State parks are treasured destinations with a wealth of diverse outdoor experiences.
For many families, state parks provide the greatest opportunity to connect with nature. The Midwest’s wealth of state parks and affordable access means there are plenty of activities for everyone, including biking, walking, fishing, camping, bird watching, and swimming.
In Missouri, state parks are free for everyone. There is a fee for camping, but there is no other entrance fee. This applies to both residents and non-residents of the state. Funds generated from a dedicated sales tax cover the operating costs of state parks and provide opportunities for everyone, everywhere to connect with nature.
Most states charge a fee to enter their parks. These fees are often different for residents and non-residents. While these fees are reasonable for most, they are a barrier to entry for some. This prevents people from connecting with nature. Spending time outdoors has been proven to improve both physical and mental health. I don’t understand why other states haven’t found a way to replicate what Missouri has to offer.
Too often we are a reactionary society. We put off going to the dentist until we have a cavity. When our car breaks down, we take it to the mechanic. Many of these decisions are related to money. Most people live on the edge and don’t spend money on things that aren’t broken. Even if it makes more economic sense to make preventive improvements. Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Indiana is a state that charges a fee to enter its state parks. Again, the park is reasonable when compared to the cost of other experiences. But imagine if they were free.
Understood. Nothing is free. Money has to come from somewhere and no one wants new or increased taxes. What happens if a small amount of money is misappropriated? What if a small portion of the state budget spent on health and human services was reallocated to make state parks free and open to all? And even less tax revenue was spent promoting state park use? Is it?
I believe that if more people went for walks instead of watching TV, there would be fewer health-related problems for taxpayers. Or, if more children had free access to lakes for fishing and swimming, perhaps a few fewer children would go down the path to drug and alcohol abuse. It will ultimately destroy our society in many ways, including economically.
Physical and mental health is more than the brake pads on your car. As a society, we shouldn’t treat people’s well-being as something to be dealt with only after it’s broken. Unfortunately, it happens.
In most cases, you have no idea what your tax money is being used for. As I get older, I become more interested in understanding it because the waste I perceive is immense. For my own mental health, it would be best to leave it alone. To stay in the dark. I can not do it. I’m not wired that way.
Two taxes that I understand and am willing to pay are the Missouri Conservation Sales Tax and the Missouri Parks, Soil, and Water Tax. These two taxes, 1/8th and 1/10th of a cent, respectively, directly benefit society by providing healthier lifestyles, healthier water, and healthier soil. I can’t think of a better investment for a personal donation of around $20 per year.
And every time I see a group of children playing in a Missouri state park, I thank every citizen who voted to voluntarily impose these taxes. Benjamin Franklin would have made Missourians proud.
Indiana will begin “Visit Indiana Week” on May 19, waiving admission fees for all Indiana state parks, state recreation areas and reservoirs. His daily gate fees are waived for all guests on Sundays, but other fees for on-site services may apply. Still applicable. If you haven’t visited a state park in a while and are wondering what you’re missing out on, this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to explore one of the state’s many great parks. is.
This season, visitors can expect to find many new features and improvements throughout the park system, according to a recent press release from the Indiana DNR. The fire tower at Tippecanoe River State Park that I climbed many times in my youth has been restored. Regardless of which state you call home, Brown County State Park, the Midwest’s premier state park, features seven completely renovated family cabins and nine renovated rustic cabins. Ta. My all-time favorite state park, Potato Creek, where much of my early love of nature was born, saw improved campground dumpsters. Multiple facilities have developed or improved pollinator habitat and removed acres of invasive species.
Take the time to visit your local state parks and consider all the benefits these parks have to offer. Then ask yourself whether it’s worth the collective investment to make these parks free and open to everyone. I think the answer is a big yes.
See you on the trail.
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