AGP Executive Report

Sports Tourism: Gov. Mike Braun is backing Indiana’s bid for a larger share of the sports economy, including a planned $98 million girls’ sports complex in Newton County with 16 courts and fields, a championship arena and an expected 1,000 jobs. The project is designed to draw visitors and spending to a rural community. Big Game Weekend: No. 5 Indiana hosts No. 4 Ohio State in Bloomington on Saturday in the first top-five matchup at Memorial Stadium—a major draw for visiting fans. Indianapolis Lodging: The city’s tallest hotel is set to open in December, adding a new option for visitors. Outdoor Finds: A cave system near the Ohio River is drawing attention as one of Indiana’s natural wonders, while state officials have announced a $25 million plan for a new campground at MCSP.

Southern Indiana Outdoors: Wyandotte Caves, near the Ohio River, offer tours of striking formations and an underground mountain, with more outdoor adventures nearby at O’Bannon Woods State Park and Harrison-Crawford State Forest. Indianapolis Hotels: The 38-story, 800-room Signia by Hilton is set to open Dec. 9, adding seven dining and bar options and a large ballroom as part of a convention center and Lucas Oil Stadium expansion aimed at drawing more events. College Football Travel: Bloomington hosts a top-five showdown Saturday, when No. 5 Indiana takes on No. 4 Ohio State in a rematch of last season’s Big Ten title game.

Shipshewana Entertainment: Dustin Lynch brought his country hits to the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, putting the Shipshewana venue in the spotlight with a concert and surprise proposal. Indianapolis Hotels: The Signia Hilton has unveiled its food and bar concepts ahead of opening, adding a new downtown option for visitors. Family Outings: Fort Wayne Zoo plans a Dog Day event for Nov. 1, offering a seasonal outing for visitors and their pets. Scenic Drives: Covered Bridge Country offers more than a drive, with local stops and attractions adding reasons to explore the area.

Family Outing: Fort Wayne Zoo has announced a Dog Day event for Nov. 1, offering visitors a new reason to plan a fall trip. Camping: State officials have unveiled a $25 million plan for a new MCSP campground, a boost for Indiana’s outdoor recreation options. Indianapolis Hotels: Signia Hilton Indianapolis has revealed its signature food and bar concepts ahead of the hotel’s opening. Fall Festival: The Parke Covered Bridge Festival is underway, bringing visitors to the state’s covered-bridge country. Haunted History: Indiana State Sanatorium in Rockville is named among the country’s top haunted destinations in a national roundup.

Carmel Spotlight: A new city ranking named Carmel the safest in the U.S., adding to its appeal for visitors exploring the Indianapolis area. Indianapolis Hotels: Signia Hilton Indianapolis has revealed its signature dining and bar concepts ahead of the hotel’s opening. Outdoor Stays: Indiana officials announced a $25 million plan for a new campground at McCormick’s Creek State Park. Fall Attractions: The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is underway, and a historic train is set to return this weekend. Air Travel: Southwest has resumed a nonstop route from Indianapolis, giving travelers another direct-flight option.

Hotel News: Signia Hilton Indianapolis has unveiled its dining and bar concepts ahead of its December opening, including all-day dining and rooftop cocktails. Sports Tourism: Gov. Mike Braun has outlined a strategy to grow Indiana’s sports economy and jobs, a push that could strengthen the state’s appeal to visitors. Outdoor Stays: State officials announced a $25 million plan for a new campground at McCormick’s Creek State Park. Road Travel: A major I-70 closure is expected in the coming months; drivers should watch for detours and travel updates.

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.