AGP Executive Report

Sports Tourism: Gov. Mike Braun says Indiana is looking to grow its share of a sports economy that already generates more than $400 million a year in sports tourism, with regional investments intended to attract visitors and support jobs. Camping: State officials announced a $25 million plan for a new campground at MCSP, a boost for Hoosiers planning outdoor getaways. Indianapolis Green Space: A Bezos Earth Fund investment will help restore wetlands and expand nature access in Indianapolis as part of a wider effort to turn underused urban land into parks and habitats. Scenic Drives: Covered Bridge Country offers travelers more than a picturesque drive, with local outdoor attractions adding reasons to explore the area.

Camping & Outdoors: State officials announced a $25 million plan for a new MCSP campground. Indiana DNR has also launched a rewards program encouraging Hoosiers to explore state parks and wildlife areas. Fall Getaways: The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is underway, while new guides spotlight fall drives across Indiana and seasonal activities statewide. Holiday Planning: Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt is set to return, offering another reason to plan a winter visit.

McCormick’s Creek Campground: Indiana plans to spend $25 million rebuilding the tornado-damaged campground at the state’s first park. The 65-acre site will have 192 campsites with full hookups. Sports Tourism: The state says sports tourism generates more than $400 million a year and supports over 90,000 jobs; planned and ongoing projects include new sports facilities and community recreation spaces. Fall Getaways: Parke County’s Covered Bridge Festival is underway, with 31 historic bridges, fall colors and outdoor recreation near Shades and Turkey Run state parks. Explore Indiana: A new DNR rewards program aims to encourage Hoosiers to visit state parks and wildlife areas. Camping Update: Brown County officials rejected a request for year-round and tent camping at Nashville’s Red Barn campground, citing floodway safety concerns.

Weekend Getaways: The Parke Covered Bridge Festival is underway, bringing visitors to western Indiana for its annual fall celebration. A historic train is also set to return this weekend, offering another outing for travelers. Live Music: Ed Sheeran plays Indianapolis on Oct. 10, with Isaac Slade and Brooks Rosser newly announced as opening acts. Outdoor Indiana: The DNR has launched a rewards program encouraging Hoosiers to explore state parks and wildlife areas. Getting There: Southwest has resumed a nonstop route from Indianapolis, adding another flight option for travelers.

Fall Festival: Parke County’s Covered Bridge Festival gets underway Friday and runs through Oct. 18, with food, crafts and fall color spread across nine communities and the county’s 31 historic bridges. Outdoor Indiana: The DNR has launched a rewards program encouraging Hoosiers to explore state parks and wildlife areas. Seasonal Events: Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt is returning with German artisans and a preview night. Weekend Excursion: A historic train is set to return this weekend, offering another reason to plan a fall outing.

Road Travel: Indiana’s interstate construction costs reached $46 million per mile in fiscal 2026, intensifying the state’s search for road funding. Tolling I-70 remains under consideration, a proposal that could affect future trips across the state. Airport Travel: About 500,000 flyers are expected at Indianapolis International Airport during a peak travel period, pointing to a busy stretch for Hoosier travelers. Fall Getaways: Indiana’s west and south fall-drive guides offer seasonal route ideas as the harvest window opens, while Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt is set to return with German artisans. Historic Stops: James Dean’s teenage years unfolded on an Indiana farm, where his childhood bedroom is still preserved.

Fall Getaways: Indiana DNR’s October state-park lineup brings seasonal campsite decorating and costume events, while new north and south fall-drive guides offer routes for leaf-peeping. Holiday Travel: Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt is set to return with German artisans and a $100 preview night, giving visitors an early reason to plan a winter trip. Airport Rush: Indianapolis International Airport expects about 500,000 travelers during the peak travel period, so visitors should plan ahead for busy terminals.

