The weather this weekend looks like a mixed bag of sunshine and rain, but that shouldn't stop you from getting out and exploring the varied wonders of Indiana's state parks .
Weekend activities include hikes, fishing and programs on tree identification and butterflies. Saturday looks like the best bet , with high temperatures in the 80 and only a slight chance of rain. Precipitation is more likely Sunday, which will be cloudy with highs in the 80s.
Saturday, July 27: Breakfast with birds, hike to a cave or join a volksmarch
Breakfast With The Birds, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Hardy Lake, 5620 N. Hardy Lake Road, Scottsburg
Meet at the South Shelter House overlooking the beach for an all-you-can-eat breakfast to support the Dwight Chaimberlain Raptor Center. Live birds of prey on display during the breakfast hours. Cost: adults $8, kids $3.
Chain O'Lakes State Park Volksmarch, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2355 E. 75 S., Albion
The Indiana Volkssport Association (INVA) and the International Volksport Verband (IVV) will host walking events, which begin at 9 a.m. at the Sunny Shelter. Participants can choose to walk 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles). The route uses the park's existing trail system winding through gently rolling hills and several small connected lakes. Oaks and hickory trees shade the path as it wanders along fields and wetlands in the area. Registration is $4 for adults and can be done day of the event. Children under 18 are free when accompanied by an adult.
Ecology of Wolf Cave Hike, 10 a.m. to noon, McCormick's Creek State Park, 250 McCormick's Creek Park Road, Spencer
Wolf Cave remains closed to the general public due to safety concerns, but park naturalists will lead guided tours and explain the impact of the 2023 tornado to Wolf Cave Nature Preserve. This hike is 2.8 miles and will include an option to go through Wolf Cave, which is wet and has tight spaces. Bring a flashlight and wear closed toed shoes. Caving helmets are recommended, and no photography is allowed. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by emailing Jfiler@dnr.in.gov.
Tree ID Hike, 10-11 a.m., Fort H a rrison State Park, 6000 N. Post Road, Indianapolis
Here's your opportunity to learn about Indiana’s native trees and how to identify them. Meet the naturalist in the Schoen Creek parking lot for a short 1-mile hike on the Tree Line Trail. The hike will last about 1 hour.
Sunday, July 28: Enjoy fishing and hikes or learn about butterflies
Fishing Frenzy, 9 a.m., Whitewater Memorial State Park, 1418 S. State Road 101, Liberty
Meet up at the boat rental on Whitewater Lake for some catch-and-release fishing fun. Poles and bait available, or bring your own.
Coffee With the Naturalist, 10 a.m., Raccoon State Recreation Area (Cecil M Harden Lake), 1588 S. Raccoon Parkway, Rockville
Enjoy a cup of coffee with the naturalist at the Camp Host Site near Chapel Shelter and learn something new about the park. Coffee is provided.
Lake Ogle Hike, 10-11:30 a.m., Brown County State Park, 1405 S.R. 46 W, Nashville
Join a park naturalist for a guided hike of Trail 7 around Lake Ogle. You'll learn about the history of the lake and the animals that make it their home. Trail 7 is 1.2 miles and considered a moderate 90-minute hike, with short staircases, uneven surfaces, and possible muddy spots.
Butterfly Beauties!, 10-10:30 a.m., Mounds State Park, 4306 Mounds Road, Anderson
Visit the Butterfly Garden in front of the old pool house to learn about butterflies and their life cycles. Learn the names of some common species found in Mounds State Park, and how to tell the difference between a butterfly and a moth. After the 30-minute program, stay to help the naturalist search of Monarch eggs.
More on these and other events at Indiana state parks is available here .
Event descriptions from Indiana Department of Natural Resources listings.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Get out this weekend to explore a cave, fish or learn about butterflies and how to ID trees
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