All posts by Friends of Lincoln State Park

Events, Fitness, Latest News

2024 Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Results

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

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

Featuring live music, food trucks, and activities for kids the day BEFORE the total solar eclipse
Learn about the eclipse
buy tickets


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

“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!

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!
Events, Fitness, Latest News

2023 Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2023 Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K! Your support and the help of our volunteers with an assist from Honest Abe himself resulted in a successful event! We hope everyone enjoyed the 5K and we invite you to join us again next year on May 4, 2024.

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

1️⃣ Casey Steczyk – 23:38 (Ferdinand, IN – under 16)

2️⃣ Dylan Steczyk – 25:18 (Ferdinand, IN – under 16)

3️⃣ Janna Cavender – 25:23 (Owensboro, KY – adult women)

4️⃣ Kyle Klem – 25:52 (St. Meinrad, IN – adult men)

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

Pictured above left to right: Casey and Dyaln Steczyk of Ferdinand, President Abraham Lincoln, Kyle Klem of St. Meinrad, and Janna Cavender of Owensboro.
Getting ready…
…and they’re off!
Abe crosses the finish!
Casey Steczyk – 1st
Dylan Steczyk – 2nd
Janna Cavender – 3rd
Kyle Klem – 4th
Caleb Huffman

2023 Final Results: Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K

Place Name Category Time
1 Casey Steczyk boys < 16 0:23:38
2 Dylan Steczyk girls < 16 0:25:18
3 Janna Cavender women 16+ 0:25:23
4 Kyle Klem men 16+ 0:25:52
5 Emi Steczyk women 16+ 0:26:36
6 Hayley Arnold women 16+ 0:27:11
7 Levi Steckler boys < 16 0:28:17
8 Cale Rohleder boys < 16 0:30:54
9 Greg Powell men 16+ 0:33:04
10 Sara Powell women 16+ 0:33:05
11 Elaine Graver women 16+ 0:34:55
12 Angela Clark women 16+ 0:35:30
13 Blaine Leonard boys < 16 0:35:40
14 Brad Leonard men 16+ 0:35:41
15 Gage Graver boys < 16 0:35:43
16 Max Rohleder boys < 16 0:36:43
17 Weston Rohleder boys < 16 0:36:48
18 Renae Rohleder women 16+ 0:37:38
19 Jackie Eisenhut women 16+ 0:38:18
20 Kearney Leonard girls < 16 0:38:32
21 Andrea Hall women 16+ 0:38:58
22 Shaylee Leonard girls < 16 0:39:04
23 June Eastham girls < 16 0:39:43
24 Jonathan Eastham men 16+ 0:39:44
25 Laura Leonard women 16+ 0:43:55
26 Alyssa Kane women 16+ 0:46:03
27 Laurie Shipman women 16+ 0:48:41
28 Mary K Perkins women 16+ 0:48:42
29 Ann Wahl women 16+ 0:51:03
30 Barbara Jochim women 16+ 0:51:07
31 Janeen O'Dell women 16+ 0:52:22
32 Brooke Dougan women 16+ 0:52:23
33 Kerry Dougan men 16+ 0:52:24
34 Sue Kloeck women 16+ 0:53:18
35 Megan Bennet women 16+ 0:53:20
36 Jayme Stenftenagel women 16+ 0:53:44
37 Amber Arnold women 16+ 0:54:00
38 Caleb Hoffman men 16+ 0:54:01
39 Beth Hoffman women 16+ 0:54:11
40 Nicholas Poehlein boys < 16 0:54:16
41 Jim Anderson men 16+ 0:54:54
42 Jessie Ambrose women 16+ 0:55:09
43 Betty Mayfield women 16+ 0:56:49
44 Heather Pierce women 16+ 0:57:19
45 Ainsley Pierce women 16+ 0:57:20
46 Fred Fritz men 16+ 0:59:07
47 Joy Fritz women 16+ 0:59:08
48 Ann DeKemper women 16+ 1:02:32
49 Toni Bender women 16+ 1:02:33
50 Angie Hill women 16+ 1:02:41
51 Jamie Hill men 16+ 1:04:21
52 Gene Powell men 16+ 1:04:23
53 Abigail Compton women 16+ 1:04:28
54 Karen Powell women 16+ 1:05:37
55 Bruce Powell men 16+ 1:05:39

We would also like to thank the management and staff of Lincoln State Park for their help and support for today’s race and Dean Dorrell for his appearance as President Abraham Lincoln.

