Deck the Parks! Holiday light displays to shine at five DNR destinations

On-site holiday light shows will shine at five DNR destinations this month.

Brief details for each are below and more can be learned about them, as well as other activities at DNR properties, at calendar.dnr.IN.gov.

Ouabache State Park in Bluffton hosts its 11th annual Wonderland of Lights nightly, Dec. 6-31, from 6 to 9 p.m., in its campground and throughout the park. The presentation features more than 40 light displays and a synchronized music and light show at the Civilian Conservation Corps fire tower. Cost is $5 per vehicle, cash or check only.

Mounds State Park in Anderson hosts its fourth Nights of Lights celebration every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Nov. 30-Dec. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. More than 60 light displays will be featured in the campground along with decorated buildings throughout the park. Cost is $10 per vehicle, cash and credit card accepted.

Lieber State Recreation Area in Cloverdale hosts its third Lieber Winter Lights celebration Dec. 6-8 and 13-15 from 6 to 9 p.m. Donations will be accepted for the drive through the light display in the park and campground.

Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell is holding a drive-through holiday lights event in its campground Dec. 6-7 from 6 to 9:45 p.m., the same weekend as its Holiday in the Village. Cost is $5, cash only, and guests can vote for the best-decorated site. The winner of the competition gets two nights of free camping at the park in 2025.

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area in Vallonia hosts its third Christmas in the Campground on Dec. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event includes a drive-through Christmas display and holiday activities in the Forest Education Center, where guests can also vote for their favorite campsites. A $5 donation per car is recommended.

Proceeds from the events go to the individual parks' Friends groups to fund park projects. Learn more about DNR Friends groups at on.IN.gov/INstateparksfriends.