INNS and the OUTDOORS
Get away close to home at an Indiana State Park
Geothermal isn’t just about comfort. It’s about energy independence, grid resilience, and good jobs.
Geothermal heating and cooling doesn’t just make homes more comfortable and efficient— they’re powered by a domestic, underground energy source that’s available 24/7, rain or shine.
Made in the USA: Our geothermal systems are built right here in America, supporting advanced manufacturing jobs.
Grid-friendly: While AI, EVs, and data centers push power demand to new heights, geothermal helps reduce peak load—easing the burden on our utilities.
Job-creating: From HVAC contractors and well drillers or trenchers to engineers and architects, geothermal supports a wide network of high-paying, skilled jobs in every community it touches.
Geothermal isn’t just smart for homeowners. It’s smart for the country.
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from the editor
A fondness for our state parks
In this month’s feature story, we highlight Indiana’s great state parks. We’re lucky to have 24 state parks spread throughout the state. These parks offer plenty of green spaces and a variety of outdoor activities for every kind of Hoosier. They are also affordable to visit.
Growing up, I was fortunate to live close to McCormick’s Creek State Park in Spencer, Indiana. The park was the location of many family picnics and reunions at various shelter houses, as well as outdoor adventures for my Girl Scout troop (Troop 595 forever). In high school, my friends and I would often spend long afternoons at McCormick’s Creek, walking the trails and trying to squeeze through the narrow caverns of Wolf Cave. You couldn’t beat getting a car full of teenagers into the park for under $10.
Turkey Run State Park was the site of a notorious family trip in which we unintentionally chose one of the toughest trails for a walk through the woods. My cousins and I were all 10 or younger at the time. My grandpa later claimed he thought we would never make it out. If any of you have experienced the ladder trail there, you understand his concern.
The Indiana Dunes are also close to my heart. I have a friend whose family is from Chesterton, and we took many summer trips to visit them and spend time at the beach. The dunes are amazing in person, and I encourage you to make the trip north to see them yourself.
I still have many state parks to visit, but I hope to see all 24 someday. Which one is your favorite? Send me an email and tell me why at bdavis@indianaec.org
Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org
On the menu: July: Submit your favorite bread recipes, deadline May 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Giveaway: Enter to win a $50 annual entrance pass, courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is April 30.
Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, letters, and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032.
VOLUME 75 • NUMBER 10 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340
Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives
Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 320,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. The average printed and mailed cost per issue is 54 cents.
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Let’s go! Let’s grow!
After a particularly brutal winter, donning our gardening gloves and working the soil seems especially enticing this spring. Be sure, though, to plan and prep before you plant. And, consider getting the kids involved when you’re out in the garden. It’s a great way to “grow” the next generation of gardeners!
Get ready to get planting
If you haven’t started on your spring gardening tasks, it’s not too late. But before you begin the actual planting portion of your springtime tradition, take some time to do your prep work.
Tune up your tools
Make sure your hand tools — like shovels, trowels, and hoes — are up to the task. If they aren’t — let's say they have dry or cracked handles, or are rusty — you may be able to spruce them up a bit.
Sand down wooden handles and rub them with linseed oil. Remove rust by putting tools into spare plastic containers then sprinkling baking soda directly on the discolored parts. Gently pour white vinegar over them. Let sit for five minutes, then rinse and wipe dry.
Sharpen your hand pruners. Buy new tools if necessary. Also, make note of what tools are missing and head to your local gardening or hardware store to purchase them.
Clear out flower beds
Remove dead leaves, fallen branches, and any other winter debris from the area where you’re planning to plant annual flowers and veggies. You can also cut back and clear away last year’s dried foliage. In general, if you keep your garden beds clean, you’ll also keep pesky pests at bay.
Plan for planting
It’s a smart idea to plan for any new beds or structures you’d like to create in the upcoming months. Regardless of where you are, if you live near power lines, talk with those at your electric co-op about how far any structures should be from these lines before building or making any final design decisions for your garden.
From home to garden
Upcoming gardening shows to inspire you
MONROE COUNTY MASTER GARDENER GARDEN FAIR
April 11, Bloomington, Switchyard Park Pavilion mcmga.net
THE GARDEN CLUB OF INDIANA 94TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
April 14-15, Michigan City, Blue Chip Casino gardenclubofindiana.org/events
AMERICAN DAFFODIL SOCIETY NATIONAL SHOW AND CONVENTION
April 22-25, Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden daffodilusa.org
INDIANA PEONY FESTIVAL
May 16, Noblesville, Seminary Park indianapeonyfestival.com
These hacks prove everyday household items can be just as handy in the garden.
Fill planters with water bottles
To make any large, heavy planter a little lighter and easier to manage, fill the pot halfway with leftover empty plastic water bottles before topping it all with soil. The filler reduces the amount of soil you’ll need and helps provide drainage.
Use foil to shoo away birds
Because our feathered friends are generally scared of shiny, noisy things, try tying a few strips of aluminum foil from the branches of your fruit-bearing trees to help save your bounty from birdies.
Save your milk jugs
A gallon-sized plastic milk jug can easily be transformed into a scoop to help distribute fertilizer granules or potting soil. Just cut the top of the jug off at a forward-slanting diagonal.
Flowers good enough to eat
How does your garden grow? If you like to experiment with different flavors, ingredients, and beautiful presentations, you may want to plant and add edible flowers to your dishes and drinks. Below are descriptions of easy-to-grow plants bearing edible flowers. These are best grown among your vegetables or in containers. Be sure to label them at planting time, especially if you grow them in a garden bed with non-edible flowers.
IMPORTANT NOTES
• Not all flowers are edible! Some are poisonous, including common garden flowers like datura and foxglove.
• Be mindful of possible allergic reactions. Those with seasonal allergies may want to avoid eating flowers.
