Fort Harrison State Park

What are those blossoms? There are multiple native tree species that are flowering, and they bring such a beautiful brightness to the early spring days!
Pictured here are Eastern Redbuds, Flowering Dogwood, and Ohio Buckeye.
Plan your visit at on.IN.gov/fortharrisonsp

April showers bring Mayapples! Or something like that! This native plant can be found on the forest floor, usually popping up at the end of March or early April. Look out for their hidden white flower underneath the umbrella-like leaf as April proceeds.
on.IN.gov/fortharrisonsp

As we enjoy the first week of spring, make sure to notice the little things. Spring is the time to see small changes that make a big difference for our emerging pollinators. Plan your visit at on.IN.gov/fortharrisonsp

Due to the forecasted storms and rain for Saturday, March 7th, the Eastern Front Re-enactment will be changed to an indoor display only. Building 701 in the Camp Glenn area (near the Visitor Center) will be open from 10 am to 4pm for the public to enjoy.

Fort Harrison State Park The 1,700-acre park, located on the north-east side of Indianapolis, features walking and jogging trails, picnic sites, fishing access to Fall Creek and two national historic districts.

Happy March! We are excited for spring and we hope you are too! Join us for some programs this month.

Saturday, March 7th
10:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern Front Re-enactment – Join the Museum of 20th Century Warfare for the Eastern Front Re-enactment. There will be a tactical demonstration happening through the day, and a display in building 701. All will be in the Camp Glenn area of the park, near the Visitor Center.
1:00 pm Who’s Up? – Are you interested to know what animals are doing this time of the year? Meet the naturalist in the program room at the Visitor Center to learn what animals we will start to see in the coming weeks! Program will last approximately 30 minutes.

Sunday, March 8th
10:00 am Signs of Spring Hike – Join the naturalist for a hike on Camp Creek Trail to look for signs of spring weather. Hike will last approximately 2 hours.
Saturday, March 14th
11:00 am Frog Call Fun – Meet the naturalist in the program room at the Visitor Center to learn about Indiana frogs and learn their calls. Program will last approximately 30 minutes.

Sunday, March 15th
10:00 am Wildflower Walk – Join the Naturalist for a hike on Fall Creek Trail in search of our early spring ephemerals. Meet at the Delaware Lake parking lot. Hike will last approximately 1.5 hours and will be approximately 2 miles.

Saturday, March 28th
10:00 am Wildflower Walk – Join the Naturalist for a hike on Fall Creek Trail in search of our early spring ephemerals. Meet at the Delaware Lake parking lot. Hike will last approximately 1.5 hours and will be approximately 2 miles.
on.IN.gov/fortharrisonsp

The Happy Little 5K is a Bob Ross themed race where you choose where and how to race! 🌳

No matter how you reach the finish line - walk, run or roll - you pick the pace and the place, anywhere outdoors! Everyone who participates gets a Happy Little T-shirt, sticker, a commemorative bib number and finisher's medal. The race funds go towards natural resource management in Indiana State Parks.

Sign up for the race today at runsignup.com/happytrees

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is soliciting business proposals from individuals, corporations, and partnerships interested in operating the following concessions opportunities:

• Brookville Lake – beach snacks & vending
• Fort Harrison – saddle barn
• Interlake and Redbird – ORV rentals
• McCormick’s Creek – saddle barn

Proposals will be accepted through February 18, 2026. For more details, please visit: https://ow.ly/2CGR50XL6jo
All bid documents and opportunities are listed at: https://ow.ly/3xaL50XL6jp

Join us for some February programs!

Saturday, February 7th
1:00 pm Winter Tree ID for Beginners Hike – Meet the Naturalist for a hike at Delaware Lake to learn how to identify some common trees found in Indiana without their foliage. Hike will last approximately 1.5 hours.

Sunday, February 8th
1:00 pm Critter Courtship – Meet the naturalist at the Visitor Center to learn how animals show each other love. Presentation will last approximately 30 minutes.

Saturday, February 14th
1:00 pm Love the Trees – Do you enjoy learning about trees? Meet at the Visitor Center to learn about the ecology of trees and make your own valentine card to take home using the print of an American Basswood leaf! Program will last approximately 30 minutes.

Saturday, February 21st
NOTE: This workshop is currently full, but please feel free to reach out to join a waitlist, or keep your eye out for the next one!
11:00 am Coffee and Canvas – Join us for a morning of art, treats, and learning! You will get step-by-step instructions on how to paint a Tufted Titmouse with a lesson about birds sprinkled in. There is a $30 fee, and all supplies and refreshments are included with registration. This workshop will meet at the Visitor Center at Fort Harrison State Park. For questions, please email Emilie at [email protected].
Pre-registration is required. Register here:
https://ow.ly/OJgT50Y9wWL

Plan your trip: https://ow.ly/I7ZF50Y9wWM

Do you know where you're going to Race for the Trees?

Our upcoming Bob Ross themed, Happy Little 5K race allows you to choose where and when you run, walk, or hike the 5K.

A great place to race is at Fort Harrison State Park on the Harrison Trace (3.2 miles)! This paved trail is great if you need to bring strollers or if other trails are muddy from spring rains.

Learn more and sign up today at runsignup.com/happytrees

On February 21st, 2026, join us for a morning of art, treats, and learning! You will get step by step instructions on how to paint a Tufted Titmouse with a lesson about birds sprinkled in. There is a $30 fee for this workshop, and all supplies and refreshments are included with registration. This workshop will meet at the Visitor Center at Fort Harrison State Park. For questions, please email the naturalist at [email protected].

Pre-registration is required. Register here:
https://ow.ly/q9GJ50Y1gbs

Link to event: https://ow.ly/MWk450Y1gbr