Finally, we would like to give one final thank you to all of our sponsors for today’s event: Dubois County Tire, Freedom Bank, Holiday Foods, Ken Schaaf, Martin-Serrin Insurance, Messmer Mechanical, Price & Associates, LLC, Spencer County Bank, Spencer Industries, Jasper Lumber Company, and Lincoln Amphitheatre, The Terwiske Family, and Dan & Emilie Wilkinson.

Events, Fitness, Fundraising

13th Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk Returns May 6th

Early Registration Now Open Online

Register Now!

LINCOLN CITY, IND.— The Friends of Lincoln State Park and Indiana Department of Natural Resources will co-host the 13th Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 9:00 AM CDT at Lincoln State Park.  This year’s 5K run/walk route will follow the same route as previous years, starting and ending at the Lake Lincoln Beach parking lot with the race being started by the master of ceremonies, President Lincoln himself.  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 5K through Mr. Lincoln’s Indiana neighborhood has become an annual tradition and is a great way to start or continue a fitness habit and enjoy the outdoors at Lincoln State Park,” said Dan Wilkinson, president of the Friends of Lincoln State Park.  “The 5K is an important fundraiser for our organization each year that helps fund the many projects we support at the park such as the nearly $10,000 we have provided in the past year for upgrades and improvements to Trails 1 and 3.  We look forward to supporting more projects in 2023 and the 5K will kickoff those efforts,” 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 the event page.  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 t-shirts guaranteed for 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.

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!
Dubois County Tire, Freedom Bank, Holiday Foods, Ken Schaaf, Martin-Serrin Insurance, Messmer Mechanical, Price & Associates, LLC, Spencer County Bank, Spencer Industries, Jasper Lumber Company, and Lincoln Amphitheatre.

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.

Photo of the top finishers with Mr. Lincoln at the 12th Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K taken on May 87 20212
Events, Latest News

Friends of LSP Hosting Easter Egg Hunt

The Friends of Lincoln State Park will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8 starting at 10 AM Central Time at the Spring Shelter House. The gate fee to enter the park will be in effect that day.

KIDS HUNT

Three ages groups starting at 10 AM CT featuring prizes and goodies:
3 and under
4-6 year olds
7-10 year olds

FAMILY HUNT

7 AM – 3 PM CT:
Six golden eggs will be hidden around the park for guests of all ages to find. The golden eggs contain prize vouchers that can be redeemed at the park office between 8:30 AM and 4 PM.

We hope to see you there!

Events, Fitness, Latest News

Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2022 Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K. Your support and the help of our volunteers with an assist from Honest Abe himself resulted in a successful event! We hope everyone enjoyed the event and invite you to join us again next year on May 6, 2023.

Congratulations to our top finishers (pictured below) for a job well done! The top adult male finisher and top finisher overall was Owen Rahman of Ferdinand who finished with a time of 23:02. The top adult female finisher was Emi Steczyk of Ferdinand with a time of 26:05. The top boy finisher under 16 was Casey Steczyk of Ferdinand with a time of 24:34 and the top girl finisher under 16 was Dylan Steczyk of Ferdinand with a time of 28:39. Congratulations to everyone who persevered and finished the course! Complete results are at the end of this post.

Pictured above left to right: Owen Rahman of Ferdinand, Casey and Dylan Steczyk of Ferdinand, and Emi Steczyk of Ferdinand. In the center is President Abraham Lincoln (of course) portrayed by Dean Dorrell.

Please note when reviewing the results below that we had a minor timing issue that resulted in us not recording times for some participants after the 50-minute mark. Our apologies for that issue.