• Make sure that the flowers and nearby plants haven't been treated with pesticides.
• When introducing children to edible flowers, offer them in small quantities, one type at a time.
• In most cases, eat only the petals. Avoid eating the pistils and stamens, which are often bitter and may contain pollen that can trigger allergic reactions.
GROWING GUIDE
• Harvest flowers in the morning after the dew has dried.
• If possible, eat the flowers soon after they're picked. They can be stored in the refrigerator for several days if you gently wrap them in a moist paper towel and place in a sealed bag or airtight container.
• Harvest flowers regularly to encourage the plants to continue blooming.
All of these plants are annuals that grow for one season, with the exception of chives, which is a perennial that will live from year to year. All do best in well-drained soil in full sun.
Borage (Borago officinalis): The flowers have a faint, cucumber-like taste. Try scattering some atop a salad or freezing individual blossoms within ice cubes to add to summer drinks.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): Both the leaves and flowers of nasturtiums are edible, with a pleasantly peppery taste. Scatter them as a colorful accent in salads, atop frosted cakes, or anywhere a little color is needed.
Signet Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia; also called T. signata): The small, single flowers of the “Gem” marigold series are considered the best for eating. The flowers have a citrus scent and a slightly bitter taste with hints of citrus and spice.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis): Also called “pot marigold,” calendula blooms in a range of hues, including brilliant golden-yellow, orange, and red. A sprinkle of petals adds color and a touch of tang to soups and salads as well as rice, egg, and pasta dishes.
Johnny-Jump-Up (Viola tricolor): These dainty little violas bloom in early spring. Their violet, mauve, white, and yellow flowers have a wintergreen taste and make a lovely garnish.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): The lavender flower heads of this familiar perennial herb are edible; not surprisingly, they have a mild, oniony flavor similar to the edible leaves.
Decorate your cookies with edible flowers
Here’s how you — and the kids — can decorate cookies with edible flowers. They make a festive and colorful treat for celebrations, garden club events, fundraisers, and more.
What you’ll need
• A selection of colorful edible flowers and herbs (See list of edible flowers)
• Sugar cookie or shortbread dough of your choice — Need a recipe? Try brown sugar shortbread: goiec.org/4s7lMmm
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
Instructions
1. Gather edible flowers from your garden. Some great options include borage, chive flower, nasturtium, marigold, calendula, cornflower, and snapdragon. Adding mint leaves or lemon zest can also add exciting flavors and colors. NOTE: Be sure flowers haven’t been sprayed with pesticides.
2. Prepare your favorite sugar cookie or shortbread dough by rolling it out (generally around ¼-inch thick) and cutting it into the shape of your choice. Place the unbaked cookies on parchment paper 1-2 inches apart.
3. Remove the petals of each edible flower (and leaves of herbs if using). Decorate each cookie by gently pressing the petals/leaves into the top of the cookie. Cookies will expand in size and spread the designs during baking, so don’t shy away from covering the whole surface with petals! TIP: If you find that the petals aren’t sticking well to the dough, dip a finger in water and rub it across the top of the cookie before sticking them on.
4. If time allows, freezing the unbaked, decorated cookies for 12 to 24 hours will help the petals retain their vibrant colors while baking. If you are unable, cookies will still be beautiful but the colors will be slightly muted.
5. Bake according to your recipe, turning the baking sheet halfway through the total baking time. Allow to cool fully before enjoying.
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With its innovative design, modern comforts, and guest-focused philosophy, American Encore is not just a riverboat, it’s the finest expression of American river cruising ever built. Designed to host just 180 guests, American Encore features more square feet per guest than any other small cruise ship with the largest staterooms globally.
Ship
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT KEY TO THRIVING COMMUNITIES
Every community has its own unique attributes that make it attractive to new or expanding businesses. Those attributes are key for successful economic development — which leads to job creation and economic growth.
Electric cooperatives like yours work hand-in-hand with local and regional economic development corporations to foster growth and development opportunities. This is an important way to attract businesses and investments, and play a role in community planning and development initiatives that align with the growth that a community wants and needs.
Electric cooperatives offer potential commercial and industrial members the best applicable rate, meeting any specialized needs and simply providing businesses with the same reliable electric service that members receive in their homes.
Co-ops also invest in local infrastructure. That can go beyond
just basic electricity. It can include upgraded substations and distribution lines, site-ready industrial parks with power just waiting to be connected, broadband expansion, and even extra EV charging opportunities to help with logistics and workforce mobility.
Offering faster interconnection timelines as well as incentives for large loads may also entice businesses — in such diverse sectors as automotive, manufacturing, quarry/ mining, data centers, medical, retail, service industries, and education — to put down roots in a rural community.
Beyond that, co-ops may provide detailed site-selection data, load forecasts, and GIS mapping to ensure prospective investors have all the information required to make a wise decision.
Cooperatives can also support potential new businesses on the financing front, be it through a USDA
Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant or simply by helping to secure all available state or federal incentives. Additional incentives or rebates for energy efficiency and renewable energy-related efforts may also be available.
Local electric cooperatives thrive when their communities thrive, and economic development is key to both.
by Jeremy Bohn Energy and Member Service Advisor RushShelby Energy
In times of economic uncertainty—when inflation rises, markets fluctuate, and long-term financial stability feels less predictable—many investors turn to gold as a dependable store of value. By holding a portion of your wealth in gold, you can help safeguard your portfolio and preserve long-term financial security, even when broader economic conditions are unclear.
Since 2015, gold has surged over 400% — outpacing both the S&P 500 and the Dow during the same period.
