These Indiana parks offer free entry for veterans, military on Nov. 11. Plus some hikes.

All Indiana State Parks, forests and recreation areas will offer free admission on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to veterans and active-duty members of the military, along with everyone in their vehicle, as reported in this week's Outdoor Adventures column. Just let the park’s gate attendant know that you’re military or a veteran.  

As well, everyone will have free access on Veterans Day to all National Park Service sites, including Indiana Dunes National Park. On any other day of the year, the National Park Service offers free access to active-duty military, veterans and Gold Star Families (next of kin to a military member who died in war or qualifying military action); for that, you’ll need a form of military or veteran identification — find details linked here in this column online.  

Little pilgrimages 

Tom Labuzienski, a local Catholic deacon who has hiked the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain many times, is leading a series of weekly walks for those who may or may not be interested in pilgrimages. Each is about three to four miles. For questions, email him at [email protected]. Here’s the upcoming schedule:  

Tom's pilgrimage:Dad and sons hike, bike on Camino de Santiago

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∎ 10 a.m. Nov. 7 starting from the Inn at Saint Mary’s back parking lot, 53993 Indiana 933, South Bend. 

∎ 9 a.m. Nov. 11 from the Forever Learning Institute at Little Flower Catholic Parish, 54191 Ironwood Road, South Bend. You’ll walk to Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart for a docent tour.  

∎ 10 a.m. Nov. 14 from the Izaak Walton League lodge, 20400 Darden Road, South Bend. 

∎ 2 p.m. Nov. 21 carpooling from the Inn at Saint Mary’s back parking lot. You'll hike at Tippecanoe River State Park and then see the sandhill cranes at Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area in Medaryville, Ind. 

Spicer Lake hike by lantern 

Hike the trails of Spicer Lake Nature Preserve in New Carlisle by lantern light from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 14. You'll meet at the entrance to the visitor center to receive a map and lantern. A healthy snack will also be provided. Cost is $5. Registration is required at 574-654-3155. 

Find columnist Joseph Dits on Facebook at SBTOutdoorAdventures or 574-235-6158 or [email protected].