Fall Break is here -- four days of freedom from classes.
For students looking how to spend their free time, Indiana has many state and city parks that offer a colorful array of leaves and activities. Many of the parks are near Muncie and Ball State.
The fall foliage and the decrease in temperatures adds to the increase in tourism in state parks across the state. Jody Heaston, interpretive naturalist for Mounds State Parks, said the temperature has a lot to do with the frequent visits.
"People know it's getting closer to the winter," Heaston said. "Fall is the ideal weather, not rainy, clear sunny days, normally around 60 degrees. It brings people out."
Becky Webber, marketing director for State and Park Reservoirs, said she hopes people would like to visit the parks simply for the natural beauty but realizes many are looking for a chance to get out and do some rugged hiking or other various activities.
Webber said visitors at Chain of Lakes State Park and many other water-based parks can rent canoes for a day. Picnicking is always an option at any recreation area.
Webber said there are still a few parks with saddle barns open. At the saddle barns, escorted rides on horseback offer an opportunity outside the norm.
All but three state parks have camping available if one person of the party is over 18. At Cliffty Falls, Indiana Dunes, and Pokagon State Park at least one member of the party must be over 21. Webber said it wise to call ahead to the desired campsite to see if there is space available.
Prairie Creek City Park in Delaware County is one of the largest city parks in the nation. The 2,300-acre park, 1,252 of which is the reservoir, is second only to Central Park in New York City.
Don Bonham, superintendent at Prairie Creek said fishing continues to be popular throughout fall until the reservoir freezes over.
"We have a lot of boating activities, cruising, fishing, sailing. It's ideal with the wind," Bonham said.
To launch a boat from a dock at Prairie Creek is only $3, while Bonham said most state parks charge $5. Bonhan said Prairie Creek's prices are among the lowest in the state.
Amy Scheaffer, assistant professor in the Department of Natural Resources, said there are many state parks near campus that provide a hiatus for busy students.
"Fall break is a good time to get away from the stress of school," Schaeffer said. "The parks offer an alternative to have a different setting for a social activity."
Schaeffer and Webber suggested Brown County State Park for tourists who enjoy seeing a show of colors in the fall season. Brown County is where the topography of the state begins to change, and the rolling hills allow sight-seers to gaze at long distance views.
"It's the pride and joy of the state parks," Schaeffer said.
Though many tourists across the state flood Brown County to see the views, Webber said Versailles State Park is equally beautiful and visitors don't have to go through traffic to enjoy it.
To find parks that are more secluded and don't have the large tourist population, Webber suggested browsing Web site such as www.in.gov/dnr and www.enjoyindiana.com.
Schaeffer added that fall is a great time for camping largely because the peak camping season is over, and there are no bugs.
Heaston said Mounds State Park is a beautiful area that's close to campus. While Heaston said she doesn't see many college students at the park she has seen an increase in attendance, especially in the fall season. Heaston recommends walking along the beautiful river trail. 002,
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