Before he was the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln was a kid growing up in southern Indiana. From ages 7 to 21, he was shaped by his experiences in the forests and farmlands of our state. Those formative moments from his childhood developed him into our country's leader. Learn a few stories from Abe's childhood and consider how your own childhood has influenced you.

Learn about the events and projects supported by the Friends of Lincoln State Park volunteers and follow them on Facebook.

Get your tickets from the Lincoln Amphitheater for Lincoln productions and the summer concert series. The 2026 season launches February 3.

Learn more about the post office in Santa Claus, IN, and its sweet history.

Buy IN the Parks stickers and support the podcast! At buymeacoffee.com/intheparksonline

Any mistakes are my own.

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Travel to the southwest corner of Indiana to visit Harmonie State Park! We'll learn about their big trees, the park's features, how several groups tried to create harmony on earth here, and the charming town of New Harmony. We also discover how Harmonie is part of the story of Indiana's state insect, Say's Firefly. (Here's a ton more info about fireflies!)

In New Harmony, I highly recommend a visit to the Indiana State Museum New Harmony Historic Site. In town, you definitely want to explore the cathedral labyrinth, visit the roofless church, and go to the Working Men’s Institute (Indiana’s oldest continuously operating library). The institute’s second floor is a museum of oddities including an 8-legged, 2-headed calf and a skeleton of a Civil War soldier’s horse!

To learn more about Lynn Faust and fireflies, check out this article and here’s a link to her book.

If you want to support the Friends of Harmonie, you can be a member for $20 a year for individuals and $35 a year for families. There are some perks for you too, so check out their website to learn more.

Any mistakes are my own.

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It's another special Holidays IN the Parks episode! Your shopping list, wish list, and holiday events are all taken care of! Listen now and you'll be in the know for the best gifts, activities, and family traditions.

Holiday Gifts

1. Purchase a 2026 state parks pass

2. Subscribe to Outdoor Indiana magazine

HOT TIP: Purchase the state parks Holiday Gift Pack (while supplies last)

3. Buy all the state parks merch and gear you need for next year

State Park Holiday Events

Pokagon – Ride the toboggan all winter

Chain O’ Lakes – Christmas Carol Clue Hunt

Ouabache – Wonderland of Lights and Santa Saturdays

Prophetstown – Head to The Farm for Breakfast with Santa or Christmas on the Farm

Mounds – Drive through Nights of Lights

Lieber SRA – Drive through Winter Lights display

Raccoon SRA - Visiting the Lost Canyon First Day Hike

Monroe Lake - Geminids Meteor Shower and First Day Trail Run & Walk

Spring Mill State Park – Join the Bedford Hiking Club for a volkswalk First Day Hike

Clifty Falls – Call Clifty Inn for Breakfast With the Grinch and Winter Weekend Getaway

O’Bannon Woods Events page

Any mistakes are my own.

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