Author: Tavia Hedrick

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Nature Explorers Day Camp

Join us on April 1st from 8 to 5 pm for our Nature Explorers Day Camp! Spend the day at Fowler Park and Griffin Bike Park exploring nature, learning about birds of prey, biking, hiking, playing outdoor games and sports, and more! Be sure to pack clothes to be both inside and outside, comfortable shoes for outdoor activities and a sack lunch. Drop off will be at 8:00 am in the Fowler Park Log Barn and pick up will be at 5:00 pm at the Fowler Park Log Barn. Ages 7-12, registration is $50 for the day and spots are limited. Deadline to apply is Sunday, March 29.
For more information contact our Natural Resource Programmer at 812-462-3392 or email Tavia.Hedrick@vigocounty.in.gov
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Prairie Creek Park Weed Wrangle

Join the Vigo Invasives Management and the Vigo County Parks Department for and Earth Day Weed Wrangle on Friday, April 24 at 10 am. We will work to remove invasive shrub species from the Elliot Woods at Prairie Creek Park. Our start location will be at the Elliot Wood Head Trail within the park. Please bring gloves and loppers if you have them! We have a some to share, but supplies are limited.

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West Central Indiana Outdoor Expo

If you love the outdoors, this expo is for you! This two-day event will highlight activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, rowing, kayaking, biking, birding, nature photography, gardening, trail systems, and more! The Expo will feature guest speakers, live demos, and a variety of vendors and organizations. Attendees can also expect insider advice from professionals and special package deals and giveaways. There’s something for everybody!
Parking is FREE and admission is only $5 for ages 16+. The event takes place at the Vigo County Fairgrounds on April 18 from 10 to 5PM and April 19 from 10 to 8 PM. A fun day for the whole family!
For questions about vendor registration, sponsorship information, or to learn more about the Expo, please contact the Vigo County Parks & Recreation Department at 812-462-3392 or email us at tavia.hedrick@vigocounty.IN.gov
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Sweet as Syrup Tour

🍁FREE MAPLE SUGARIN’ TOUR🍁
Kick off Valentine’s Day with a sweet experience and come on out to our Sweet as Syrup Tour at Prairie Creek Park! You and your loved ones will learn all about the sugaring process and how it has evolved from early colonial times to our own current production.
This outdoor, guided tour will show you how we tap trees, collect the sap, and then boil it down to make the delicious syrup we all know and love! Please note that this event is highly weather dependent. Our syrup operation relies on a freeze/thaw period for the sap to flow. We will keep everyone updated as to whether we are able to provide syrup samples and if syrup bottles will be available for purchase.
Bottles will be available for purchase CASH ONLY
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2026 Pancake Breakfast

Join us for the 2026 Pancake Breakfast at Fowler Park! Enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring hot pancakes, sausage, and drinks, all served with maple syrup made right here in our parks. During your visit, you can explore primitive maple sap-boiling demonstrations and tour several of the historic pioneer cabins in the village. Then, head over to Prairie Creek Park for a guided tour of our maple syrup operation. You will see how we tap trees, boil the sap, and bottle the finished syrup. Guests who visit Prairie Creek can also enter their ticket for a chance to win a free bottle of maple syrup.

Tickets are $8 per person, with children 2 and under admitted free. The breakfast runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and advance tickets with a selected time slot are required. All proceeds support the Fowler Park Pioneer Village Folk, the nonprofit volunteer group that helps preserve and operate the Pioneer Village at Fowler Park.

Purchase your Pancake Breakfast tickets beginning January 2, 2026 here!

