Barbecue, fireworks and the outdoors are all on the menu for the Fourth of July holiday in Indiana, but it won’t be a good time to visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or mail an important package. 

State and federal agencies will be observing the holiday along with the rest of us, but many of Indiana’s green spaces will be available for those interested in celebrating outdoors. 

Here is the information you’ll need to plan your July 4. 

State agencies are closed

Indiana’s state agencies will be closed on Thursday, as will its courts and legislative offices. They will reopen Friday. 

But state parks are open

Indiana’s 36 state park properties will be open regular hours on Thursday. Entry fees are $7 for in-state residents and $9 for out-of-state visitors at most locations. Several are hosting Independence Day-themed events starting Thursday and running through the weekend.

Indiana Dunes National Park will also be open, but fireworks are prohibited on the grounds.  

As are state beaches and pools

Beaches across the country have been forced to close due to dangerous bacteria levels, but Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources confirmed to State Affairs that its beaches and pools will remain open unless forced to close due to weather. 

The weather may not hold up

According to the National Weather Service, rain and thunderstorms are expected across Indiana and most of the Midwest on Thursday. 

Gas prices fairly steady

This week is among the year’s most highly traveled, and the state’s average gas price of $3.53 per gallon is in line with the national average of $3.51, according to AAA.  Gas is about 12 cents cheaper than it was last week, but the price has jumped about 18 cents since last year’s holiday. 

Fireworks are legal throughout the week

Hoosiers over 18 years old are allowed to purchase and use fireworks on private property. 

Some local governments place limits on when fireworks can be used throughout the year, but state law spells out when they may be set off during this week: 

June 29- July 3: 5 p.m. until two hours past sunset.

July 4: 10 a.m. until midnight. 

July 5-9: 5 p.m. until two hours past sunset. 

Contact Rory Appleton on X at @roryehappleton or email him at [email protected].

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