American Gold Reserve is releasing government-issued $5 Gold American Eagles completely free of dealer markup for only $529 each. These beautiful $5 Gold American Eagles are a perfect way to enter the gold market. Set for immediate public release, availability is limited and supplies are expected to sell out quickly.
county feature
Madison County
Madison County honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a statue of the civil rights leader. Midwestern sculptor Kenneth Ryden designed the 8-foot-tall bronze figure. King’s son, Martin Luther King III, attended the statue’s dedication ceremony in 1988.
A COLORFUL INDIANA ICON
Alexandria, Indiana, is home to the World’s Largest Ball of Paint. On Jan. 1, 1997, Michael Carmichael and his son dipped a baseball in baby blue paint and kept adding layers. Over the years, the ball has grown to weigh more than 11,600 pounds with over 30,000 coats in a variety of colors. After reaching 1,000 layers, it was displayed at the Knightstown Children’s Home before returning to Carmichael in 2003. Today, the paintball is housed in the Carmichaels’ “Ball House,” where visitors from across the country and around the world — including Ukraine, Japan, and New Zealand — come to see it. Guests can choose a paint color to add their own layer and sign the surrounding walls with their name and date.
INDIANA’S ANCIENT EARTHWORKS
Each year, around 400,000 people visit Mounds State Park near Anderson, Indiana, to see its 10 ceremonial earthworks built by the prehistoric Adena and Hopewell cultures. The park’s largest earthwork, the Great Mound, measures nearly 400 feet in diameter and is believed to have been constructed around 160 B.C. These mounds served as sacred spaces dedicated to the Sun God and Earth Mother, where people gathered for rituals, ceremonies, and astronomical observations to mark the changing seasons. Today, visitors can also explore the park’s six hiking trails and fish along the White River.
HOME OF THE LITTLE 500
Originally constructed in 1947, the Anderson Speedway is a high-banked oval track with 17-degree turns — nearly double the 9.2-degree banking of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Since 1949, it has held the annual Little 500 sprint car race on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Known as one of the premier wingless asphalt sprint car races, the Little 500 mimics the Indianapolis 500’s setup with 11 rows of three cars. Drivers complete 500 laps totaling 125 miles, which is an unusually long distance compared to most sprint car races that typically range from 10 to 50 miles.
By Nicole Thomas
COUNTY FACTS
FOUNDED: 1823
NAMED FOR: James Madison, the fourth president of the United States
POPULATION: 130,129
COUNTY SEAT: Anderson INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 48
Anderson
Alexandria
Photo by Rick Kimball
Photo by Chris Light
Photo by Daniel “Porch” Church
New look next month
We’re
It’s been
and
and
MARKETPLACE
Our Marketplace offers maximum exposure for your business or organization at a minimal cost.
Britt Davis, bdavis@indianaec.org, for other small business advertising opportunities in Indiana Connection.
Indiana eats
HOMETOWN HOSPITALITY delivered from scratch
By Chris Adam
Good food served in a comfortable atmosphere makes Fenwick’s Scratch Kitchen and Taproom the place to go in Rensselaer. Those in the community flock to Fenwick’s because of its seasonal menu of family recipes made with fresh ingredients. But Fenwick’s success can also be attributed to its ability to alter course and evolve during the pandemic.
A CHANGE OF PLANS
According to co-owner Kenny VanHouten, Fenwick’s opened as a nano-brewery in 2017 — one of the smallest licensed breweries in the state at the time. Shortly after it launched, the restaurant space next door became available, and Fenwick’s expanded into a full brewpub. “It was a natural extension of what people were already enjoying about
us — good beer, good food, and a comfortable place to gather,” VanHouten said. Then the pandemic happened and everything changed. “In 2024, we made the decision to cease brewing operations and operate as a full restaurant, allowing us to focus all our energy on food, hospitality, and the guest experience.”
A SENSE OF HOMETOWN PRIDE
Fenwick’s stands out because real work goes into the food — the kind you can taste, VanHouten said. A large portion of the menu is made from scratch, from fresh burgers and handcut steaks to house-made sauces and dressings.
“We prioritize quality over shortcuts, and we stay committed to serving dishes that feel crafted rather than mass-produced,” he said. “Beyond the food, people tell us they appreciate
Photos courtesy of Fenwick’s
Among the favorites on the Fenwick’s menu is its hand-cut ribeye steak, served here with a baked potato and house salad.
Good food, good beer, and a comfortable place to gather make Fenwick’s the place to go in Rensselaer.
Adding crispy bacon to Fenwick’s Finest Burger takes it to the next level.
that Fenwick’s feels like a place ‘with a heartbeat.’ It’s casual, welcoming, and geared toward connection — whether that’s a family dinner, a night out with friends, or just a place to unwind after work.”
He said folks appreciate that Fenwick’s stayed committed to the community through tough seasons and they often hear that they’re the “easy choice” for both everyday meals and special gettogethers.
“There’s a sense of hometown pride around Fenwick’s, and that’s something we don’t take lightly,” VanHouten said. “Fenwick’s is about good food, done right, and served in a place where people feel comfortable being themselves. We’re here to bring the community together over plates that are made with intention and delivered with hometown hospitality.”
You can’t go wrong with a basket of Fenwick’s wings.
Built Stronger. Lasts Longer. Looks Better.
Be mindful when driving through work zones
Work zones are among the most dangerous places on the road. According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, 269 people have died in work zone crashes in the past 10 years. In 2023 alone, 33 people were killed and more than 1,750 were injured in INDOT work zones.
Work zones don’t only involve highway construction. They also include utility crews who work along the roadside to build, maintain, and repair electric infrastructure. Crews may be working around the next bend, over a hill, or during overnight hours.
“Our crews already face dangerous conditions in their work,” said John Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives.
“We ask drivers to slow down, stay alert, and give them space to return home safely.”
MOTORISTS SHOULD:
Watch for orange work zone signs, flaggers, and vehicles with flashing lights.
Slow down and be prepared for sudden stops.
