Spring Mill State Park

WINTER SEED SOWING SHOP 6pm:  Winter Seed Sowing Workshop:  Prepare your seeds this winter for spring.  Come learn about how to care for your seeds/plants during this dormant season.  Make your own seed planter.  $2 per person.  Limited space.  Advanced registration required.  Lakeview Room at Spring Mill Inn

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the programs at Spring Mill State Park! Saturday, January 15th 11am OR 1pm:  Wood Burning Workshop – Join the naturalist at 11am OR 1pm for this beginners workshop.  Learn a little about trees of Indiana then spend time burning a design into a tree cookie to take home.  Ages 13 yrs and older.  $2 per person.  Space limited.  Registration recommended but not required. 1pm:  Cave River…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the programs at Spring Mill State Park! Saturday, January 22nd 1pm:  Fire Building 101 – Learn how to build a proper campfire and campfire safety with Naturalist Morgan. Lakeview Activity Center. 30 minutes. 3pm:   Donaldson Hollow Hike - Meet Anthony by the Sycamore Shelter to learn about Spring Mill’s eccentric Scotsman George Donaldson as we wind along the beautiful stream to the cave named in his…

SNAKE FEEDING Join the Spring Mill State Park Naturalist as she feeds the scaly friends at the Lakeview Activity Center! PARK ENTRY FEE MAY APPLY CONTACT PARK OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION: 812-849-3534

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the programs at Spring Mill State Park! Saturday, January 29th 1pm:  Lime Kiln Hike - Meet Tony at the Lakeview Activity Center for a hike to historic Lime Kilns.  Learn how lime was made and about the owner of these kilns.  Partially Rugged hike off trail.  45 minutes. 3pm:  Donaldson Cave Hike - Hike back to one of our most scenic spots and learn some history about…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Saturday, February 5th 1pm:  Hidden Cave Hike-  Join Morgan in a hike back to one of our hidden caves, Rubble Springs. Meet at the Lakeview Activity Center back patio. Off trail, moderately rugged. 45 minutes. Sunday, February 6th 1pm:  Indiana’s Winter Birds -  Learn about the birds who choose to stay over winter in Indiana and why migrating is so important to other species. Lakeview Activity Center. 20 minutes. GATE FEES MAY APPLY****

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS This weekend at Spring Mill State Park there will be plenty of activities. Check them out here: SATURDAY & SUNDAY: CIVIL WAR WINTER BATTLE (click here to learn more) Friday, February 18th 8pm:  Full Moon Hike - Meet your guide Anthony at Spring Mill Inn front patio for a fun nighttime hike and learn about February’s Full Snow Moon.  1 mile.  Partially rugged. 1 hour.   Saturday, February 19th 10am-12pm:  Coffee with Cardinals – Join Anthony in the lower…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Join us at the beautiful and historic Spring Mill State Park for a weekend of fun! Saturday, February 26th 11am:  Furry Friends -   Meet Naturalist Morgan at the Lakeview Activity Center and learn about why a mammal’s fur is so important to them. 15 minutes. 1pm:  Lake Hike  - Meet Tony at the Lakeview Activity Center to hike around the lake and learn about its history.  1 hour.  1 mile, moderate.  

SPRING MILL INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS   Saturday, March 5th 10am-2pm:  Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Prize– When entering the park, ask the main gate attendant for a self-guided scavenger hunt for you and/or your family to enjoy.  Instructions will be on the scavenger hunt.  When you complete it, stop by the main office (inside Gus Grissom Memorial) by 3:30pm on the 5th for a small prize such as a Spring Mill coloring book or sticker.  This event is one day only.  Expires…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Did you know that Spring Mill State Park puts on events every weekend? Saturday, March 12th 10am-12pm:  Coffee with Cardinals – Join Anthony in the lower lobby (near pool) of Spring Mill Inn to see what comes and goes from our backyard birding habitat.  Enjoy coffee and cookies sponsored by Spring Mill Inn. 1pm:  Reptile Rumble – Meet some of our resident reptiles while hearing about what makes these creatures special.   Lakeview Activity Center Amphitheater.  20 minutes…

SPRING MILL HIKES This weekend, enjoy Spring Mill State Park by joining guided hikes. Hike beneath the full moon or learn about spring as you walk along a lesser known path. Friday, March 18th 9pm:  Full Moon Hike - Join Anthony at Spring Mill Inn front patio for an adventurous night hike.  Learn why the March full moon is called the “Full Worm Moon”.  Rugged Hike on trail 3, 2.5 miles.   90 minutes. Saturday, March 19th 11am:  Spring Equinox Hike – Enjoy…

SPRING MILL STATE PARK Sunday, March 27th 1pm:  Step Into Spring Hike –Join Anthony at Donaldson Cave Parking lot for a rugged 2 mile hike on trail 4.  We will look for signs of spring and learn about the history of Spring Mill State Park. 90 minutes.    