Arts & Culture: Indiana communities can apply for Cultural District certification or renew existing status. The program recognizes arts-focused destinations and offers certified districts $5,000 for planning, research or promotion. River Tourism: The Ohio River Way conference brought communities together to grow tourism along the river, whose Indiana connections stretch from the Ohio border to Evansville. Outdoor Exploration: Indiana DNR has launched a rewards program encouraging Hoosiers to visit state parks and wildlife areas. Travel Outlook: Indianapolis International Airport expected 500,000 travelers during a recent peak period, a reminder to plan ahead for busy trips. New Getaway: A family has turned 133 acres of Indiana farmland into an escape featuring white-sand beaches.

Road Trip Costs (Indiana fuel): GasBuddy reports show Henry County’s regular gas hit a low of $3.77/gal in the week ending Sept. 26, while statewide regular averaged $3.95/gal. Other Indiana-area highlights in the same reporting period include Perry County regular at $4.09/gal, Howard County regular at $3.98/gal, and Grant County diesel at $6.24/gal. Community & Family Fun (White County): White County’s calendar for Oct. 8–10 spotlights library events, support groups, and a “Halloween Boo Jars” night at Bluestem Nature Center on Oct. 8. Local Giving (White County): Women Giving Together marks 20 years of pooled giving in White County, totaling 134 grants worth more than $190,000 over 19 cycles, with the 20th grant cycle now underway. Big Weekend Sports (Indiana vs. Nebraska): No. 7 Indiana heads to Nebraska for a rare matchup as both teams start 5-0, with Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti calling it a huge road test. Theme-Park Watch: Disney World is raising prices on annual passes and tickets, with the top Incredi-Pass now listed at $1,749.

Indiana Travel & Tourism: Indiana’s FEMA help expands after August storms, with Fountain and Warren counties added for Individual Assistance and more counties now eligible for Public Assistance—check DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 for possible lodging, repairs, and lost-property support. Outdoor Fun in Indiana: A new Southern Indiana adventure park, SKYLAKE in Logansport, is drawing visitors with a floating obstacle course plus plans for ropes courses and winter tubing. Hoosier Parks & Wildlife: Indiana DNR launched a rewards program encouraging Hoosiers to explore state parks and wildlife areas. Road Trip Planning: Indiana interstate construction costs keep climbing, with one report citing $46M per centerline mile in 2026—useful context for travelers watching for longer work zones. Local Sports (for weekend plans): High school football and cross-country action continues across Indiana, including Connersville and regional meets heading toward the state tournament series.

Indiana Travel & Tourism: Indianapolis is inviting residents to try “Week Without Driving” Oct. 1–8, a hands-on way to experience what nondrivers face daily—walking, biking, rolling, and transit—led by local partners including IndyGo and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Local Events & Culture: The National Tour of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” is coming to MPAC in Morristown for three performances Oct. 16–17, bringing the classic River City story and songs to Indiana-area audiences. Parks & Outdoors: Indiana DNR has launched a rewards program encouraging Hoosiers to explore state parks and wildlife areas. Sports & Travel (Hoosier angle): Indiana football heads to Nebraska for a Big Ten test against undefeated Cornhuskers, with QB Anthony Colandrea facing familiar coach Curt Cignetti. Safety & Community: Fort Wayne Community Schools will join National Walk and Roll to School Day Oct. 7, promoting safer active travel for students.

Indiana Travel Safety: As daylight fades, Indiana officials are urging drivers and walkers to slow down, watch for pedestrians and animals, and boost visibility with clean headlights, reflective gear, and flashlights. Fall Getaways (Indiana): Jasper’s restored Spirit of Jasper train is running its Spirit of Autumn Ride & Dine, with stops tied to French Lick and West Baden Springs. Local Infrastructure Watch: Indiana interstate reconstruction costs jumped to about $46 million per centerline mile in 2026, up sharply from 2015—driven by inflation and bigger, more complex projects. Indiana Sports Tourism: Butler hosts the Butler Fall Invitational at Highland Country Club in Indianapolis, with Austin Peay returning to the event. Food Recall Alert: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states due to unlabeled yellow food dyes, a label issue for some sensitive consumers. Tech & Travel Business: Copper Mountain Technologies will demo RF and microwave testing gear at European Microwave Week in London.

