Birds and a tortoise race: Get outside this Memorial Day weekend with these Indiana events

The Indy 500 is this weekend and race fans will be packing the stands, but if you’d prefer a Memorial Day weekend outdoors somewhere else in Indiana, here’s what’s happening at local and state parks.

There are plenty of opportunities for fresh air, from waterfall hikes and campfire stories to bird watching and a tortoise race.

Memorial Day weekend could be a bit rainy. The National Weather Service in Indianapolis is predicting showers and thunderstorms Friday with highs in the lower 80s. Saturday should be mostly sunny with highs near 81 degrees. Sunday could see showers and thunderstorms with temps in the lower 80s.

Memorial Day 2024: Here's what's open and closed around Indianapolis

Hang out at a campfire or hike reopened trails on Friday, May 24

Trails reopen, 9:30 a.m. at McCormick’s Creek State Park in Spencer: Following a deadly tornado that touched down in the park last year, DNR staff and volunteers have worked to clear hiking trails 2 and 3 as well as the Bridle Trail (for hiking only). Trails 1, 4, and 9 remain fully open, taking hikers to McCormick’s Cove Nature Preserve, the fire tower, and the Peden Farmstead.

Soaring Raptors, 2 p.m. at Potato Creek State Park in North Liberty: This program will take attendees into a deep dive to understanding the characteristics that classify birds of prey. Meet at the Nature Center Auditorium.

Feeding Time, 3 p.m. at Eagle Creek Park in Indy: Throughout feeding time, nature center staff will be feeding the turtles, fish, snake, toads, frogs, and salamanders that live on the upper level of the nature center. Staff takes the critters out of their enclosures and feeds them in clear containers, so you get to see them. You'll learn a little about each animal as we feed each one.

Little Gardeners, 6 p.m. at Broad Ripple Park in Indy: Little Gardeners is a year-round gardening program geared for preschoolers. On Friday, participants will make worm farms, have worm races and talk about how composting helps gardens grow. Fees are $11, register online: anc.apm.activecommunities.com/indyparks/activity/search/detail/26328?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Frog Frolic, 6 p.m. at Chain O'Lakes State Park in Albion: Hop like a frog over to the campground interpretive area for a family fun game where participants will step into the lives of the frogs that call Chain O’Lakes State Park home.

Friday Campfire Cool Coyotes, 6:30 p.m. at Holliday Park in Indy: Join Indy Parks for a fun family Friday night around the campfire. Enjoy a sweet treat by the fire, learn about something new, and experience night hiking. Roasting sticks and s'mores provided, bring your own hot dogs and make a meal of it. Fees are $7, register online: anc.apm.activecommunities.com/indyparks/activity/search/detail/26348?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

See birds, bison and a tortoise race on Saturday, May 25

Bluebird Walk, 10 a.m. at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison: Join a naturalist at Clifty Shelter to check the park’s bluebird boxes for nests, eggs, and babies. This is an easy 45-minute walk.

Canoeing & Kayaking 101, 10 a.m. at Chain's O'Lake State Park in Albion: Learn how to canoe and/or kayak and sharpen your paddling skills. Meet at the boat rental and the park’s naturalist will be roving around the area to answer questions and demonstrate some paddling techniques.

Hike to Hidden Cave, 10 a.m. at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell: Meet at the Twin Caves parking lot for a short off trail hike to see one of the park’s lesser-known caves and learn why they're important.

Bison Hike, 10:30 a.m. at Ouabache State Park in Bluffton: Meet at the front of the bison pen to learn about the U.S. national mammal and hike the trail around the enclosure. Trail is 1 mile and will likely take an hour.

Birding Basics, 10:30 a.m. at Hardy Lake in Scottsburg: Join the park’s naturalist at the main trailhead for an introductory hike on birdwatching. Bring binoculars if you have them.

The Annual Tortoise Garfield 500 Race, 2 p.m. at Garfield Park Conservatory in Indy: Join Indy Parks in cheering on your favorite tortoise in this slow-paced race to the fresh food finish line. Will old man Proximo the Desert Tortoise find the food first at the end, or will his younger friend Chumlee, the Red-footed Rainforest Tortoise dash ahead for the tasty treat.

Waterfall hikes and woodpecker walks on Sunday, May 26

Sunday Morning Bird Walk, 8 a.m. at Fort Harrison State Park in Indy: Sunday Morning Bird Walks are back for spring migration. Bring binoculars, water and appropriate footwear for a two-hour walk. Meet at the northeast corner of Delaware Lake parking lot. Walk starts promptly at 8 a.m.

Bird Walk, 10 a.m. Central Time at Harmonie State Park in New Harmony: Come on a short walk near the campground entrance to seek out birds of all kinds. Bring binoculars if you have them, but just come and enjoy some morning birds.  Meet at the campground entrance/overflow parking lot for this walkabout.

Woodpecker Walk, 11 a.m. at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell: Bring your binoculars and join Anthony for a short talk about the woodpeckers that call Spring Mill home, then go on a short walk to spot them. Meet at the Donaldson Cave parking lot.

Turkey Hollow Hike, 11:30 a.m. at Turkey Run State Park in Marshall: Meet a naturalist at the Nature Center to hike through Turkey Hollow, which showcases some of Turkey Run's most exquisite geological features. Learn about the canyons and how they formed. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended.

Waterfall Hike, 2 p.m. at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison: Meet at Clifty Shelter for a 1-hour moderately rugged hike through one of the most scenic sections of Clifty Canyon. There is a chance to see five waterfalls along the way.

Celebrate Black Birders week later this month

Bird Hike for Beginners, 6 p.m. at Southeastway Park in Indy: In honor of Black Birders Week (May 26 - June 1) Southeastway Park is offering a free evening bird hike for beginners. Meet at the Activity Center. Black Birders Week is a week-long event that celebrates Black nature enthusiasts and birders and aims to increase their visibility. Program is free, but pre-registration is required: anc.apm.activecommunities.com/indyparks/activity/search/detail/27529?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Explore Indiana outdoors this Memorial Day weekend with these events