EARTH DAY Celebrate this Earth Day in the great outdoors! Spring Mill State Park is offering a wide variety of activities from 10 am to 4 pm: 10am-12pm:  Donaldson Cave Nature Preserve - Meet Wyatt Williams, ecologist from Division of Nature Preserves, in front of Spring Mill Inn to walk through a high-quality dry-mesic upland forest with unique plants that thrive in thin, rocky soils. Pass through a small, unique glade with a wonderful diversity of plants more associated with prairies than…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Spend the weekend making memories at Spring Mill State Park! Join the Naturalists for exciting hikes and activities as you learn about nature all while having fun! PARK ENTRY FEES MAY APPLY $7 IN-STATE RESIDENTS $9 OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS Call the Park Office for more information (812)849-3534 Friday, May 13th 3pm:  Nature Preserve Hike: Join Naturalist Emilie for a rugged hike through three nature preserves and discover our caves, old growth forest, and wildlife along the way. Meet at…

KIDS TO PARK DAY All kids are welcome to join the fun at Spring Mill State Park this weekend! Saturday, May 21st KIDS TO PARK DAY! 10am:  Fishing 101 – Learn to tie a fishing knot for your hook, bait your hook, and cast your line.  Spend about 20 minutes with the naturalist learning a few basic fishing types.  Afterward, borrow a pole and pick up free bait to test your skills.  Limited fishing poles available. Lakeview Activity Center 10am-3pm:  Nature…

WHISKEY TASTING IN THE PIONEER VILLAGE There once was a time that the Pioneer Village was a booming town floating on the sails of the whiskey distilling business. Now, we want to invite you to an event at Spring Mill State Park that probably hasn't happened since the 1800's - Whiskey Tasting in the Pioneer Village. PARTICIPATING DISTILLERIES Donum Dei Brewery and Distillery Dusty Barn Distillery Hard Truth Distilling Co. MGP Distilled Spirits Spirits of French Lick Old 55 Distillery…

Saturday, June 25th Limestone Weekend! 9am-5pm: Limestone Carving – Join limestone carving artists, David and Brenda, to learn how to carve your own piece of limestone.  $25 (cash only) to carve your own piece of limestone to take home with you. Pioneer Village lawn. 11am: Lime Kiln Hike- Meet Naturalist Morgan at the Lakeview Activity Center to discover the importance of the kilns that can be found around Spring Mill Lake. Partially rugged off-trail hike. 40 mins. 2pm: Limestone Discovery…

Rivers, Roads, and Rails: Mapping the Transportation History of Spring Mill Village  —a talk/slideshow with maps and photos, old and new— David Nord Indiana University   Spring Mill State Park Saturday, June 25th, 2:00 p.m. At The Village Tavern   Summary Visitors to Spring Mill Village can see that it is a good location for a water-powered mill, but the Village today seems completely separated from the surrounding countryside. Set in a deep box canyon in the heart of a…

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Spring Mill State Park is the best place to be on a sunny summer day! Check out the weekend programs they have: Friday, July 1st 9am:  July Trail Challenge Series – Join Tony for a hike every Friday at 9am in July to complete all the trails in the park.  Earn your Trail Challenge Sticker.  Today’s hike is Trail 4 & 6.  Meet at Grissom Memorial parking lot. Trail 4 is rugged.  2 hours. 2pm: Kayaking with the…

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Friday, July 8th   9 am: July Trail Challenge Series - Join Tony for a hike every Friday at 9am in July to complete all the trails in the park.  Earn your Trail Challenge Sticker.  Today’s hike is Trail 7 and Stagecoach Trail. Meet at Tulip Poplar Shelter.  Rugged.  1.5 hours. 2 pm: Hamer Cemetery Tour- Join Sheree at Hamer Cemetery to learn about the history of the Pioneer Village and some original settlers. 25 minutes. Saturday July…

