Indiana’s Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept. 15 and 16

Media outlets wanting to attend the 4th annual Hoosier Outdoor Experience this weekend at Fort Harrison State Park are welcome but advised to contact the DNR Division of Communications in advance with their coverage plans or interests.

Advance notice is desirable because vehicle access into the park is restricted to event shuttle buses unless access has otherwise been permitted by the DNR. Please contact DNR Communications director Phil Bloom at (317) 232-4003 (office) or (317) 502-1683 (cell). If you decide to cover the event at the last minute, please call Phil Bloom at his cell number or assistant director Marty Benson at (317) 696-9812.

DNR staff may be available to escort you to event venues, or you can ride the free trolley shuttles, which may offer the chance to interview participants.

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is a one-of-a-kind event featuring more than 50 outdoor recreational activities available for visitors to try. More than 20,000 attended last year’s event, and an equal or larger crowd is expected this year.

Parking, entrance to Fort Harrison State Park, and all activities and transportation around the venue are free and support the event’s goal of connecting people to the outdoors.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15 and 16.

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is presented by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, with generous sponsorship support from foundations, businesses and conservation groups.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."