Tag Archives: Lincoln State Park

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


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.

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)

Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk

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 at 9:00 a.m. CDT in Lincoln State Park.

  • 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.

5K EVENT INFORMATION
5K REGISTRATION

5k Registration Now Open

11th Annual Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk Set For May 2nd

Early Online Registration Now Open

LINCOLN CITY, IND.—  The Friends of Lincoln State Park and Indiana Department of Natural Resources will once again co-host the 11th annual Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m. CDT in Lincoln State Park.  This year’s 5K run/walk route will start and end at the Lake Lincoln Beach parking lot.  The route will consist of the paved park roadways and some hiking trails.  Prizes will be awarded to the first place male and female finishers for both 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.    

“There has been an emphasis within State Parks recently to encourage the public to stay fit and active by visiting Indiana State Parks and taking advantage of the miles of hiking trails they have to offer.  Our 5K through Mr. Lincoln’s Indiana neighborhood is a perfect way for folks of all ages to start or continue a fitness habit and enjoy the natural beauty state parks offer,” said Dan Wilkinson, president of the Friends of Lincoln State Park.  “The 5K is a fun and easy way to support the many projects and events we do at the park through our Friends group.  Our goals for 2020 include funding for a new cinnamon raccoon mount at the Nature Center, replacement of aging bulletin boards within the park, replacement of American chestnut trees near the Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza, repair of damage to the new fishing pier, funding for a summer performance by the Honey Vines at the park, sponsorship of “The Goonies” movie night at Lincoln Amphitheatre, and hosting of the annual Fall Frolic events in October,” Wilkinson said.   

The early registration discount saves entrants $10 when registering by the early deadline of April 28.  Interested walkers and runners may get more details, download registration forms and event flyers, or register online at lspfriends.com or by sending a completed registration form 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 28 and $30 from April 29 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 lspfriends.com. 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 SPONSORS

Event sponsors as of the date of release: Dubois County Tire, Holiday Foods, Lincoln Amphitheatre, Martin-Serrin Insurance, Spencer Industries, Thermwood Corporation, Price & Associates, LLC, Julie E. Schmitt Tax & Accounting Service, Uebelhor & Sons, and Universal Design Associates.

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 7:00 PM in the Nature Center. More information about Lincoln State Park and the Friends of Lincoln State Park can be found by visiting lspfriends.com 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.

January hiking opportunities

Whether you’re looking to stay active and continue a fitness habit or just embarking on a new healthy lifestyle to get in shape, your Indiana state parks (especially Lincoln State Park in our book) provide the perfect place to get walking.  Hitting the trails and going for a hike is a great way to not only get your heart rate going, but to connect with nature.  Regular hiking at your nearest state park will improve your physical health AND your mental health.  So, what are you waiting for?  Let’s start hiking!  

Interpretive Naturalist Michael Crews will be leading regular hikes in January and throughout the year in 2020.  This is an opportunity to perhaps see areas of the park you’ve never seen before and to learn about the historical and natural resources of Lincoln State Park.  Below is a schedule of January hikes.  Hope to see you there! 

FRIDAY SATURDAY
LINCOLN STATE PARK JANUARY HIKING SCHEDULE
Jan. 10
8 AM Weber Lake Hike – Meet at Troy Rd trail head for a 2 mi hike to Weber Lake.

2 PM Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve– Meet at the Nature Center for a hike through the most mature forest area in the park (1.5 mi).
Jan. 11
8 AM Beaver Hike – Meet at the Nature Center for some off trail hiking (over 2 mi).

2 PM Abe’s Neighborhood Walk – Meet at the Nature Center for the 1.5 mi hike through Abe’s old neighborhood.
Jan. 17
8 AM Trail 4 Hike – Hike to the Gentry Home Site. This one is 4 mi so bring a snack.

2 PM Abe’s Neighborhood Walk – Meet at the Nature Center for the 1.5 mi hike through Abe’s old neighborhood.
Jan. 18
8 AM Trail 2 Hike – Meet at the Nature Center for this roughly 3 mi hike on Trail 2.

2 PM Fire Tower Hike – Meet at the Nature Center for a 1.5 mi hike to the fire tower.
Jan. 24
8 AM Trail 2 Hike – Meet at the Nature Center for this roughly 3 mi hike on Trail 2.

2 PM Fire Tower Hike – Meet at the Nature Center for a 1.5 mi hike to the fire tower.
Jan. 25
8 AM Trail 4 Hike – Hike to the Gentry Home Site. This one is 4 mi so bring a snack.

2 PM Abe’s Neighborhood Walk – Meet at the Nature Center for the 1.5 mi hike through Abe’s old neighborhood.
Jan. 31
8 AM Beaver Hike – Meet at the Nature Center for some off trail hiking (over 2 mi).

2 PM Abe’s Neighborhood Walk – Meet at the Nature Center for the 1.5 mi hike through Abe’s old neighborhood.
See you on the trails!