Brown County State Park

02/04/2026

A fallen log over a creek looks mundane to a person, but is a vital highway for small animals. However, being in the open is risky, so prey species such as mice don't stay still for long while crossing. A special thanks to the Friends of Brown County State Park for making this trail camera project possible!

Video: a mouse scurries back and forth along a log fallen across a creek

on.IN.gov/BrownCountySP

01/30/2026

The naturalist at Brown County State Park tries to call this room the Wildlife Observation Room, not simply the Bird Observation Room. Usually squirrels, chipmunks, frogs, and sometimes turtles are why. With a foot of snow on the ground covering up the easier to find food in the woods, we can think of another reason!

Video: a trio of deer nose through the snow outside of the nature center window

on.IN.gov/BrownCountySP

01/30/2026

Update! Due to high interest, the Saturday, April 18th Bluebird Box program has expanded. The 1pm program is full, so we have added a 3pm time!

Join the Brown County Bluebird Club at the Brown County State Park Nature Center! We will learn about the nesting habits of bluebirds and how we can support them. Then, build your own nesting box! A $10 fee is required for the cost of the building materials. Please pre-register by emailing [email protected]

Photo: a flier describing the bluebird box event. April 18th, 1pm (full) and 3pm, Brown County State Park Nature Center, $10

on.IN.gov/BrownCountySP

01/28/2026

Be a friend to the trees and sign up for our Bob Ross inspired run! 🌳🏃‍♀️‍➡️

✅Register for the Happy Little 5K and receive a t-shirt, medal, and racing bib. Then anytime between April 18-26 run/walk/hike a 5K in a place of your choosing.

📍A great place to complete is at Brown County State Park. Loop trail 5 twice around Ogle Lake or enjoy any of the may trails!

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

01/28/2026

Coyotes are found throughout the entire state of Indiana, and they are here at Brown County State Park. These animals are typically afraid of humans and will try to avoid interaction, to the point that it is notable to see one in the first place! A special thank you to the Friends of Brown County State Park for making this trail camera project possible!

Learn more about coyotes in Indiana here: https://ow.ly/XjXz50XT8W8

Video: a coyote walks over some fallen logs at night in the forest

on.IN.gov/BrownCountySP

01/24/2026

In light of the coming snow, the Brown County State Park Nature Center is closing at 1pm today. Stay safe and do not drive without need. Keep up to date with road conditions, travel advisories, and travel warnings here:

Breadcrumbs DHS Current: Travel Advisory Map Travel Advisory Map How to Find a County's Travel StatusMap: Select a county on the map or use the dropdown to select one. The county status and most recent time it was provided by the county will appear left of the map.Table: Scroll below the map to view...

01/21/2026

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, April 18th at 1pm, join the Brown County Bluebird Club at the Brown County State Park Nature Center! We will learn about the nesting habits of bluebirds and how we can support them. Then, build your own nesting box! A $10 fee is required for the cost of the building materials. Please pre-register by emailing [email protected]

Photo: a flier describing the bluebird box event. April 18th, 1pm, Brown County State Park Nature Center, $10

on.IN.gov/BrownCountySP

01/21/2026

Grey squirrels are a common sight at the park, even in winter. These small mammals do not hibernate, but instead store food for winter. After a snow, they can find themselves foraging. Thank you to the Friends of Brown County State Park for making this trail camera project possible!

Learn more about grey squirrels in Indiana here: https://ow.ly/hgv250XT8Vr

Video: a squirrel moves through snowfall near a creek in the forest

https://ow.ly/abcC50XT8Vq

01/14/2026

Turkeys are one of the largest birds found in Brown County State Park. While they can be spotted any time of year, they're most often seen in the dawn hours in winter. They are foraging for food, digging and tearing into logs. Thank you to the Friends of Brown County State Park for making this trail camera project possible!

Learn more about wild turkeys in Indiana here: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/animals/wild-turkey/

Photo: a turkey walks by a small pond

on.IN.gov/BrownCountySP

01/12/2026

38 hikers saw the Valley Ruins picnic shelter on the winter hike series! This abandoned shelter used to present quite an opportunity. Hikers could arrange for the Lodge to deliver hot lunches to them in the middle of their hike!

Photo: Park volunteer and plant expert David Mow speaks to the crowd at the ruined shelter

on.IN.gov/BrownCountySP