Indiana State Parks have introduced an engaging new initiative, Hoosier Quest, designed to inspire exploration, volunteering, and environmental learning through a tiered series of activities and collectibles. The program offers participants three distinct levels: Discover, Challenge, and Explore, each offering different rewards and requirements.
Discover is open to individuals aged five and older. Participants can earn a certificate and a patch by attending interpretive programs, volunteering, and completing various suggested activities. There is no time limit to complete the quest, and requirements may be fulfilled across multiple park visits.
Challenge has no age restrictions and welcomes individuals of all abilities. It involves attending interpretive programs, volunteering, and completing fifteen outdoor-themed activities that align with Indiana’s Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. As with Discover, there’s no deadline to complete the patch, and tasks may be spread across different parks and visits.
Explore invites families and visitors to earn collectible enamel pins unique to each of Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs. To qualify, participants must complete five activities at a single property: attend a naturalist-led interpretive program, hike, bike, paddle, or wildlife-watch for at least 30 minutes, complete a site specific activity, volunteer for one hour such as trail or site cleanup, and report the impact of their volunteer work to park staff. After completing these steps, participants may purchase the property specific pin for two dollars.
The Explore program includes dozens of Indiana State Parks, Patoka Lake among them, encouraging visitors to collect up to 36 different pins by completing the requirements at each participating park. Brochures are available to help visitors track their progress and get their achievements initialed by staff.
Summary of Program Levels
Discover – Ages 5 and older – Programs, volunteering, activities – Patch and certificate – No time limit
Challenge – All ages and abilities – Programs, volunteering, 15 outdoor activities – Patch – No time limit
Explore – All visitors and families – Program, recreation, activity, volunteer, reporting – Enamel property pin – No time limit
The program’s flexible structure accommodates both casual explorers and frequent park goers, offering both educational opportunities and keepsakes. It encourages repeated visits across multiple properties while promoting stewardship and engagement with Indiana’s natural and cultural resources.
More information, including brochures and program details, is available at on.IN.gov/hoosierquest.
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