Never stop in the roadway. This can trigger rear-end collisions.
Indiana’s “move over” law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles stopped along the roadway if it is safe to do so. If not, drivers must reduce speed at least 10 mph below the limit and proceed with caution. While the law specifically applies to
emergency vehicles, motorists should extend the same courtesy to all roadside workers.
Violations carry steep penalties including fines, suspended licenses, or jail time if workers are injured or killed.
Rear-end crashes are the most common type of work zone accident and four out of five people killed in these crashes nationally are motorists and passengers. The time saved by speeding is minimal — traveling two miles at 65 mph instead of 45 mph only saves one minute.
Slowing down protects both roadside workers and drivers.
Sources: nwzaw.org, in.gov/indot/safety/ work-zone-safety
Indiana’s work zone law
Indiana imposes strict penalties for driving infractions in highway work zones:
First-time citations for speeding in a work zone: $300 FINE
Second offense within three years: $500 FINE
Third offense within three years: $1,000 FINE
Reckless or aggressive driving in a work zone: UP
Causing injury or death to a worker:
The law is designed to protect not only highway crews but also utility workers and others performing critical jobs along roadways.
Collectors LOVE “firsts” as no collection is complete without the very first coin. First-year coins are almost always the most coveted coins and the 1964 First Year Silver Kennedy Half Dollar is no exception, especially when you consider the coin has been struck for over 60 years! But there’s something else that makes the First-Year 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar hoarded by all.
THE ONLY SILVER KENNEDY STRUCK IN 90% SILVER
What makes the 1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar stand out is its silver composition. While Silver Kennedy Half Dollars were issued from 1964-1970, the 1964 Silver Half is the ONLY YEAR made in 90% silver!
PUBLIC RELEASE - ONLY 1,193 COINS AVAILABLE
Rarcoa®, America’s Oldest Coin Company, is announcing the public release of 1,193 of the very first year and only 90% silver year, 1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollars. What may be even more impressive is that each coin is in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, pristine as the day they were released.
SOLD NATIONALLY FOR AS MUCH AS $103
This same 1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar sells nationally for as much as $103. But thanks to Rarcoa’s buying power and deep numismatic expertise, you won’t have to pay $103.
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Coffee break
From morning cup to secret ingredient: Cooking with coffee
COFFEE CREME BRULEE
4 egg yolks at room temperature
¾ cup sugar, divided
1½ cups heavy cream, divided
1 Tbsp instant coffee
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup finely crushed chocolatecovered espresso beans (optional)
Preheat oven to 300 F. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and 6 Tbsp sugar with a whisk for 1 minute until smooth. In a medium bowl, combine coffee and ½ cup heavy cream. Whisk until smooth, then add remaining heavy cream and whisk until well blended. Add coffee/cream mixture and vanilla to egg yolks and gently fold together with a rubber spatula. Use a ladle to pour mixture into four individual ramekins filled ¾ of the way to the top. Place ramekins in a roasting pan and pour water into the pan (around the ramekins, not into them) or until it reaches halfway up the side of the ramekins. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the brulee jiggles slightly when you shake the pan. Adjust baking time as necessary to ensure creme brulees are sufficiently set up. Remove pan from the oven and allow the heat of the water to finish the cooking process. Allow ramekins to sit for 20-30 minutes until cooled and fully solidified. Sprinkle 1½ Tbsp of sugar over each brulee, then use a small culinary torch to caramelize the sugar.
NOTE: If you don't have a culinary torch, you can also caramelize the sugar by placing the roasting pan just under your oven's broiler, but watch closely to prevent scorching. You can also add a little extra coffee flavor as well as crunch by allowing the caramelized sugar to cool then sprinkling each brulee with ¼ cup of chocolate-covered espresso beans that have been finely crushed.
Laura Garza, Beech Grove
PORK TENDERLOIN WITH COFFEE RUB
Shirley Dowell, North Vernon
1 lb pork tenderloin
1 Tbsp instant espresso powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Trim any excess fat off the tenderloin. In a small bowl, mix the espresso powder, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar and pour onto a large plate. Place the tenderloin on top of the rub and roll it several times while pressing gently to coat the entire surface with the rub. Cover the tenderloin with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Unwrap the tenderloin after 1 hour and sprinkle with salt and pepper on all sides. Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly coat a large saute pan with olive oil and preheat to piping hot. Add the tenderloin to the pan and sear just long enough to brown on each side
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp brown sugar
Olive oil for searing
Salt and pepper
— approximately 30-60 seconds for each surface. Place tenderloin in a shallow pan and roast in the oven 15-20 minutes until cooked thoroughly. Slice and serve immediately.
NOTE : When you place the tenderloin in the saute pan, you should hear a loud sizzling sound. If you don't, the pan is not hot enough. Remove the tenderloin and continue preheating the pan. Cooking at a lower temperature will prevent searing the rub onto the meat and a lot of the rub will be left in the pan, resulting in less flavor and texture on the tenderloin.
1 cup solid packed pumpkin puree
⅔ cup light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1½ cups cold espresso or strong coffee
1 package (about 24) lady finger cookies
Cocoa powder for topping
In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, brown sugar, vanilla, mascarpone, and spices until combined. Set aside. In another mixing bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks just barely form. Don't overbeat or you will form butter. Fold whipped cream into pumpkin mix just until combined. Set aside. Pour espresso into a bowl. Dip lady fingers in espresso to cover both sides. Don't oversoak the cookies. Arrange one layer of cookies in the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch square glass or plastic pan. You may have to cut the cookies to fit into the pan. Spread half of the pumpkin mix over the soaked cookies. Repeat for a second layer. Sift cocoa powder over the tiramisu. Cover and chill at least 4 hours to set.