Gus Grissom Days Join us as Spring Mill State Park honors local astronaut, Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom! This weekend is packed full of space fun! Saturday, July 16th 8am-4pm: Gus Grissom Memorial Open 9am: Grissom Memorial Guided Tour. 30 minutes. 9am-10:30am: Rocketry Club, Count Down Cardinals, will have a table set up and can assist you in building your own rocket that can be launched later in the day! *Cost associated with this activity. 9am-11am: Hidden Artifacts Revealed – see…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Thursday, July 21st 11 am: Nature’s Architects- Meet Emilie at the Lakeview Activity Center to learn about the engineers of the mammal world. Make your own beaver dam out of natural materials. We will be using mud, so old clothes recommended. 30 mins. - Friday, July 22nd 9 am: July Trail Challenge Series - Join Tony for a hike every Friday at 9am in July to complete all the trails in the park.  Earn your Trail Challenge…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Friday, July 29th 9am:  July Trail Challenge Series - Join Tony for a hike every Friday at 9am in July to complete all the trails in the park.  Earn your Trail Challenge Sticker.  Today’s hike is on Mountain Bike Trail.  1.5 hours.  Partially Rugged. 1 pm: Mammals of the Sky- Meet Naturalist Emilie at the Lakeview Activity Center to learn about our insect devouring, flying mammals in Indiana and help her debunk some myths about our bat…

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Spring Mill State Park offers great interpretive programs! Check it out: Friday, August 5th 2 pm: Nature’s Architects- Meet Emilie at the Lakeview Activity Center to learn about the engineers of the mammal world. Make your own beaver dam out of natural materials. We will be using mud, so old clothes recommended. 30 mins. Saturday, August 6th    9 am: Lime Kiln Hike- Meet Tony at the Lakeview Activity Center for a hike to some hidden lime kilns…

SPRING MILL QUILT SHOW The Quilt Show at Spring Mill State Park is an annual event that provides an unforgettable experience! As visitors walk the Pioneer Village, they are greeted with colorful hanging quilts that line the fences and buildings. Park Fees May Apply Please contact the Park Office for more information (812)849-3534

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Spring Mill State Park offers great interpretive programs! This weekend includes Childrens Weekend! Check it out: Friday, August 12th 10 pm: Full Moon Hike- Meet Anthony at the Donaldson Cave parking lot for a summertime night hike under the Full Sturgeon Moon! Learn some full moon lore and experience nature at night. Hiking shoes and hiking sticks recommended, red flashlights will be available and are recommended. 2 miles. 1.5 hours. Moderate. Saturday, August 13th   Children’s Outdoor Day!…

CAVE RIVER VALLEY DAY Spring Mill State Park offers great interpretive programs! Check it out: Saturday, August 20th Cave River Valley Day! Beautiful scenery! No restrooms. Please plan accordingly. Bring water, snacks, bug spray, and a change of shoes. Water shoes or boots recommended. Attend the event any time between 10 am-12 pm and get entered into a drawing to win a 2022 annual Indiana State Park Pass! Address to Cave River Valley: 6031-6871 N. Cave River Valley Road. Campbellsburg,…

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Spring Mill State Park offers great interpretive programs! Check it out: Friday, August 26th 11 am: Butterflies, Dragonflies, Pollinators, Oh my!- Meet Naturalist Emilie at the Lakeview Activity Center to learn more about the life cycles of butterflies and some of our other native pollinators. 20 mins.   Saturday, August 27th 9 am: Trail 3 Hike- Meet Tony at Twin Caves Parking Lot for a hike on Trail 3. Learn about and see some plants that used to…

SPRING MILL STATE PARK Spring Mill State Park offers fun activities all Labor Day Weekend! Check out the schedule below: Saturday, September 3rd 9am: Mitchell Karst Plains Nature Preserve Hike – Come learn why this nature preserve is unique to this area. Meet at Tulip Poplar Shelter. Easy hike. 45 minutes. 11am: Pottery from the Past- Join Naturalist Paris at the Lakeview Activity Center to learn about how pottery was made in the past and make your own small piece of…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS   Saturday, October 1st 11am:  Snake Talk – Meet Paris at the Lakeview Activity Center Amphitheater to learn about snakes of Indiana.  30 minutes.  2pm:  Make your own Bird Feeder - Meet Naturalist Paris at the Lakeview A 1ctivity Center to learn about the birds in your backyard and make your own bird feeder out of peanut butter to take home! 20 mins   Sunday, October 2nd 2pm:  Hamer Cemetery Tour- Join Sheree at Hamer Cemetery to…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS   Saturday, October 8th 10am:  Coffee with Cardinals - See native birds at our feeders while enjoying a hot cup of coffee in the lower lobby of Spring Mill Inn. Anthony will be there to help identify birds and give some tips for attracting birds to your feeders. 1 hour 11:30am:  Scream for Snakes! – Whether you scream for excitement or fear, learn about Snakes and how important they are to our ecosystem. Meet Naturalist Paris at…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Saturday, October 15th 1pm:  Scream for Snakes! - Whether you scream in excitement or fear, learn about Snakes and how important they are to our ecosystem.  Meet Paris at the Lakeview Activity Center Amphitheater.  30 minutes   Sunday, October 16th 2 pm: Hamer Cemetery Tour- Join Sheree at Hamer Cemetery to learn about the history of the Pioneer Village and some original settlers. 25 minutes.

