About Outdoor Indiana
Outdoor Indiana, the state's premier magazine, delivers the wonders of the Hoosier outdoors to subscribers' homes and offices in 48 pages of vibrant color. For the best of state parks, lakes, wildlife, forests, trails, hunting, fishing, wildflowers and outdoorsy people, plus inside information from DNR experts, subscribe for $15 per year or $28 for two years. Follow the magazine staff on Facebook.
Kalm’s lobelia grows in a Steuben County fen.
Featured Stories
- From the director
‘FRONT PORCH’ INVITATION
DNR Director
Alan MorrisonIt was a humbling moment as I walked into our DNR offices for the first time as this department’s new director back in January.
Like most of you, outdoor recreation is engrained in my life. I grew up in northwest Indiana, and my family’s summer adventures were spent outside. We’d load up the station wagon and either explore the beaches of Indiana Dunes State Park or go fishing for trout in the waves of Lake Michigan.
These days, I share my love for Mother Nature’s greatest gifts with my kids at the iconic collection of DNR properties near our home in west-central Indiana. Depending on the season, that includes wading up the creek beds to see what fish are biting, hiking on the rugged trails at Turkey Run State Park in beautiful Parke County, or getting up on those cold, early mornings to hunt deer.
I like to call our DNR properties Indiana’s front porch. That’s because they truly are entry points to treasured places, and they provide ideal spots for family and friends to gather and make memories.
In this new role, I’m committed to being an accessible partner for all Hoosiers who share this love for Indiana’s great outdoors. I’ll work alongside Governor Mike Braun to promote more opportunities for conservation and outdoor recreation, a freedom that’s core to who we are as Hoosiers.
As we head into spring, I hope we cross paths. If so, please say hello, and let me know how we can continue to help more Hoosiers make great memories on Indiana’s front porch.
- THE WALLEYES HAVE IT
Stocked fish has become a hook and table favorite
By Marty Benson, OI staff
Photography by Brent Drinkut, OI staff
Cikana biologist Kyle Robertson releases a bag containing fry into Brookville Lake, returning them to the waters their eggs came from.
If you’ve ever eaten walleye from the Fish Hut at the Indiana State Fair—or from anywhere else—you know a big part of why it’s the fish species anglers most often ask the DNR to stock.
In short, it’s delicious. Try it, even if you don’t generally like to eat fish.
If you’re not a fairgoer, know that you don’t have to do much to prepare what’s likely to become a house favorite.“I like to cook it in an iron skillet on the stove just using salt and pepper,” says Tag Nobbe (rhymes with hobby), a longtime fishing guide at Brookville Lake, from which all of the eggs for DNR’s stocking program for the species are collected. “I like to use olive oil; cook it on low so you don’t smoke the olive oil. This is great for making fish tacos.”
Walleye like to eat fish, too, primarily gizzard shad, and their diet at least partially explains their delectability.
“They’re just very, very palatable fish,” said Jeff Malwitz, property manager at Cikana State Fish Hatchery in Martinsville, where most of Indiana’s walleye production work is done. “Fish that eat fish tend to taste better than fish that will eat anything—what you eat is what you are, just like with humans.”
To read the rest of this article subscribe to Outdoor Indiana or pick up a copy at one of our state park inns. To subscribe, click here or call (317) 233-3046.
- GROWING DEMAND
Prophetstown State Park’s greenhouse provides native plants for parks and community
By Scott Roberts, OI Staff
Photography by Brent Drinkut
Shannon Stanis shops Prophetstown State Park’s native plant sale.
On a Friday morning in early May 2024, Prophetstown State Park’s Visitors Center and attached greenhouse were abuzz.
The sun shone through the glass on the trays of native plants that were arranged by park staff and volunteers on wooden tables. Those displays took up most of the space, leaving just enough room for customers to scoot by. The park’s annual plant sale was in full swing.
Some buyers sought specific species, others anything pleasing to their eye. Jessica Outcalt of Lafayette looked over some milkweed as she talked about her garden. It had plenty of coneflowers, but she wanted to fill it in with other pollinator friendly species to attract butterflies. She had attended the sale three years running.
“It’s a great way to find quality plants I need,” Outcalt said. “And like usual, I’m buying more than I planned.”
To read the rest of this article subscribe to Outdoor Indiana or pick up a copy at one of our state park inns. To subscribe, click here or call (317) 233-3046.
Reader Photos
Each issue, Outdoor Indiana staff will select reader submitted photos to feature in the magazine. If you would like the chance to be featured, please submit your photo, along with your name and phone number to:
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Printing and distribution costs for Outdoor Indiana magazine have increased. One way we’re offsetting these costs is through the Friends of Outdoor Indiana Group administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation. Donations to our friends group helps keep our subscription price low and ensures we’ll be around to bring you the best of Indiana’s outdoors for years to come. Donate at the INRF website and include “Friends of Outdoor Indiana” in the “In Honor Of/In Memory Of” line.
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