PUMPKIN TIRAMISU Yvonne Bertke, St. Meinrad
Indiana State Park INNS and the OUTDOORS
Get away close to home at an
By Brian D. Smith
Winter’s done and spring’s begun. Tired of living on the run?
Maybe it’s time for a breather — nothing grandiose, just a getaway that’s not too long, not too far, and not horrendously pricey. A placid place surrounded by woods, water, and wildlife.
Here’s the good news: There’s room at the inns. Of the 24 Indiana State Parks, seven offer overnight accommodations, and they’ll soon be joined by an eighth, Potato Creek. Spanning the state from the extreme northeast to the Ohio River, they feature more than 600 rooms for around $85 to $250 per night — with
consecutive-date discounts of twofor-one in the winter and 25 percent in the spring and fall on select nights. (Information: 877-LODGES-1 and in.gov/dnr/state-parks.)
Long-term planners, take note: Room reservations can be made as early as two years before your preferred date. “And the best part about that is that rates are set for what they are now,” said Christopher Fouke, business development manager for Indiana State Park Inns. “So, the earlier you book, the less it’s going to be.”
Don’t limit yourself to warm weather. Today’s state parks are year-round destinations packed with natural and manmade attractions, making it easy to create a plan for all seasons.
Heavy snow and frozen lakes bring out the skis, skates, sleds, and snowshoes at Pokagon, not to mention 30 mph runs on the park’s iconic toboggan. Spring rains feed the four waterfalls at Clifty Falls. Summer finds Fort Harrison’s nationally acclaimed public golf course in full swing. And nothing says autumn like a leaf-peeping trek to Brown County.
Nor should wicked weather put a damper on your great escape. Parents with cooped-up kids can take their bouncing brood to a game room or an indoor pool, while adults seeking less kinetic endeavors can curl up in a library, a wildlife observation area, or a fireplace-toasted lounge on chilly days.
A springtime bike ride along one of Fort Harrison State Park’s trails is one way to enjoy the natural beauty at this former U.S. Army post. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources.)
Sound appealing? Read on for a deeper dive into the seven inns and the state parks that host them. You’ll find enough possibilities to turn your in-state excursion into an inside-thepark home run.
BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK
Brown State Park County joined the Hoosier parks system in 1929, but its condition during the Great Depression was greatly depressing. A deforested tangle of weeds and briars, it regained its sylvan splendor through the tireless tree-planting of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
This 15,815-acre expanse ranks as Indiana’s largest state park — more than 10 times the size of Clifty Falls or Spring Mill — and with 1.5 million visitors per year, second only to Indiana Dunes in popularity. Fall foliage draws the masses, but its yearround offerings include 150 miles of roads and trails accommodating legs and wheels of two and four.
Hikers can choose from 13 paths leading to destinations such as the Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve, home to the Indiana-endangered yellowwood tree. The saddle barn caters to horse lovers with guided trail rides and pony rides for all ages. Mountain bikers regard the park as one of the Midwest’s best destinations. And your family car will take you to an 1838 covered bridge, an hour-long audio tour, and the scenic Seven Vista Challenge.
Fishing, boating, tennis, and pickleball await guests on suitable days. And if it’s damp outside, you can get damper inside at the Abe Martin Inn aquatic center, home of a water slide and zero-entry (gradually sloping)
Brown County State Park, Indiana’s largest state park, features 150 miles of roads and trails. The park is located in Nashville, Indiana.
swimming pool. The 84-room inn, which also rents cabins, is named after an early-20th-century comic character from Brown County who dispensed homespun wisdom such as, “A good listener is usually thinking about something else.”
Pro tip: For a drone’s-eye view of the park, climb the 90-foot fire tower, built in 1930.
Fort Harrison State Park is located just minutes from downtown Indianapolis. Visitors can enjoy outdoor pastimes like fishing, hiking, golf, and horseback riding.
FORT HARRISON STATE PARK
During its 90 years as a U.S. Army post, Fort Benjamin Harrison remained off-limits to most outsiders — particularly unescorted women, who in earlier times were stopped, questioned, and shown the front gate if they lacked authorization. Then, in 1996, Fort Ben became Fort Has-Ben, trading its military stripes for civilian
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life as a 1,744-acre state park that retained 70% of the original property.
Today, more than a million visitors a year are discovering the secrets of Fort Harrison State Park, situated nine miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis in suburban Lawrence.
Start with The Fort Golf Resort, a Pete Dye-designed layout that once ranked third on Golf Digest’s “Best Affordable New Public Courses” list. Originally nine holes and expanded to 18 in 1972, the former GI links remain one of Indiana’s best.
For history buffs, the Museum of 20th Century Warfare displays artifacts from former Fort Harrison soldiers, and two districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places invite exploration. Military history even encompasses the lodgings — the 28-
room Fort Harrison Inn was a post hospital, and the Harrison House and Officer Homes accommodated visiting brass.
The roll call of activities includes 15 miles of hiking trails (one paved), guided horseback rides, picnicking, fishing, and on snowy days, sledding on a popular hill — possibilities well worth saluting.
Pro tip: A 10-acre dog park, accessible only from the north, contains three separate play areas.
POKAGON STATE PARK
For most Hoosiers, the easiest way to reach Pokagon State Park is to head north on I-69 and exit four miles before you run out of Indiana. The 1,260acre Steuben County property tucks into the state’s northeast corner like a kitchen tile wedged between Michigan and Ohio.
This is lake country, a gift of the glaciers that melted 15,000 years ago, and as Indiana counties go, Steuben is one of the “lake-iest” with more than 100. Pokagon visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on Lake James — the state’s third-largest natural freshwater lake – along with its two beaches.