HAUNTED VILLAGE The Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park becomes a spooky spectacle this weekend! You never know what's lurking around the corner as you walk through the Pioneer Village that has been transformed into a haunted house. Not recommended for children under 8. DON'T SHOW UP AT EVENT WITHOUT PRE-PURCHASED TICKET! Buy your ticket at the pool parking lot the morning of October 15th to go through this scary spectacle! Event takes place from 7:30-9:30pm in the Village.…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Saturday, October 22nd 3:30 pm : Period Correct Wedding - The wedding party and guests will all be dressed in period-correct clothing from the 1800's. 2pm:  Hamer Cemetery Tour – Join Sheree at Hamer Cemetery for a step back in time.  Learn about our Pioneer Village’s early settlers.  30 minutes. 6:30 pm: Muffins with the Manager- Do you have questions about our park and all the projects happening? Join Spring Mill’s Property manager Mark for a question-and-answer…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS   Saturday, October 29th 2pm:  Spooky Leaf Print Painting - Join Paris at the Lakeview Activity Center to learn about the trees of Indiana and make a spooky Halloween-inspired masterpiece! 30 minutes. 7pm:  Scary or Not Here I Come!  Join Naturalist Sheree at the Lakeview Activity Center for a fun filled hour of learning about three animals that scare us.  The Lakeview Activity Center will be decorated for the event!   Play games, enjoy some treats, and earn…

CRAFT SHOW IN THE VILLAGE Join us for the Craft Show inside the Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park. Each cabin in the village will feature different vendors selling their own crafted items. Bring your entire family and all of your friends! -> THIS IS A CASH-ONLY EVENT <- ENTRY FEES: $3 | Adult Free | 3 & under *Plus Park Entry Gate Fees* 2022 HOURS: November 5 | 9 AM - 5 PM November 6 | 11 AM…

CRAFT SHOW IN THE VILLAGE Join us for the Craft Show inside the Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park. Each cabin in the village will feature different vendors selling their own crafted items. Bring your entire family and all of your friends! -> THIS IS A CASH-ONLY EVENT <- ENTRY FEES: $3 | Adult Free | 3 & under *Plus Park Entry Gate Fees* 2022 HOURS: November 5 | 9 AM - 5 PM November 6 | 11 AM…

Cookies and Canvas Join the naturalist at the Nature Center for a fun and relaxing evening of painting while enjoying desserts, fruit and more at our chocolate bar.  Water, tea, and coffee available.  $30 per person. Limited to 30 people.  Ages 13 and older.  Advanced  registration required.  Visit our webpage for a picture of the painting.  

HOLIDAY IN THE VILLAGE Join us for a very special annual event at Spring Mill State Park. Walk through the historic Pioneer Village as it is lit up for the Christmas season. Visit with Santa, enjoy a warm drink of wassail with cookies and listen to the holiday music in the village cabins. You may even find some unique Christmas gift ideas along the way!

DRIVE THRU LIGHT SHOW This event is one-of-a-kind! Load the family up and take a drive through the campground at Spring Mill State Park. The campground will be decorated with spectacular light shows! $5 per vehicle paid at the campground gate.  Park entrance fees still apply: $7 entry fee for Indiana resident vehicles and $9 for out-of-state vehicles.

HOLIDAY IN THE VILLAGE Join us for a very special annual event at Spring Mill State Park. Walk through the historic Pioneer Village as it is lit up for the Christmas season. Visit with Santa, enjoy a warm drink of wassail with cookies and listen to the holiday music in the village cabins. You may even find some unique Christmas gift ideas along the way!

DRIVE THRU LIGHT SHOW This event is one-of-a-kind! Load the family up and take a drive through the campground at Spring Mill State Park. The campground will be decorated with spectacular light shows! $5 per vehicle paid at the campground gate.  Park entrance fees still apply: $7 entry fee for Indiana resident vehicles and $9 for out-of-state vehicles.

