MONROE COUNTY- Interpretive activities are typically offered at Paynetown SRA (and occasionally at other SRAs around the lake) at least five days a week in the summer and three days a week during fall. Check the FULL ONLINE EVENT CALENDAR before visiting Monroe Lake. The online calendar is currently finalized through Nov. 30.
The Best Dam Tour, Oct. 18 (Tailwater)
Have you always been curious about the construction and operation of the Monroe Lake dam? It’s an impressive piece of engineering designed to hold back up to 428 gigalitres of water. Walk the dam’s surface, learn more about its design, and see historic photos of it under construction during this tour with Monroe Lake’s naturalist. Participants must be able to walk unaided on steep ground and a grassy, potentially uneven surface (60 to 75 minutes). Free but limited to 12 people, recommended for ages 15 and older. Sign up at tinyurl.com/damtour2024 by Oct. 15. *FULL, waitlist available
To Build a Reservoir: The Origin of Monroe Lake, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. (Otis Park, Bedford)
Monroe Lake celebrates its 60th anniversary on Oct. 24. It has left an indelible mark on the landscape and story of southern Indiana; however, the story of how the reservoir ultimately came to be winds around almost as much as Salt Creek itself. Dive in with Monroe Lake interpretive naturalist Jill Vance and learn why and how the reservoir was built. This presentation is part of the Bedford Outdoors Series. RSVP by Oct. 18 at 812-275-5692 or aray@bedford.in.us
Monroe Lake 60th Anniversary Reception, Oct. 24 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. (Tailwater)
Tailwater Recreation Area, 1620 E. Monroe Dam Court, Bloomington, IN
RSVP at tinyurl.com/60monroe by noon Oct. 23 is requested but not required.
Monroe Lake is celebrating 60 years. On the anniversary of the reservoir’s dedication, you are cordially invited to join the reception in the tailwater area beneath the dam. Beginning at 2 p.m., there will be displays of historical items and photos from the reservoir’s history, a self-guided tour of the dam, and info tables from organizations tied to the lake. Remarks from our guest speakers will begin at 2:30 p.m., followed by refreshments sponsored by Visit Bloomington. The first 100 people in attendance will receive a 60th-anniversary souvenir, and all attendees can enter to win a 2025 Indiana State Parks Annual Entrance Pass.
Guest Speakers: Dan Bortner, director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources; Michael Chaveas, Hoosier National Forest supervisor; Tyler Blakenship, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers natural resource specialist.
Ghostly Gathering, Oct. 25-27 (Paynetown SRA)
At the annual celebration of all things Halloween, all programs and activities are open to both campers and day visitors. CLICK HERE FOR ACTIVITY DETAILS
- Friday, Oct. 25: Halloween Sand Candles (2:30 to 4:30 p.m.), Mythos and Magic of Plants Hike (5 p.m.), Spinning a Web (6:30 p.m.)
- Saturday, Oct. 26: Candy Corn Catapults (9 to 10:30 a.m.), Ghost Trap Challenge (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), Spooky Slime (1 to 2 p.m.), Creepy Crawly Crafts (3 to 4:30 p.m.), Trick-or-Treating and Campsite Decorating Contest (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
- Sunday, Oct. 27: If a Black Cat (10 to 11:30 a.m.)
Fungi Hike, Nov. 2 at 11:30 a.m. (Paynetown SRA)
Fungi grow throughout the fall, and some species even pop up in mid-winter. Set out on a guided hike to learn about and look for fungi, including tips to help you correctly identify some of their fruiting bodies (i.e., mushrooms). Meet at Overflow Parking Area (front end) in Paynetown SRA for this one-hour hike with Jesse; no registration needed.
Archaeology Site Prep: Volunteer Workday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. (Fairfax SRA)
Volunteers are needed to clear brush and small trees from the remnant foundations of a late 1800s home and its associated farm buildings, preparing this historic site for future archaeological mapping. In addition to removing brush, we’ll also keep an eye out for previously unknown features to add to the mapping project. Volunteers should dress for the weather and bring work gloves, water bottle, and loppers suitable for cutting stems up to 1 inch in diameter (if you have them – we’ll have a few extra pairs). The minimum volunteer age for this workday is 14. Those younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Sign up at tinyurl.com/archday-volunteer-2024 by Oct. 31.
Astronomy on the Beach, Nov. 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (Fairfax SRA)
Drop by the Fairfax SRA beach for a look through our telescope. We’ll switch back and forth between a view of the moon, which will be at the waxing gibbous stage (about 80% full), and Saturn. Please note: This program will be canceled in the event of bad weather or very cloudy skies. Check facebook.com/monroelake for weather updates before coming out.
5th (and final) Monroe Lake Holiday Hiking Challenge, Nov. 28–Dec. 1
We challenge you to forget about shopping and holiday stress and spend your time outside instead, exploring the beauty of the outdoors along our trails. The Holiday Hiking Challenge consists of hiking all of Monroe Lake’s trails and completing the challenge activities. Each of our trails will have at least one challenge station where you must complete the posted activity and take a photo to document it. Everyone who completes the challenge and submits their photo set by the deadline will be entered into the prize drawing. Full details at https://tinyurl.com/monroe-hhc2024