Pokagon (pronounced “Po-KAY-gun”), which turned 100 last year, was originally known as Lake James State Park until its 1937 relabeling to honor Leopold and Simon Pokagon, fatherand-son leaders of the Potawatomi (“Pot-a-WOT-a-me”) tribe. The namesake Potawatomi Inn offers 126 rooms plus cabins, and guests can access 14 miles of trails, bicycle rental, and a saddle barn.
In winter the park comes alive with cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoes. Indoor offerings include
Though Pokagon State Park in Angola may be best known for its wintertime toboggan run, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on Lake James during warm weather. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources.)
a pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a game room, two restaurants, and several fireplaces.
But Pokagon’s claim to fame is its toboggan, initially constructed in 1935 by the CCC. Sleds on two tracks slide from a 30-foot tower onto the quarter-mile course, which plunges 90 vertical feet.
It’s all downhill from there.
Pro tip: For an outdoor workout (and a souvenir for completion), try the Hell’s Point Challenge, an eight-mile hike with an 84-step climb to the park’s highest spot.
CLIFTY FALLS STATE PARK
Eleanor Roosevelt slept here. En route from Lexington, Kentucky, to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1934, she and two female companions found lodgings at the Clifty Inn — where, clutching a pair of binoculars, the First Lady glimpsed the Ohio River from the 400-foot bluffs.
The same spectacular view comes free with any stay at Clifty Falls State Park, along with access to four
waterfalls and the city of Madison, whose 133 downtown blocks form a National Historic Landmark district. No wonder the late TV reporter Charles Kuralt — known for his “On the Road” segments with CBS Evening News — dubbed Madison “the most beautiful river town in America.” Meanwhile, USA Today readers have voted it the Best Small Town in the Midwest for the past two years.
Within the 1,519-acre park, history and hiking mingle in the traces of an
1850s railroad project that went off track before it ever got any. Scattered remnants lie along the 15 miles of trails — limestone bridge abutments, retaining walls, and a 600-foot tunnel that’s currently closed to all but the bats, frogs, and salamanders that call it home. Hikers can also tackle the Four Falls Challenge, a four-mile trek to every waterfall in the park and receive a souvenir sticker to document it.
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Hikers who complete a four-mile trek to the four waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison not only receive a souvenir sticker — they get to enjoy a spectacular view while doing it. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources.)
Springtime is one of the best times to take photos of Clifty Falls State Park’s waterfalls.
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The Clifty Inn encompasses 71 rooms classified as riverside or parkside, depending on the view, and The Falls restaurant serves homestyle delights such as the Hoosier Tenderloin and Fried Biscuits and Apple Butter. Other amenities include an indoor and Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and a sun porch.
Pro tip: Waterfalls vary from a roar to a trickle depending on recent
precipitation, so you’ll likely find them at their most photogenic in winter and spring.
MCCORMICK’S CREEK STATE PARK
They called it “the Grand Canyon of Indiana” when McCormick’s Creek State Park opened in 1916. And it was no accident that the dedication of this first state park took place on July 4 during the centennial year of Indiana statehood, to the accompaniment
of speeches, music, a picnic, and fireworks.
A century later, McCormick’s Creek is still worth celebrating — and there’s a lot more space to do it in. The park now encompasses almost 2,000 acres, more than five times its original 347, along with several other natural curiosities. Visitors can overnight at the 76-room Canyon Inn or a cabin and enjoy the restaurant, indoor pool, tennis courts, and a climbable fire tower.
From there it’s a short but rugged hike to the canyon and nearby waterfall — or a moderate jaunt to Wolf Cave and the Twin Bridges, naturally formed stone arches. Spelunkers should bring a flashlight and expect to do a belly crawl on a potentially muddy cave floor.
Unfortunately, a harsher side of nature — an EF-3 tornado in March 2023 — has left visible scars. Originating within the park, the 153-mph twister caused two fatalities, felled thousands of trees, and ravaged the campground and the Wolf Cave Nature Preserve. About four out of 11 miles of trails, all in the park’s northwest section, will remain closed indefinitely.
Pro tip: The old Statehouse Quarry, accessible by hiking trail, furnished limestone that formed the foundation of the state capitol during the late 19th century.
SPRING MILL STATE PARK
Spring Mill State Park is as old as pioneer times and as new as the space age — and you can sample both without leaving the park. Nature’s highlights are even older, including a parcel of virgin forest and several caves, one of which hosts underground boat tours.
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The star attraction at Spring Mill State Park’s Pioneer Village is a 200-year-old restored grist mill. The cornmeal sold there makes excellent cornbread. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources.)
At McCormick’s Creek State Park’s Canyon Inn, visitors can hike to the park’s canyon and nearby waterfall. The park is located in Spencer. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources.)
Your Water Heater Uses More Energy Than You Think.
A Heat Pump Water Heater Helps You Use Less Energy.
Running showers, laundry, and dishes adds up — fast. Your water heater is your home’s second largest energy user. That’s a big impact on your electric bill. With a Heat Pump Water Heater, you get the same comfort as your existing water heater using only a fraction of the energy, helping you save month after month.
To learn more about Heat Pump Water Heaters stop into Menards. Select stores will have the Richmond Mobile Showroom on site! Stop in from 9:00am to 3:30pm and talk with a Richmond Representative.
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At Pioneer Village, costumed interpreters re-enact 19th century life in about 20 historic buildings (most reconstructions and relocated originals), mimicking the Spring Mill community that once thrived here. The star attraction, a 200-year-old restored grist mill, resumed grinding corn a year ago after breaking down in 2021. It was rebuilt using tornado-toppled timber from McCormick’s Creek State Park.
A more recent pioneering past is honored at the Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom Memorial Museum, which features the Gemini 3 capsule and space suit used by the astronaut from nearby Mitchell. He perished in 1967 when fire broke out inside Apollo 1.