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Even as the days grow colder, Spring Mill State Park still has so much to offer! Enjoy the programs this weekend: Friday, December 9th 8pm:  Full Moon Hike - Meeting Anthony at the Grissom Memorial for a .25 mile easy, paved night hike on Trail 6 for the Full Cold Moon Hike.  30 minutes.   Saturday, December 10th 10am:  Coffee with Cardinals - See which native birds are staying around for the winter at the Nature Center birding…

Tree Cookie Ornament This is a beginner’s wood working workshop that will supply the tools and stencils you need to burn a design into your tree cookie.  Ages 10 years and older.  $2 per person.  Advanced registration not required, but highly recommended to save your spot.  Limited space.  Lakeview Activity Center  

WEEKEND HIKES Join us for guided hikes at Spring Mill State Park this weekend. Saturday, December 17th 11am:  Exploration Hike - Meet Anthony at the Lakeview Activity Center to explore the trails of Spring Mill! This month we will explore trail 1 and 2 to learn the history and see all the features of this 1.25-mile area of the park.  Moderately rugged.  1 hour 1pm:  All things Spring Mill Lake Hike - Hike with Tony on this 1-mile loop around the…

FIRST DAY HIKE Start the New Year off right by participating in the First Day Hike at Spring Mill State Park! Meet at the Lakeview Activity Center

Friday, January 6th 7pm: Full Moon Hike – Join us for a hike on our first full moon of 2023. Meet Anthony at the Lakeview Activity Center for a fun night hike on Trail 5 and learn about the full wolf moon. 1 mile hike, 1 hour Saturday, January 7th 1pm: Hidden Cave Hike – Venture out for a short, off-trail hike to see one of Spring Mill’s pit caves. Meet at Twin Caves parking lot. 30 minutes. Moderate hike.

FULL MOON HIKE Join us for a hike on our first full moon of 2023.  Meet Anthony at the Lakeview Activity Center for a fun night hike on Trail 5 and learn about the full wolf moon. 1 mile hike, 1 hour

COOKIES & CANVAS Spring Mill State Park offers activities all-year-round! Join the naturalist at the Nature Center for a fun and relaxing evening of painting while enjoying desserts, fruit and more at our chocolate bar. Water, tea, and coffee available. Advanced registration required $30 per person. Limited to 30 people. Ages 13 and older. Contact Sheree Belt at 812-849-3534 or sbelt@dnr.in.gov Park Entry Fees May Apply  

Saturday, January 14th 10am: Coffee with Cardinals - See which native birds are staying around for the winter at the Nature Center birding window while enjoying a hot cup of coffee. Anthony is here to help with bird identification and will give some tips for your bird feeders at home. 1 hour. Lakeview Act. Center 11am: Wood Burning for Beginners - Learn a little about trees in Indiana. Then spend some time burning a design into a tree cookie to…

WOOD BURNING WORKSHOP Spring Mill State Park offers activities all-year-round! Wood Burning for Beginners.  Learn a little about trees in Indiana.  Then spend some time burning a design into a tree cookie to take home. Recommended for Ages 10 and older. Limited Space. $2 per person. 30 minutes. Advanced registration not required but recommended to save your spot. Lake view Activity Center Contact Sheree Belt at 812-849-3534 or sbelt@dnr.in.gov Park Entry Fees May Apply

Saturday, January 21st 11am: CCC History Hike - Travel back in time to the 1930’s as Anthony leads you on this short hike to see some of the many contributions the Civilian Conservation Corps has made here at Spring Mill State Park! Meet Anthony at the light pole near the Pioneer Village parking lot. 1 mile partially rugged hike.” 1pm: Donaldson Cave Hike - Meet Sheree by the Sycamore Shelter to learn about Spring Mill’s eccentric Scotsman George Donaldson as…

WEEKEND PROGRAMS Spring Mill State Park offers fun activities all-year-round for individuals of all ages! Hiking, biking and enjoying the historic Pioneer Village and the beautiful nature of the park is always available, but here are a few extra things that you may want to check out this weekend: Saturday, February 4th 1pm: Winter Seed Sowing: Prepare your seeds this winter for spring. Learn how to care for your seeds during this dormant season. Make your own mini greenhouses. $2…

COOKIES & CANVAS Spring Mill State Park offers activities all-year-round! Join the naturalist at the Nature Center for a fun and relaxing evening of painting while enjoying desserts, fruit and more at our chocolate bar. Water, tea, and coffee available. Advanced registration required $30 per person. Limited to 30 people. Ages 13 and older. Contact Sheree Belt at 812-849-3534 or sbelt@dnr.in.gov Park Entry Fees May Apply view Activity Center

WEEKEND PROGRAMS Spring Mill State Park offers fun activities all-year-round for individuals of all ages! Hiking, biking and enjoying the historic Pioneer Village and the beautiful nature of the park is always available, but here are a few extra things that you may want to check out this weekend: Saturday, February 11th 10am: Coffee with Cardinals – Join Anthony at the Lakeview Activity Center to see what comes and goes from our backyard birding habitat. 1 hour 1pm: Mitchell Karst Plain…

