature Center and plan on practicing social distancing. Obviously, if you are sick or have been exposed to someone who may be sick, please stay home. Be safe, be cautious, be prepared.
With many folks stuck at home and looking for things to do, we’re going to try a little experiment. Do you have a favorite photo of Lincoln State Park from the past or from a more recent memory? We’ve created a form where you can submit your photo along with a description and we’ll share them here and on our Instagram and Twitter accounts. Hoping to see some interesting photos and maybe some from days gone by.
To use the form you will need to have a Google account. If you need one, it’s very simple to create one. Here is the link for submitting your photos: https://forms.gle/5UoV9KaWixbufHZo7
Or post your photo with the hashtag #LincolnStatePark and we’ll grab and share them from there. Just be sure to include a description of when and where you took the photo and why it’s special to you.
Check out our Photo Shares page to see a collection of all the photos we have received and shared so far!
Due to current circumstances, we have cancelled our March business meeting. We’ll provide further updates as conditions warrant. Don’t forget the state parks are still open, so getting outside for some fresh air and nature is still allowed.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Division of State Parks issued the following statement and information today on social media concerning the possible impacts of Coronavirus on operations at Indiana State Parks…
“The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is committed to ensuring that our guests and staff continue to have safe and memorable outdoor experiences at our state parks, state forests, fish and wildlife areas, nature preserves and state recreation areas in light of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19.) Our DNR properties remain open for public use, and you can read more information about our response at https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/7881.htm. (Photo: Camping at Patoka Lake by Heather DeLorenzo.)”
Official Website of the Friends of Lincoln State Park