Elsewhere on the 1,358-acre property, Spring Mill Inn offers 71 rooms plus cabins, along with the Millstone Dining Room and a swimming pool. Guests can also enjoy the 11 miles of hiking trails, the two-mile mountain bike trail, and basketball and tennis courts. And one of the park’s three nature preserves, named for the Mitchell Karst Plain, recognizes the unusual topography of the area — “a limestone plain riddled like Swiss cheese with sinkholes,” in the words of WLFI-TV, Lafayette.
Pro tip: The grist mill grinds corn on weekends from late April through October, and the resulting cornmeal — sold by the bag at Spring Mill — is a coarser-than-store-bought kind that makes excellent cornbread.
TURKEY RUN STATE PARK
With a little more luck, Indiana’s second state park might have become its first. And with a little less luck, it might have become veneer.
Find breathtaking views on your hike at Turkey Run State Park in Marshall.
The park offers 14 miles of trails for visitors to explore. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources.)
ONE PASS, ENDLESS ADVENTURES.
Purchase your Indiana State Park Entrance Pass at stores.innsgifts.com/permits
The state tried to buy Turkey Run State Park’s original 288 acres of predominantly virgin forest at auction in May 1916, but couldn’t beat a $30,200 bid by Hoosier Veneer Co. To the rescue came a groundswell of donors, including the owners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the resulting $40,200 offer closed the deal.
Today, the park is a 2,400-acre geological wonderland, with 14 miles of trails through sandstone ravines and gorges sculpted by glacial meltwater. Colorfully named geological features — Punch Bowl, Ice Box, Camel’s Back, and Gypsy Gulch — invite exploration. And while some trails are rated “rugged” or “very rugged,” it’s a risk/reward prospect,
as evidenced by Midwest Living magazine’s 2023 choice of ladderequipped Trail 3 as the “Best Hike in the Midwest.”
The park abounds with manmade treasures, too: Two covered bridges, a coal mine, a log church, and a suspension bridge across Sugar Creek, which divides the park. There’s even a planetarium. Turkey Run Inn has 61 rooms plus cabins, along with the Narrows Restaurant and an indoor heated pool.
Just don’t go looking for running turkeys.
Pro tip: Trails can get waterlogged, muddy, and slippery, so bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots with treads.
EVENT GUIDE
EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
APRIL 18
St. Mary-of-the-Woods | Various locations spsmw.org
Nature shows and earth-related craft activities for all ages, spinning/weaving/felting demonstrations, visits with the alpacas, food, and craft vendors. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. No admission charge.
WHITESTOWN VIKING FEST
APRIL 24-26
Whitestown | Anson Acres Park whitestown.in.gov/parks-events
Step into a Norse adventure with Viking villages, battle reenactments, live entertainment, and food. Admission charge.
CROSSROADS ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL
APRIL 24-25
Seymour | Downtown crossroadsacousticfest.com
Americana music, food, drinks, and artist merchandise. Admission charge.
MANSFIELD MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
APRIL 24-26
Mansfield | Hilltop Farm coveredbridgemansfield.com
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LANESVILLE HERITAGE WEEKEND
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Lanesville | Lanesville Heritage Park lanesvilleheritageweekend.com
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Mushroom auctions, live music, vendors, and food. Car show on Sunday. Camping available. No admission charge.
Travel through the scenic countryside via tractor and enjoy lunch. Snacks and lunch provided. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $30 with all proceeds benefiting the Crusade for Children.
FAIRY, GNOME, AND TROLL FESTIVAL
MAY 16
Kendallville | Downtown kendallvillemainstreet.com
Art, craft, and food vendors; storytime with Tinkerbell; fairy tea party; meet a unicorn; and sword fighting comedy. No admission charge.
GIS REVOLUTIONIZES HOW HOOSIER ENERGY SERVES ITS MEMBERS
In today’s digital age, generation and transmission cooperatives like Hoosier Energy have become increasingly data driven. Since, until recently, that data resided in a variety of forms and locales, cohesiveness was elusive.
However, over the past two years, Hoosier Energy’s transmission assets and scheduling team has set out to unify that information — from vegetation management to line to substation to meter relay to communications. How? By using a geographic information system (GIS).
GIS essentially creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data by connecting location information with descriptive attributes.
Initially managed by an outside contractor, the GIS is now under the watchful eye of Jason Santana, Hoosier Energy’s GIS and enterprise asset management (EAM) coordinator. He’s been able to take what GIS software company Esri provides and customize it to meet the needs of Hoosier Energy, including writing custom scripts and designing dashboards for not only Hoosier, but its members.
It all falls under the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), allowing work to be shared across all platforms.
The rollout process has grown over the past year as Santana created new tools, updated images and designed dashboards for each department.
Vegetation management and the right-of-way crews have used the GIS the longest due to the nature of their work. The line crews followed suit, and because of a continuous improvement request from the substation crews, they got involved with the GIS this past October. The rollout will continue with communications and meter relay.
While maps and locations are the first things that come to mind with the GIS, there’s much more to it. “It’s a repository of information, it’s a database, it’s a way to communicate,” Department Manager Jody Tindall said. “It’s a way to fill out forms, submit forms, create forms, without ever looking at a map.”
With the recent substation rollout, crews are now able to input pictures of a transformer and a serial number, or a regulator and its rating. Model numbers are available, so if something goes wrong, there’s no guessing or making a special trip to figure out which parts are needed. All anyone has to do is click the location on a map and pull up the assets.
The improvement in efficiency and available data is helping Hoosier Energy make better decisions and maximize the potential of its workforce moving forward.
While on the job at a substation, Hoosier Energy Substation Working Foreman Jared Bartlett, left, and GIS/EAM Coordinator Jason Santana access GIS information on an iPad.
ELECTRIC BILL INSIGHTS
The reason for higher winter bills
Ifyou opened your January electric bill and thought, “That seems high,” you weren’t alone. When bills jump, it’s natural to ask what changed.
