Our state parks system was born in Indiana’s centennial year. Richard Lieber, the founder and first director of Indiana’s Department of Conservation, spelled out their purpose best.

“Our parks and preserves are not mere picnicking places,” he said. “They are rich storehouses of memories and reveries. They are guides and counsels to the weary and faltering in spirit. They are bearers of wonderful tales to him who will listen; a solace to the aged and an inspiration to the young.”

Indiana has been considered an innovative leader in state parks management and development from the beginning. As our staff prepares for the 100th anniversary of our state parks system, these unique places will continue to represent the best of Indiana’s landscapes and be great places for Hoosiers and other guests to relax, recreate, explore and learn.

The places you love will remain. But the way we manage these treasures will change in response to science, society, and our visitors’ needs and desires.

Indiana’s first state park inn opened in 1916. Amenities were, for the most part, limited to the basics: guest rooms, dining rooms and recreation lobbies. Today, guests enjoy individual bathrooms, telephones, indoor pools, television, conference facilities and even wireless Internet.

In the early years, canvas tents and kerosene lanterns were the norm. Today, more modern facilities are needed. For instance, some recreational vehicles are homes on wheels. That means our parks need regular electrical upgrades and hard-surface campsites. Many of our campgrounds become small towns on weekends, so we make security and service priorities.

Consumers demand connection and convenience, so we’re looking at adding wireless Internet service. We’re installing rent-a-camp cabins for people who consider putting up a tent to be a hassle.

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