This weekend area residents and visitors to Steuben County have the opportunity to celebrate National Public Lands Day with a trip to Pokagon State Park and Trine State Recreation Area.

On Saturday, September 25th, the Friends of Pokagon are hosting several free events.

A variety of events will start at 9:30 AM at Pokagon State Park where nature enthusiasts can take a 90-minute hike to the pawpaw patch. Several other events are scheduled to take place at the par’s nature center.

This Saturday is also Free Fishing Day. Indiana residents do not need a fishing license to fish the state’s public waters. Anglers can use the dock on Lake Lonidaw or fish from the pier at Trine State Recreation Area.

The normal gate fee of $7 per Indiana vehicle and $9 per out-of-state vehicle will be charged. The gate fee will be waived on Sunday, September 26th.