Free Hoosier Outdoor Experience is hassle free, too

Indiana DNR Release:

Not only is this weekend’s Hoosier Outdoor Experience free to participants, it’s hassle free.

Parking for the Sept. 18-19 event at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, which runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, is free. Use the Maj. Gen. E.J. Bean Finance Center parking lot just east of 56th Street off Post Road. Enter the lot off Post Road. If using online mapping, enter the intersection of Herbert Lord Road and North Post Road as destination.

Buses will transport you to the park, free. The accessible lot will have an accessible bus into the event. Because of the more than 50 free outdoor activities in the park, there is no public parking there, meaning guests walk around, hassle free. Even though the property comprises 1,700 acres, you’ll need the space for maximum outdoor enjoyment.

If you don’t want to drive at all, ride the city bus. IndyGo Route 4 runs to the event but only on Saturday for the usual fee. If you’re close enough to bicycle or walk, enter through the foot entrance on Glenn Road. Supervised Pedal and Park bicycle racks will be available for bicyclists. Free.

Once the free buses take you inside the park, ride the free trolleys to the activity areas desired all day long. An event map is at hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov. You will also receive one upon entering.

Hungry or thirsty? That’s not free but it’s convenient—you don’t have to leave the park. Several low-cost food and beverage options will be available for purchase in the food area from a variety of vendors. You’re also welcome to bring your own food and beverage; however, large coolers will not be permitted. Limit yourself to what you want to carry all day.

Remember, this event is for doing not watching. Wear clothing and footwear suitable for rigorous outdoor activities. Those who plan to canoe or kayak should expect shoes to get wet.

The event will go on rain or shine; however, if extreme weather requires cancellation, such a decision will be made by 7:30 a.m. on that particular day and posted on the websites below.

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is presented by the DNR and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation. The goal is to introduce people to outdoor activities they may have never tried.

Advance registration is requested to assist with staffing and planning but is not mandatory. Walk-ups are welcome. To register, go to hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov and click on the orange registration icon. Watch for event updates there or on Facebook at Facebook.com/HoosierOutdoorExperience.