State parks welcome limited visitors this weekend

PULASKI COUNTY, Ind. -- They say you're always within one hour away from an Indiana state park, and locals within that distance have now become the main target of who should actually visit, according to Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Vernon Gillum manages Tippecanoe River State Park in Pulaski County. He’s usually excited for a holiday weekend bringing visitors to the beautiful landscape.

But lately, operations have reversed themes.

“It is completely different than what were normally here to do,” Gillum said.
“We’re really here at this time to serve more local people so they’re not driving unnecessary or long distances.”

Both Michigan and Indiana’s coronavirus policies have also closed all campsites and unpaved trails at parks.

So what’s the advice for if you do want to visit?

“Spread out,” Gillum said.
“Keep in family units. In the park itself, we’ll be monitoring property, and if there gets to be too many people in a certain area we’ll have to close those down for a temporary basis. We’re asking people to be patient with us. If a favorite area is not available then, we will open it up as soon as we can.”

Much like the rest of the governor’s orders these rules stay in place through at least April 20 or until an announcement pushes it back more.
In Michigan the campground closure rule goes until May 15.