WINTER TREE ID WORKSHOP Spring Mill State Park offers activities all-year-round! Foresters, hosted by the White River Forestry Committee ,will discuss common trees in southern IN with photos, twigs, acorns or nuts for each. They will help you identify trees in winter without the benefit of leaves using form, twigs, bark and branching character.  A second outdoor session will be held 9AM -12 on Saturday, Feb. 18th when everything learned is pulled together as those attending are able to identify trees…

CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT Reenactors, dressed in confederate and union clothing, flood the Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park to demonstrate a battle in the Civil War. Visitors will be able to hear the gun fire, smell the cannon smoke and get a small glimpse of what life was like in the Civil War days. Abraham Lincoln speaks at 12:45pm Pioneer Village opens at 11:00am Battle begins at 2:00pm Park Entry Fees May Apply More info to come*

WINTER TREE ID WORKSHOP Spring Mill State Park offers activities all-year-round! Foresters, hosted by the White River Forestry Committee ,will discuss common trees in southern IN with photos, twigs, acorns or nuts for each. They will help you identify trees in winter without the benefit of leaves using form, twigs, bark and branching character.  A second outdoor session will be held 9AM -12 on Saturday, Feb. 18th when everything learned is pulled together as those attending are able to identify trees…

WEEKEND PROGRAMS Spring Mill State Park offers fun activities all-year-round for individuals of all ages! Hiking, biking and enjoying the historic Pioneer Village and the beautiful nature of the park is always available, but here are a few extra things that you may want to check out this weekend: Saturday, February 25th 11am: Woodpecker Walk - Bring your binoculars and meet Anthony at the Donaldson Cave parking lot for a brief talk about the native woodpeckers of Spring Mill and Southern…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Saturday, March 25th 10am:  Coffee with Cardinals - Join Anthony at the Lakeview Activity Center to see what comes and goes from our backyard birding habitat. Coffee provided. 1 hour 1pm:  Step into Spring Hike! - Spring has arrived at Spring Mill!  Join Anthony at the Donaldson Cave parking lot to look for signs of spring and learn some park history on a 2 mile rugged hike of Trail 4. Hike will involve stairs!  1.5 hours.

BLUEBIRD NESTING BOX Spring Mill State Park offers activities all-year-round! Learn all about our native Eastern Bluebirds.  Help our Bluebird populations by putting together a Blue Bird nesting box to take home with you.  All tools and wood provided. Advanced registration required. Limited to 20. $20 per person or two for $35. Lakeview Activity Center Contact Sheree Belt at 812-849-3534 or sbelt@dnr.in.gov Park Entry Fees May Apply

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Saturday, March 11th 9am:  Morning Lake Hike - Morning time is one of the best times to hike! Meet Anthony at the Nature Center for a hike around the lake (Trail 5) and learn some of the history of this beautiful resource. 1 mile partially rugged hike. 1 hour

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Saturday, March 18th 10am:  Snake Talk - Meet the naturalist at the Lakeview Activity Center to learn about Indiana snakes while visiting with 2 of our resident snakes.  30 minutes 1pm:  Cave River Valley Hike - Explore this beautiful, primitive property managed by Spring Mill.  This month we will explore the west side (mill history and caves). Meet the naturalist at Donaldson parking lot to follow her in your car 15 miles to CRV.  2 hours. Very…

WILDFLOWER WEEKEND There are so many fun activities going on this weekend at Spring Mill State Park. Join us for events that teach you about native wildflowers and blooming flora all while enjoying the beauty of the park. Follow the link to see the schedule on the Spring Mill State Park Facebook Page: CLICK HERE  

EARTH DAY Celebrate Earth Day by joining in on some fun activities at Spring Mill State Park! Park Entry Fee May Apply *More info to come

WELCOME BACK TO SPRING MILL It's finally that time of year again! Let's get outside and enjoy all that Spring Mill State Park has to offer this weekend! Friday, May 5th 9pm: Full Moon Hike - Meet Anthony at the Lakeview Act. Center for a hike on Trails 2, 4, and 1 while learning about May’s Full Flower Moon. Partially rugged. 1.5 hours. Saturday, May 6th 10am-2pm: Live Birds of Prey at the Lakeview Activity Center – Stop by and…

WEEKEND PROGRAMS Spring is in the air and we are ready for a great season at Spring Mill State Park! Now that the Lakeview Activity Center is open everyday, you can look forward to more events! Check out the fun events this weekend: Saturday, May 13th 10am: A-Z Lake Hike—Hike trail 5 around the lake and search for all things nature from A to Z. Meet at Lakeview Activity Center. 1 hour, moderate one mile hike. 1pm: Make a Bird Feeder—Meet…

