Girl Scouts Love State Parks is being celebrated the weekend of July 13–14 by over 100 councils across the country!

Through this national event, you can experience the great outdoors by participating in planned events hosted by state parks and council staff. Or take the opportunity to explore on your own with friends and family!

Check out all the exciting events to explore July 13-14 and all summer!

Bonus: Girls who participate are eligible to purchase our inaugural national Girl Scouts Love State Parks patch!

How to Participate

Planning a hike? Camping adventure? WE WANT TO SEE IT!

Tag us at @girlscoutsgcnwi on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
and use the hashtags #GSLOVESPARKS and #GSOUTDOORS.

Full Moon Hike at Indiana Dunes State Park

Come along with Naturalists and volunteers for this special full-moon hike to Lake Michigan and back. Stories about our moon and up-close views will be shared. The evening begins with an indoor information presentation until about 8:15 p.m., and the hike runs from 8:15-9:30 p.m. Some “stellar” treats will also be served thanks to the Friends of the Indiana Dunes.
Sign-up for the Full Moon Hike »

Participating Indiana Parks

July 13

• Fort Harrison State Park: Bug Badge at 10 a.m.
• Turkey Run State Park: Geology Hike through Rocky Hollow (water permitting) at 10 a.m.
• Ouabache State Park: Bison Feeding at 10 a.m. 
• McCormick’s Creek State Park: Wildlife of McCormick’s from 1-4 p.m. (presentation, hike, cave exploration, and invasive pull).
• Potato Creek State Park: Birding at Potato Creek at 2 p.m.
• Indiana Dunes State Park: Full Moon Hike at 7:30 p.m. (presentation, then hike).
• Lincoln State Park: Abe’s Neighborhood Walk and corn-husk dolls at noon.
• Patoka Lake: Archery Lessons at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. (space is limited at each lesson.)

July 14

• Lincoln State Park:  Abe’s Neighborhood Walk and corn-husk dolls at 12 p.m.
• Salamonie Lake: Live Raptors at 1 p.m.
• Volo Bog State Natural Area: Insect safari on from 1-2:30, and 5 miles of hiking trails available as well
• Lincoln State Park:  Abe’s Neighborhood Walk and corn-husk dolls at 12 p.m.
• Salamonie Lake: Live Raptors at 1 p.m.
• Volo Bog State Natural Area:

Learn more about these Indiana events at calendar.dnr.IN.gov.

See ALL Indiana State Parks Below

Participating Illinois State Parks

July 13

• Chain O’Lakes State Park: Slime Time: Animals Who Use/Make Slime to Survive at 5 p.m. 
• Starved Rock State Park: 9:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. scavenger hunt at more! Register for the even via Girl Scouts of Central Illinois site!
• Illinois Beach State Park: 1 p.m scavenger hunt, craft, and hike

Learn more about these Illinois events at calendar.dnr.IL.gov

See ALL Illinois State Parks Below

Get the Patch!

More about Girl Scouts USA at girlscouts.org.