Indiana Travel & Tourism (local angle): Carmel Christkindlmarkt returns Nov. 21–Dec. 24 at Carter Green, adding more German artisans and traditional craft demos, plus a sold-out 21+ preview night (Wundernacht) on Nov. 19. Family Travel Spotlight: An 83-year-old Indiana great-grandmother drove 12 hours to Florida to stay by her great-grandson during a major, frightening spinal procedure—sleeping in a hospital chair to help the family feel less alone. Theme-Park Travel: Walt Disney World marks its 55th anniversary with a look back at decades of growth and a push toward future projects, highlighting refreshed attractions and resort updates. Indiana Community & Heritage: The Kentuckiana Underground Railroad Project received Lilly Endowment arts funding, with local leaders hoping it can grow into a regional destination for learning about the Ohio River’s role in the Underground Railroad. Sports Tourism (Indiana ties): Butler’s women’s swim team opened the season at the IU Indianapolis Double Dual, then heads to Swim Across America in Crawfordsville next weekend.

Indiana Travel & Tourism: Carmel Christkindlmarkt is leaning hard into a Germany-style holiday experience, with a towering 33-foot Glühwein Pyramid, thousands of lights, and artisans traveling in to bring traditions like woodworking and glassblowing to Indiana. Health & Safety for Families: Doctors are renewing warnings about energy drinks for kids and teens, pointing to high caffeine and possible heart and nervous-system risks, after high-profile child deaths and renewed scrutiny of youth-focused sponsorships. Outdoor Access & Public Lands: A proposed repeal of the federal Roadless Rule could change road-building rules on national forests, raising concerns about losing quiet “roadless areas,” including protections affecting parts of Indiana’s Hoosier National Forest. Sports Tourism (Indiana-to-UK): Colts fans heading to London for the Colts vs. Commanders matchup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium may find ticket prices lower than at Lucas Oil Stadium, though travel costs still add up. Indiana Sports Spotlight: No. 6 Indiana rolled past Rutgers 47-15, extending its win streak to 21 games.

Gas Prices: The national average for regular gas fell nearly 7 cents to about $4.41 after a record September, with crude easing back toward the $90s. Indiana Sports & Travel: Indiana women’s soccer hosts Michigan in Bloomington as both teams look for an offensive reset; meanwhile, the Colts head to London for the Commanders matchup, with WR Keenan Allen ruled out late due to a groin injury. Road-Trip Ideas: A new fall-foliage roundup spotlights Nashville, Indiana, as a lesser-known leaf-peeping stop. Weird Attractions: A Texas roadside-attractions list leans into the state’s “bigger than life” oddities, including Guinness-style landmarks. Death Penalty Debate: Indiana faces fresh scrutiny after Tennessee’s failed execution attempts, with activists urging a pause ahead of Indiana’s next scheduled lethal injection. Energy Drinks Warning: Doctors renew concerns about high-caffeine energy drinks for kids, citing recent calls to pause major college sponsorships.

Indiana Travel & Tourism: Indiana DNR has a fresh October fall lineup at state parks, including campsite decorating, costume contests, and seasonal events—great timing for weekend plans. Road Trips & Infrastructure: All lanes of I-69 in southern Branch County are now open after a $1.9 million MDOT pavement repair project, clearing the way for easier fall travel. Nature & Outdoors: Hoosiers can also look for Indiana Dunes State Park updates, including volunteers transplanting marram grass to help protect dunes. Local Events: Evansville’s The Wall That Heals (a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica) is set for Oct. 29–Nov. 1, and USI is seeking volunteers to help with setup, guiding visitors, and more. Sports Tourism (Intl): The Indianapolis Colts were spotted at London Stansted ahead of their Tottenham game—another reminder that Indiana fans may be planning trips for NFL international weekends.