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Christmas Walk at Fowler Park

Step back in time this Christmas season at Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department’s Annual Christmas Walk at Fowler Park’s Pioneer Village! Enjoy FREE admission during this two-day event—Friday, December 5 from 6 to 9 PM, and Saturday, December 6 from 5 to 9 PM. Explore the 19th-century Pioneer Village, Shop handmade gifts at the Village Mercantile, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more! Plus, on Friday only, delight in festive carriage rides and a special visit from Santa’s reindeer. Feel the magic of the season at the Christmas Walk! If you have any questions, please contact our Natural Resource Programmer at 812-462-3392 or Tavia.Hedrick@vigocounty.in.gov.
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Enter if you dare! Join us for the spine-chilling Fowler Park After Dark, where the Pioneer Village transforms into a haunted haven filled with ghosts, ghouls, and thrills around every corner!
📅 Saturday, October 26th
⏰ 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
📍 Meet at the Fowler Park Log Barn
Participants will embark on a guided tour through the eerie, shadowy streets of the historic Pioneer Village—if they’re brave enough! This haunted event promises heart-pounding scares and an unforgettable Halloween experience.
👻 Event Details
  • Registration Fee: $5 per person (payable upon arrival).
    Hot chocolate, apple cider, and limited concessions will be available for purchase.
  • Parking: Available in the barn lot, with auxiliary parking in the beach lot.
  • Please Note: This is a haunted event designed for ages 13 and older due to its spooky nature.
Have questions or want to volunteer? Contact us at 812-462-3392 or email Tavia.Hedrick@VigoCounty.IN.gov.
Prepare for a night of frights and fun at Fowler Park After Dark—Happy Haunting! 🎃👻
Thank you to our Fowler Park After Dark Event Sponsor, Prairie Creek Lions Club, for their support!
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Hayrides and Trick-or-Treating at Fowler Park

Get into the spooky spirit with the Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department at Fowler Park! Join us on Saturday, October 25th, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, for a family-friendly Halloween celebration that’s fun for all ages.
🎃 Highlights of the Event:
  • Halloween-themed hayrides departing from the historic Foltz Cabin, across from the Fowler Park Log Barn.Trick-or-Treating through the charming Pioneer Village and around the park.
  • Enjoy a cozy fall treat with hot chocolate and apple cider available for purchase.
  • Tickets are just $3 per person, with children 2 and under free.

Don’t miss this delightful evening of hayrides, sweet treats, and Halloween fun, all set against the beautiful autumn backdrop of Fowler Park!

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Fall Fun at Hawthorn Park!

🍁Fall Fun Day at Hawthorn Park🍁
Join the Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, October 18 for a full day of fall activities at Hawthorn Park!
First, join us on our family hike at 10 am around the J.I. Case wetland loop! The hike is approximately 1.8 miles long and is an easy, mostly flat trail that winds around the wetlands and through part of Hawthorn Park. Be sure to dress accordingly!
Then, stop by the Silly Safaris Live Animal Show from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Get up close with amazing animals during this interactive and educational experience— FREE and fun for the whole family.
Later in the afternoon, hop aboard for our Fall Hayrides from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rides will leave from the Dogwood Shelter parking lot and include a brief, scenic ride through Hawthorn Park. Tickets are $3 per person. Children 2 and under ride free. Halloween face painting and concessions will also be available for purchase.
Come for the hike, stay for the animals and hayrides, and enjoy a perfect fall day in the park.
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Explore Wabashiki – September 20 from 10-2pm

Adventure is calling! 🌳 Explore Wabashiki is this weekend, and we’ve got a full day of free activities for the whole family!
Here’s the schedule of events:
  • 9:30 AM: There will be a one-lap Bike Race to kick off the day! Registration begins at 8:30 AM and is FREE!
  • 10:00 AM: Join us for this month’s Family Hike and see some of the beautiful birds that call the Wabashiki home!
  • 10:00 AM: Vendors Open for the day! Stop by and check out the local partners and activities.
  • 11:00 AM: The little ones can join the fun with the Turtle Trot!
  • 11:00 AM: Lunch is served! Grab a bite to eat and refuel for more fun.
  • 12:00 PM: Prefer a more leisurely pace? Join the Guided Bike Ride and explore the beautiful trails.
Don’t miss out on this free day of outdoor fun and discovery!

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