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with us at Spring Mill State Park! The Pioneer Village is a special place where you can take a trip back into time for a glimpse of life in the 19th century.  On this weekend, the village will have encampments to visit and special guests telling stories from the past. This is also opening weekend for Twin Cave Boat tours, the Pool and Boat Rentals! Park Entry Fees May Apply

CAVE DAY Spring Mill State Park sits right in the middle of the Karst Plains which explains why there are so many caves there! Learn more about the caves inside the park as we celebrate Cave Day this weekend. Friday, June 2nd 6pm: Kid Campfire Songs - Join Sydney at the campground amphitheater for a time of fun camp songs to sing together. Recommended for kids of all ages. 30 min.   Saturday, June 3rd Cave Celebration Day! 9am:  Hidden…

CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS 90TH CELEBRATION The Civilian Conservation Corps made huge contributions to Spring Mill State Park. Honor them with us this weekend and learn about all of the interesting projects they completed during their time at the park. Friday, June 9th: · 6pm:  CCC History Hike—Join Anthony on a 20 minute stroll through the Pioneer Village to hear about some of the impact the CCC had on our village restoration.  Meet at the    Weaver’s Cabin. · 6:30pm:  Catered Dinner in the Grist…

WHISKEY TASTING IN THE VILLAGE Spring Mill State Park is excited to host the 2nd Whiskey Tasting in the Pioneer Village. Stroll through the village and visit the buildings where 8 different distilleries will be set up offering whiskey tasting. You must be 21 to attend. If coming from outside of the park, you must have a designated driver who is 21 or older. There is no charge for the DD. YOU MUST RSVP. Do so by calling 812-849-3534. For…

COMPARING SPRING MILL AND ROCKFORD David Nord, professor emeritus of journalism and adjunct professor emeritus of history at Indiana University, brings us a very special presentation during Limestone Month! Meet with us to learn about some very interesting similarities and differences between two towns in Southern Indiana - Mitchell and Seymour - and how flour milling and the railroad correlate. Yep - that's what we said - "flour" and "the railroad". This should be interesting! This event will be held…

LIMESTONE WEEKEND Limestone plays a big role in the architecture and landscape of Spring Mill State Park and Lawrence County. The history of limestone in this area can be traced back many generations. This weekend, visitors can learn more about limestone while participating in fun events brought to you by the Park Naturalists. *More info to come Park Entry Fees May Apply

SPRING MILL STATE PARK Celebrate Independence Day the ol' fashioned way at Spring Mill State Park! We've got games, crafts, demonstrations and more! SATURDAY All Day - Games on the Mill Lawn, Covered Wagon Photo Op, Meet Pearl at the Print Shop 11 AM - Hog Caller Contest | Upper Residence in Pioneer Village 11:45 AM - History of Weaving | Weavers Cabin in Pioneer Village 12:30 PM - Lemonade & Cookies | Meeting House in Pioneer Village 1:00 PM - Abraham…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS FRIDAY 9AM - Trail 4 Nature Preserve Hike Meet Tony at Donaldson Cave parking lot for a hike on Trail 4 and 7. We'll talk about the history, flora and fauna of the trail. 90 min. Moderate hike. 8:30 PM - Bat Night Hike Meet Sydney at the Twin Caves parking lot to hike down to Twin and Bronson Caves to learn about Indiana bats and maybe even see some! .75 mile rugged hike. 1 hour. Flashlights…

GUS GRISSOM DAYS This weekend is dedicated to Lawrence County astronaut, Virgil I. Grissom - known as "Gus". Grissom grew up in Mitchell, Indiana and went on to become one of the first Americans to fly into space. He will always be remembered in our hometown and nation-wide! Join us for fun space and NASA related events at Spring Mill State Park this weekend! *More info to come Park Entry Fees May Apply

Friday, August 4th 2:00pm:  Nature Talk with the Naturalist - Swing by the Ordinary at the Village to see what nature mystery items Naturalist Jill has on display.  1 hour. 9pm: Full Moon Hike- Meet Anthony at the Donaldson Cave parking lot for a moderate night hike under August’s Full Sturgeon Moon!.  2.25 miles.  1.5 hours.   Saturday, August 5th 9am:  Lime Kiln Hike – Join Tony on a rugged off-trail hike to a late 1800 lime kiln. Discover how…

HERITAGE DAY Heritage Days are a fun way to explore the way Pioneers lived and played back in the 1800s. QUILT SHOW August 6 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm During this event, quilts are presented all throughout the Pioneer Village. See them draped over the fences and hanging from the sides of the cabins. *More info to come Park Entry Fees May Apply