2022 Final Results: Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K

PlaceNameHometownCategoryTime
1Owen Rahman Ferdinandman-16+23:02:00
2Casey SteczykFerdinandboy-0-1524:34:00
3Kyle KlemSt. Meinradman-16+25:26:00
4Mike BrownChrisneyman-16+26:00:00
5Emi SteczykFerdinandwoman-16+26:05:00
6Ian KemperFerdinandboy-0-1527:10:00
7Dylan SteczykFerdinandgirl-0-1528:39:00
8Nicholas MerkelJasperman-16+29:11:00
9Carlie Gainer Rockportwoman-16+ 33:32:00
10Mike Kloeck Elberfeldman-16+ 34:29:00
11Mary MaySt. Meinrad woman-16+ 35:29:00
12Samantha Kloeck Elberfeld girl-0-15 36:12:00
13Brittany Wright New Albany woman-16+ 37:53:00
14Martha Kloeck Elberfeld woman-16+ 39:31:00
15Christi Sarver Boonville woman-16+ 42:03:00
16Emily Paulin Santa Claus woman-16+43:31:00
17Nick PaulinSanta Clausman-16+43:31:00
18Renae Rohleder Saint Anthony woman-16+43:57:00
19Amanda SchnellBristowwoman-16+43:57:00
20Kerry Dougan Chrisneyman-16+48:34:00
21Janeen O’DellChrisney woman-16+48:34:00
22Lauren CampbellRockport woman-16+48:49:00
23Monica Fischer Santa Claus woman-16+ 48:49:00
24Madeline Crews Gentryville woman-16+52:01:00
25DeLyn Beard Evansville woman-16+52:04:00
26Asha WerneJasperwoman-16+54:03:00
27Martha Bickwermert Huntingburg woman-16+54:03:00
28Tina Martin Holland woman-16+55:20:00
29Sarah MickGentryvillewoman-16+55:20:00
30Mark MagillBoonvilleman-16+55:20:00
31Cathy LeistnerDubois woman-16+56:04:00
32Jess Schnur Evansvillewoman-16+56:19:00
33Bonnie Hohl Lincoln Citywoman-16+57:25:00
34Joyce PhillipsFerdinand woman-16+57:25:00
35Abigail Compton Lincoln Citywoman-16+1:02:52
36Jim AndersonGentryvilleman-16+1:04:54
37John SohnEvansvilleman-16+1:05:03
38Brentic WestrayWorthingtonman-16+1:06:04
39Wyatt Westray Worthingtonman-16+1:07:04
40Lexi BedwellLintonwoman-16+1:07:56
41Amy Waninger Fisherswoman-16+
42Caleb Hoffman Santa Clausman-16+
43Kevin HoffmanSanta Claus woman-16+
44Nikki CrewsGentryville woman-16+
45Sue KloeckSt. Meinrad woman-16+
46Joyce FritzHuntingburgwoman-16+
47Vicky Litkenhus Dalewoman-16+
48Scott LitkenhusDaleman-16+
49Pamela Crowe Richlandwoman-16+
50Faye SmithChrisney woman-16+
51Nora HarrisBoonvillegirl-0-15
52Ely HarrisBoonvilleboy-0-15
53Mary Fulkerson Grandviewwoman-16+
54Rosanna JagelewskiElberfeldwoman-16+
55Nancy Westray Worthingtonwoman-16+
56Megan Bennet Saint Meinrad woman-16+
57Katie AursNewburgh woman-16+
58Fred FritzHuntingburgman-16+DNF

We would also like to thank the management and staff of Lincoln State Park for their help and support for today’s race and Dean Dorrell for his appearance as President Abraham Lincoln.

Finally, we would like to give one final thank you to all of our sponsors for today’s event: Holiday Foods, Lincoln Amphitheatre, Messmer Mechanical, Thermwood Corporation , Price & Associates, LLC, Jasper Lumber Company, Harpenau Insurance, Martin-Serrin Insurance, Spencer County Bank, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Freedom Bank, The Terwiske Family, Dan & Emilie Wilkinson, and Dean & Theresa Begle.