Hardy Lake

11/05/2025

Indiana is home to 2 native species of walnut tree, the black walnut (Juglans nigra) and the white walnut also known as the butternut (Juglans cinerea). The fruit of both species is an edible nut that is similar to the English walnuts commonly sold commercially, but black walnuts have a bolder flavor and are higher in protein and lower in fat than English walnuts. White walnuts are not as common as black walnuts and have a milder, buttery taste. As with all wild edibles, make sure you have the proper identification before eating anything you forage and start by just eating a small amount to see how your body reacts to it.

For more information on foraging walnuts visit https://ow.ly/ntMm50X134G

📸 Walnuts in the Leaves courtesy Jerry Byard

11/04/2025

Although Halloween might be over, some of the Education Animals at Hardy Lake are still in the pumpkin spirit.

on.IN.gov/hardylake

10/31/2025

Are you looking for some fun things to do this winter? Then Hardy Lake has you covered! This winter season we will be hosting a Winter Hiking Series. Once a month from November to March we will host a guided hike and we hope to see you there.

on.IN.gov/hardylake

Saturday, November 1st
11:00 am – Fall Colors Hike: Join the Naturalist at the Main Trail Head to partake in a Moderate 2 Mile Hike to see our forest during the most colorful season. This hike will start at 11:00 am and should take about an hour.
Saturday, December 6th
11:00 am – Hardy Lake Through the 1800’s: Join the Naturalist at the Main Trailhead to embark on a journey through the years as we learn about the early history of the land that would become Hardy Lake. This is an easy hike that is about 2.5 miles and should take about 1.5 hours.
Thursday, January 1st
11:00 am – Scenic Hardy Lake Hike: Join the Naturalist at the Main Trailhead for this 2.5-mile hike to see some of the most beautiful parts of the park. This trail is rated as easy, should take about an hour.
Saturday, February 7th
11:00 am – Winter Tree Id Hike: Although the forest looks a lot different in the winter it is still possible to identify the trees we find. Join us at the Main Trailhead as we take this easy 1.5-mile hike to learn how. This hike should take about an hour.
Saturday, March 7th
11:00 am – Birding Basics: Join the Naturalist at the Main Trail Head as we take Trail 3 to learn the basics of Bird Watching. Bring binoculars if you have them to this easy ¾ of a mile hike and should take about a half an hour.

10/30/2025

We want to thank everyone that came out to Hardy Lake the past two weekends for an amazing Halloween Celebration. We look forward to seeing you next year.

on.IN.gov/hardylake

10/27/2025

While they're called hog-nosed for their uniquely upturned nose, maybe they are also called HOG-nosed, because they HAM it up. 😉

🎭Eastern hog-nosed snakes are known for their theatrical defensive behavior. Alarmed snakes inflate their body with air, flatten their head and neck like a cobra, and expel the air in a long hiss. They will also open the mouth wide and strike at potential predators. If the predator is still undeterred, they will dramatically feign death. The snake will writhe, regurgitate food, and roll onto its back with mouth wide open and tongue hanging out. If righted, the snake will roll over onto its back again.

👏A round of applause for the most dramatic snake- the eastern hog-nosed snake!

Learn more about Indiana snakes at on.IN.gov/snakes.

10/25/2025

Important Notice: All of our Parking Spots are full for Owl-O-Ween Trick or Treating! We apologize for any inconvenience.

Send a message to learn more

10/23/2025

Important Notice: This Saturday October 25th will be our Second Trick or Treating Event. This event is open to the public. From 3:00-7:00 pm the campground will be closed to vehicle traffic, this includes vehicles with hangtags. This is to ensure the safety of the children trick or treating. This event is first come first serve. Once we fill all of our parking spaces we will not be able to allow more vehicles in until one leaves. Trick or Treating is from 4:00-6:00 pm. Please plan accordingly.

on.IN.gov/hardylake

10/22/2025

The last of our Halloween Weekends are finally here. This weekend is our Owl-O-Ween event. Check out our Interpretive Programs that will be going on:
Saturday, October 25th
7:30-10:30 am - Breakfast with the Birds: Meet at the shelter house above the beach for this all you can eat fundraising breakfast. Adults $8 Kids $3 all proceeds go to support the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center.
11:00 am - Pumpkin Carving: Meet at the playground in the campground to carve some pumpkins. Bring your own pumpkin or buy one of ours for $3. Tools will be provided while supplies last.
1:00-2:30 pm - Wagon Rides through the Campground : Meet at the Amphitheater and board the wagon as we tour around the campground to see all of the decorated campsites.
3:00 pm - Costume Fashion Show: Meet at the Amphitheater to show off your costume in our costume fashion show and get a treat bag.
4:00-6:00 pm - Trick or Treating in the Campground: This Trick or Treating event is open to the Ppublic.
Sunday, October 26th
10:30 am - Craft Time: Meet at the Amphitheater to make a fun take home craft.

on.IN.gov/hardylake

10/20/2025

As you prepare to enjoy the outdoors at Indiana State Parks, please remember our firewood rules.

There are 140 known pests and pathogens that can be moved in firewood. Conserving our Hoosier forests is everyone’s responsibility, so follow the DNR firewood management rules.

Find the rules at: on.IN.gov/firewoodrule

10/17/2025

10/17/2025

10/16/2025

Important Notice: This Saturday, October 18th will be our first Trick or Treating event. This event is campers only. From 3:00-7:00 pm, the campground will be closed to vehicle traffic, this includes vehicles with hangtags. Please plan accordingly. This is to ensure the safety of the children trick or treating.

on.IN.gov/hardylake