CHILDRENS OUTDOOR DAY Have you ever read our Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights? http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/7243.htm Bring your little ones to do everything on it! Pick up a Bill of Rights and program schedule the day of at the main gate or at the Lakeview Activity Center. Saturday, August 12th All programs located at the Lakeview Activity Center unless stated next to program. Adult must be present with children at all programming. 10am: Fishing Activity 10:30am-3pm:  Fishing with Family.  Everyone under 18…

VINTAGE CAMPER RALLY The Spring Mill State Park Campground is full of vintage campers this weekend! *More info to come Park Entry Fee May Apply

FIBER ARTS A weekend all about the fiber arts at Spring Mill State Park. *More info to come

CANDLELIGHT TOUR The Candlelight Tour is the kickoff to the Mitchell Persimmon Festival and is brought to you by Tri Kappa of Mitchell. Tour the Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park by candlelight.

SATURDAY OCT. 7 • Yarn doll demonstration, get a kit to make one. • Join in the fun of the pie eating contest • Hog Calling contest to win a prize • See how wheat weaving is done and find out the history of this harvest craft • Learn about weaving and pick up a weaving craft • Make a fall colored bracelet while learning to make cord SUNDAY OCT. 8 • Corn husk doll making demonstration pick up a…

CAMPSITE DECORATING CONTEST One of the more looked forward to events of the year, the Campsite Decorating Contest is when almost every site in the Campground at Spring Mill State Park is decorated.

HAUNTED VILLAGE The Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park is turned into a spooky spectacle during the Haunted Village! Limited numbers available. More info to come

SCARECROW WEEKEND Spend the weekend at Spring Mill State Park for Scarecrow Weekend. October 21st: Build a scarecrow and place it in the village, carve a pumpkin, make a cornhusk scarecrow, make a rag doll ghost, and/or make a leather craft.  Times for these fun fall activities will be posted in the village the day of the event.  Village closes at 3pm to prepare for Haunted Village. 3:30pm:  Costume Parade in the campground - Dress up in costume and arrive…

HOLIDAY IN THE VILLAGE Celebrate the holidays during this event at Spring Mill State Park. Take a step back in time and experience what a holiday in the early 1800's might have felt like! The Pioneer Village will be full of cheer and celebration - a welcoming place to spend a cool December day! Warm up with cozy food and wassail as you stroll through each cabin.

LIGHT SHOW If you have ever joined us at the Spring Mill State Park Campground for the Haunted Campground - you HAVE to see this! A light show like you have never seen will happen on the weekend of Holiday in the Village! Campsites will be filled with bright Christmas lights and decor for everyone to see. Load up the family and enjoy the show! This is a drive-through event. $5 per Vehicle *more info to come*

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS This weekend, the Spring Mill State Park naturalists have lined up some hiking programs. On these hikes, ranging from easy to rugged, you will learn about caves, birds and even old Christmas traditions! Take a look below:   Saturday, December 9th 1pm:  Donaldson Cave Hike – Join the Naturalist for a hike into the upper portion of Donaldson Cave.  Learn about Spring Mill’s cave systems, cave fauna, and more.  1.5 hours.  Partially Rugged.  Meet by Sycamore Shelter 6:30pm: …

Guided rugged cave hikes at Spring Mill State Park.

Saturday, February 3rd 10am:  Cave River Valley Hike - Join Sheree for a 2-hour rugged hike at this beautiful and primitive natural area.  The history and natural resources are amazing!  Meet Sheree at Donaldson parking lot and carpool 15 miles to this off-site property. No restrooms on site.  Waterproof hiking boots recommended.  Creek crossing involved.  If you plan on meeting the guide at Cave River Valley and not at Donaldson Cave parking lot at Spring Mill, be sure to contact…

WEEKEND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Saturday, February 10th 1pm:  Donaldson Woods Winter Hike - Winter is a wonderful time to stroll through Donaldson Woods and clearly see the towering White Oak and Tulip Poplar trees!  Join Anthony on an afternoon hike through the old growth forest and learn about the eccentric Scotsman that the woods are named after.  Meet at the Twin Caves parking lot. Partially rugged 30-minute hike. 2pm:  Donaldson Cave hike – Discover more interesting facts about George Donaldson, eccentric…

CIVIL WAR WINTER BATTLE Reenactors, dressed in confederate and union clothing, flood the Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park to demonstrate a battle in the Civil War. Visitors will be able to hear the gun fire, smell the cannon smoke and get a small glimpse of what life was like in the Civil War days. Park Entry Fees May Apply More info to come*

RESIDENT SNAKES OF SPRING MILL Come learn about the importance of snakes in our environment and meet a couple of our resident snakes.  Meet in the upper level of the Lakeview Activity Center.  30 min. Park entry fees may apply.