One question I’ve heard quite a bit lately is whether data centers and large energy users are driving up electricity costs.
Here’s what I can tell you. In February, we announced that a global company is building a data center in one of our member co-op territories. From the beginning, we worked to structure an agreement that reflects our cooperative values. The data center will pay for its power, all associated fees, and the full cost of connecting to the grid.
Over 20 years, that agreement is projected to deliver millions of dollars in savings across all 21
Wabash Valley Power Alliance member co-ops. Those savings will help strengthen reliability and support long-term rate stability for co-op families and businesses.
Electricity costs have increased across the country, but the drivers are familiar: fuel markets, infrastructure investment, and extreme weather. Growth by itself isn’t the problem. What matters is how it’s structured and who pays for it. That’s where our focus has been from day one.
So, what caused higher bills this winter? In most cases, it came down to electricity use. When temperatures drop well below normal, heating systems run longer and often switch to auxiliary heat, which uses more electricity. Even if
the rate itself doesn’t change, using more energy results in a higher total bill.
As a member-owned cooperative, we plan for both the short term and the long term. We manage growth carefully. We structure agreements responsibly. And we make decisions with your best interests at the center.
Energy markets will change. Weather will fluctuate. Growth will come. My focus will not change, which is to ensure we are prepared and that we continue delivering reliable, affordable power for the communities we serve.
Jeff Conrad President and CEO Wabash Valley Power Alliance
HISTORY IN REAL LIFE
By Natalie Derrickson
Southern Indiana’s riverside jewel celebrates art, history, and science — all under one roof
Nestled against the Ohio River is a place so special, one of Picasso’s rare works calls it home. The Evansville Museum of Art, History, and Science showcases permanent exhibitions celebrating the tri-state region and the historic moments that shaped communities, inspired innovations, and built industries.
The museum’s galleries shift regularly, sharing the spotlight across over 30,000 items entrusted to the museum for preservation. One must-see piece can be found in the Koch Foundation Gallery: Pablo Picasso’s glass mosaic, “Seated Woman in Red Hat.” Originally gifted to the museum in 1963, the mosaic was in storage until its 2012 rediscovery. After preservation, it went on display in 2024. See the luminous glass gemmail and four additional Picasso works in the gallery.
At the Evansville Museum Transportation Center, view a model railroad depicting life in the midcentury and learn about early river, rail, and aviation history that helped build Evansville’s economy.
Experience the exhibit, “Rivertown USA,” just as you would from the 1840s into the early 20th century, and explore shops of the times — a general store, doctor’s office, log cabin, and toy shop make it easy to imagine the way it was. Visitors experience the city’s history first-hand, learning about life during World War I and the Great Flood of 1937.
In the Welborn Baptist Hands-On Science Center, witness gravity in action, learn about clouds, and bring the magic of science to life. “Families appreciate the hands-on elements woven into the science and history areas, making the museum easy to explore at a comfortable pace,” Explore Evansville’s Kate Reibel said.
A visit to the museum isn’t complete without time spent in the Koch Immersive Theater and Planetarium, whose exterior is a piece of art itself. Every guest has the best seat in the house and gets a free theater ticket with museum admission to see traditional planetarium shows and fulldome, immersive cinema projected through 11 million pixels.
The Evansville Museum of Art, History, and Science is open Thursday through Sunday and is located at 411 S.E. Riverside Drive, Evansville, IN 47713.
For hours and events, visit emuseum.org.
EVANSVILLE MUSEUM TRANSPORTATION CENTER
KOCH IMMERSIVE THEATER AND PLANETARIUM
Photos courtesy of Explore Evansville and Evansville Museum of Art, History, and Science
Spring is here and so are the wildflowers
By Mike Lunsford
Iam one of those optimistic sorts who declares spring’s arrival as soon as I slip the muddy bonds of February. A true believer in “meteorological” seasons, I contend that spring is here on March 1, despite its usual snowy backsliding. Among the reasons to feel this way is a little bit of white and violet and green called harbinger of spring.
Before virtually any other sign of the new season appears, before trees bud and frogs croak, harbinger of spring is here, a small but mighty usher that opens the door to wood anemones and spring beauties, prairie trillium, and blue phlox.
Although I walk down into my woods in all seasons, including a fair amount of time in the wind and snow of winter to inspect beaver dams and pond ice, I can also find harbinger of spring as early as February pulling itself out of the frozen ground amid last fall’s leaves and fallen twigs.
Of course, by late March and early April, the curtain has been pulled back on the new season, and I begin to see a lot of old friends in the usual spots: the wild ginger that grows on a hillside where an old power line was removed, the buttercups that flourish near a meandering branch tucked away in my in-laws’ beautiful woods, the Star-of-Bethlehem that pops up under a magnolia tree near my cabin.
I nearly always choose to be in the places where I know spring wildflowers prosper, some nearly hidden by the woods’ undergrowth by very early May. Among them, lightcatching waterleaf that grows in great lavender stands in the low places near our pond, deep purple larkspur I first see along an old railroad grade, and brilliant firepinks whose bright red stars thrive amidst yellow trout lilies on an east-facing hillside that sits above an otherwise swampy and smelly wetland.
I enjoy Virginia bluebells too, a thick-stemmed and showy mixture of blooms that only last a few weeks. Always abuzz with bumblebees — their primary pollinators — bluebells aren’t as common as they once were. Because they are drawn to growing in flood plains, I know I can find them each spring in an oxbow that juts out into the creek, a place that holds little else but fallen boxelders and rogue maple trees.
A few months ago, I learned that the word “harbinger” has Germanic and French and Middle English origins and that it was a title given to those who went ahead of an army or traveling nobility to find lodging and food, hence the idea of announcing an arrival. Spring is here; a tiny flower has told us so.
