DIY Indiana Adventure

With summer wrapping up and Labor Day Weekend quickly approaching, there’s no better time to start planning an adventure.

Next Indiana Campfires, our statewide series designed to connect nature, literature and Indiana’s Bicentennial, has allowed our team to explore the state’s most wild places. From the peaceful views of Evansville’s Old Growth Forest to the ecological beauty of the Indiana Dunes, there’s a variety of landscapes to experience, discover, discuss and inspire.

Haven’t made it to a Next Indiana Campfire yet? Create your own with a free Trek and Talk Toolkit and a few simple steps.

Here are six steps to create an out-of-this-world literary outdoor excursion:

1. Head to our website to request a free Trek and Talk Toolkit. Toolkits include everything you need to explore and experience Indiana’s environmental gems. You’ll find:
   • A guide with an excerpt of Scott Russell Sanders, discussion questions and a map of Indiana with literary quotes about its natural landscapes!
   • A UGo Bar (and coupon) perfect for snacking on the trail.
   • A patch that you can easily iron-on your favorite backpack, shirt or jacket.
   • A card deck (complete with your own Indiana Humanities carabiner) featuring literary landscape quotes, environmental facts and more.
   • A picture-worthy “Gone Trekking” sign.
2. Pull out your map of Indiana and pick a spot. Turkey Run, Brown County State Park, Eagle Creek, the list goes on and on. For inspiration, we recommend checking out this fantastic list of state parks or previewing a few of Visit Indiana’s favorite hiking and biking trails. (Pro tip: Don’t limit yourself to land! Canoes and kayaks make the perfect vehicle for discussion.)
3. Pick a date and invite your friends and family. You’ll want to have them on your trek to facilitate an engaging discussion.
4. Hit the trail! But before you do, post a picture with your “Gone Trekking” sign to let the world know you are unplugging for a memorable experience. Don’t forget to use #trekandtalk and tag @INHumanities.
5. Sign up for more! If this small taste of adventure isn’t enough, we encourage you to sign up for one our Next Indiana Campfire excursions across the state. We’re hitting Shakamak State Park on Aug. 27, the Indiana Dunes on Sept. 10 and Cope Environmental Center on September 29.
6. Still feeling adventurous? Pull out the nature and literature bucket list in your toolkit. The list encourages you to pull together the Hoosier greats with fascinating landscapes. (Think Gene-Stratton Porter at the Limberlost, Edwin Way Teale at the Indiana Dunes and more).

Enjoy your Hoosier adventure!

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Next Indiana Campfires is a unique way to connect nature, literature and Indiana’s Bicentennial. The program is supported by the Efroymson Family Fund, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and Pulitzer Prizes Centennial Campfires. Indiana Humanities is supported in part by Lilly Endowment Inc. and the National Endowment of the Humanities. 

Check back every Tuesday to learn more about Indiana’s great environmental literature, find out interesting facts about Hoosier stewardship, get all the latest program details and more.