Versailles State Park

Join us for our annual 4th of July fireworks show and cookout this coming Saturday, July 6th! The cookout begins at 5pm and is located at the pool concession.

Take a look! We have adjusted our pool hours for the Fourth of July weekend! We look forward to seeing you there!

This Saturday, the 29th, the MammothMarch Organization will be hosting a one of a kind adventure for hundreds of participants. The 20 mile hike will begin at 7:00 am and will utilize both the hiking and horse back riding trails. The trails will remain open to the public but we ask that you be mindful of our visitors who are participating in this event. Please see the following maps for the hike route. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Indiana teachers don't miss out!

Discover the Outdoors Field Trip Grant application is OPEN. From May 1-June 30, Indiana teachers can submit their applications for funding for a fieldtrip to Indiana State Parks.

Field trips with interpretive naturalists engage students in learning about Indiana's wildlife and natural habitats and their conservation, as well as Indiana's history and cultural resources as they relate to Indiana State Parks. These learning experiences support science, social studies and other academic concepts being taught in the classroom. Grants will enable educators to provide real-world learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Information about the grant and how to apply can be found at: bit.ly/INDiscoverTheOutdoorsGrant

**Friends of Versailles State Park 4th Annual Pancake Breakfast!!**
If you have never been to one of these epic breakfasts you need to go!! If you have been, then you know how delicious they are and how quickly they sell out! Make sure to mark this on your calendar today!! It'll be here before you know it!!

BTW, there are 27 Saturdays til Christmas so make sure to stop in the Camp Store to pick up some gifts for the outdoor enthusiast, nature lover or camping fan. It's never too early to start ! :)

Last week, Photography in Nature Camp participants spent time capturing the beauty of the Versailles State Park and learned editing skills at the Southeastern Career Center. Now that camp has come to a close, we will be hosting the Photography in Nature Camp Art Show to showcase these students' hard work! 📸🌲

Each student’s favorite photo from camp will be mounted and presented, offering a glimpse into their creative journey and unique perspective on nature. 🌼

🗓️ Date: June 19, 2024
🕒 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Versailles State Park Nature Center - 1387 US-50, Versailles, IN 47042

Bring your friends and family for an evening of art, nature, and community! 🌿This event is free to the public with park admission, and complimented with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

The Raptors are back!!!!! Looking for something to do this weekend? Stop by the Interpretive Naturalist Area in Campground A from 12:00pm-1:00pm so see the large birds of prey from the Dwight Chamberlin Raptor Rescue Program. Hope to see you there!

This weekend, June 1-2, is Free Fishing Weekend. Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish the state's public waters. Kids ages 17 and under are always exempt. Use this weekend to learn how to fish, take your family fishing or introduce a friend to fishing fun. Many locations are hosting derbies, classes, and more.

• Find a place to fish at on.IN.gov/where2fish.
• Find a Free Fishing Weekend event at bit.ly/44XESAz

📸Pokagon State Park's Trine SRA

Looking for something to do today? It's going to be a beautiful day so come on out and go kayaking, take a hike, go fishing, or join Naturalist Jack for his Tick program! And...the best part is, it's FREE ADMISSION DAY!!!!
Before you visit, make sure to sign up for the Indiana State Nature Passport at visitindiana.com/indiana-passports/explore. Doing so is also free, and it makes you eligible to earn prizes by checking in when you visit a passport location.

Indiana State Parks are kicking off with a free admission day on Sunday, May 19!

Indiana state parks, state recreation areas, and reservoirs (on.IN.gov/stateparks) that charge a daily gate fee, will waive the entrance fee for all guests on May 19. This is a perfect time to explore a property you’ve never visited or return to an old favorite.

Not sure where to begin? Check out this website for steps how to pick an outdoor adventure: on.in.gov/dnr-welcome

📸 Turkey Run State Park (Turkey Run and Shades State Parks) by Sabrina Wall

Come on out this weekend and join Naturalist Jack for one of his many programs!

Saturday, May 18th
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Nature’s Concert
Join the naturalist for a Sensory Sounding Off! We will have a program on insect noises, bird songs, amphibian sounds complete with make and take crafts – make your own frog call, coloring opportunities, and a scavenger hunt complete with prizes! Allow 1 hour for the programs.
11:30 PM to 12:00 PM Feeding Frenzy at the Nature Center!
Join the Naturalist for the feeding of our Nature Center residents. There may be an opportunity for you to feed them! Allow ½ hour for the program.
Sunday, May 19th
1:00PM – 2:00PM – Tick Talk!
Join the Naturalist to discover Indiana’s hidden and mysterious Tick population. This program will help you identify common Indiana Ticks, how to prevent bites, and what to do if you get bitten. Demonstrations of preventatives during the program. Allow one hour for the program. Meet at the Nature Center.

Send a message to learn more

Looking for something to do this Saturday? Come check out the Art show and watch some of the local artisans at work!

Art in Nature Community Art Show and Artisan Demonstrations - Ripley County Tourism Bureau Join us April 27, Saturday 11-3pm for a FREE open to the public Art

In case you haven’t had a chance to hit the trails yet this year we’ve posted a few pics below to show you what you’ve been missing. There is still some time left to catch some of the amazing spring wildflowers and some of the new life emerging!

Some more pics taken on Eclipse day! Photos by Matt and Belinda Lewis.

Here are some pictures from this weekends activities with our Naturalist Jack Wilker! Looks like a good time was had by all ! Thank you to everyone who came out and participated!

Attention - Versailles State Park will be hosting deer reduction hunts November 13th & 14th and on November 27th & 28th. The park will close to the general public starting at 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 12th and on Sunday, November 26th. The park will reopen to the public on Wednesday, November 15th and on Wednesday, November 29th.

Looking for something to warm you up while the kids trick-or-treat in the campground this Saturday? Stop by the campground A interpretive area and see The Friends of Versailles State Park as they sell soups and chili. YUM! The price will be $2 per cup and all proceeds benefit The Friends of Versailles State Park. The event begins at 4 p.m. and will go until the run out.

Heads up! If you plan on visiting us this weekend be aware of this road closure.

The Indiana Department of Transportation will be closing a section of Highway 50 in the town of Versailles for pipe replacement after 6pm this Friday (10/20/23). The highway is expected to remain closed for three (3) days. The closure will be located on the west edge of town and will result in a significant detour for anyone arriving from the west or north of the closure.
• If traveling from the west, heading east on U.S. 50, turn left (north) on U.S. 421 to S.R. 350. Turn right (east) on S.R. 350 to S.R. 129. Turn right (south) on S.R. 129 to U.S. 50. Turn right (west) on U.S. 50 to the park entrance.
• If traveling from the north, heading south on U.S. 421, turn left (east) on SR. 350 to S.R. 129. Turn right (south) on S.R. 129 to U.S. 50. Turn right (west) on U.S. 50 to the park entrance.

If you have questions please contact the park office at (812)-689-6424

We all play a role in protecting Indiana’s wildlife, including birds like the song sparrow and the bald eagle. Learn more about how choosing non-lead ammunition and fishing tackle can help support healthy wildlife at wildlife.IN.gov/wildlife-resources/effects-of-lead-on-wildlife/

October is packed with activities! Check out what's coming up!