U.S. Forest Service - Hoosier National Forest

08/02/2026

Stay safe and hydrated while enjoying your big backyard during American Adventures Month!
• Drink plenty of water. 🚰
• Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration. 🥤
Know before you go: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/heat

Forest Service photo.

07/31/2026

Public lands offer many intense recreational activities. Mountain biking, snowboarding, and whitewater rafting. Just a few of the many activities that can cause human bodies to fly, intentionally or not.

Wearing a helmet is universally agreed upon to reduce the risk of concussion, traumatic brain injuries, and death. It’s simple — instead of all the energy from an impact being transferred directly to the skull, that energy is dispersed across the surface of the helmet. Additional foam padding also lessens the impact.

⛑Wear a helmet that fits, and keep it fastened.

07/29/2026

Rainbow Lake Recreation Area will be closed Friday, July 31, while divers recover trash in the water bodies. This closure will be in effect from sunrise to approximately 1:00 p.m. local time.

07/27/2026

Firewood Permits Not Available July 28 & 29

Due to system maintenance we will be unable to issue firewood permits on these two dates.

Remember to call for an appointment if you need to purchase a firewood permit.

Tell City - 812-547-7051
Bedford - 812-275-5987

07/25/2026

During the peak summer heat, you might visit your nearby forest or grassland to swim, paddleboard, or canoe among many other water recreation choices.

But each year 4,000 people across the country perish.

🏊🏽‍♂️So, supervise children when swimming.
🤽‍♀️Don’t swim alone.
🛟And everyone, wear the appropriate life jacket.

(Forest Service graphics by Kay Sisson)

07/24/2026

Smokey and staff are spreading the word at the National Trappers Association convention today.

"Remember, only you can prevent wildfires!"

07/23/2026

Join us Saturday in Evansville.

🌎♻️ Go Green. Get Creative. Have Fun! ♻️🌎

Looking for a FREE family adventure this summer? Join us for Sustainability Super Saturday at the Evansville Museum!

📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🎟️ FREE Admission!

Spend the day discovering fun ways to help the planet with hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, community partners, and plenty of giveaways!

🌱 What's happening?
🌼 Flower & vegetable seed giveaway
📚 Children's Book Swap (bring a book, take a book!)
🌊 Help clean up our pretend ocean
🎨 Create crafts from recycled materials
🔍 Take-home Sustainability Scavenger Hunt
🌍 Learn simple ways to protect our environment

✨ Plus, meet amazing organizations including Wesselman Woods, the International Crane Foundation, Evansville Climate Collaborative, Goodwill Excel, Kaiser Aluminum Warrick, Republic Services, and more!

Whether you're a budding environmentalist or just looking for a fun day with the family, there's something for everyone!

💚 FREE thanks to our partners: Kenny Kent Lexus, Kaiser Aluminum Warrick, Republic Services, and Bowen Engineering.

📧 Questions? Contact [email protected].