What coronavirus means for your Indiana summer vacation

Summer in Indiana is a time to get out and go.

But even under the best circumstances, the staples of a typical Hoosier summer — county fairs and local festivals, vacation getaways, campgrounds and water parks — will likely all be affected in some way by COVID-19.

Meanwhile, many events that draw thousands of visitors to Indiana and pump millions of dollars into the state economy are being postponed, rescheduled or reimagined. The venerable Indianapolis 500, synonymous with the month of May, has been moved to late August. And Gen Con 2020, the annual celebration of gaming that is one of the city's largest and most visible conventions, recently joined a growing list of events that have been cancelled.

Tourism spending added more than $13.2 billion to the state economy, and supported more than 152,000 jobs in 2018, the most recent year for which data is available, according to the Indiana office of Tourism Development.

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Travel experts and event planners say it is too soon — and there are too many variables still in play — to predict how the summer of COVID-19 will play out in Indiana. But its safe to expect hand sanitizer and washing stations, limited seating and smartphone apps to help you keep your distance.

"I think the challenge is we want to open up because these businesses have to survive," said Jan L. Jones, a professor in the hospitality and travel management program at the University of New Haven. "But in terms of traveling, it's not like something major has changed in the sense that we do still need to keep our social distance."

Jones said she expects to see people minimizing travel, particularly extended trips across states and internationally, until "well into June" — and possibly much longer.

Gov. Eric Holcomb's five-stage Back on Track plan tentatively calls for a full reopening of the state on July 4. Most counties will move into Phase 4 on June 14. That will allow tourism and entertainment facilities that have been shut down to begin operating at 50% capacity with social distancing and other protective measures. During Phase 4, public gatherings will be limited to 250 or fewer.

Even if the governor gives the all-clear signal in early July, Jones said many Hoosiers may not be ready to immediately jump back into the mix.

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"I definitely think there's going to be two things going on. One is that people are so sick of being home and cooped up that they are going to be looking for experiences. So I think the outdoor recreation places where they can still kind of keep a distance are going to be more attractive to people in the beginning," Jones said.

"Eventually, some of those bigger events and stuff will come back into play. But I think it's going to be a while until we have more safe environments for them so that we can guarantee their safety. I think people are going to be definitely nervous about certain types of travel and certain types of venues, especially the bigger ones."

Indiana State Fair

The state fair, which attracts close to one million visitors over 17 days, is scheduled for Aug. 7-23.

Sharon Smith, director of communications for the Indiana State Fair Commission, said other events at the fairgrounds in Indianapolis, which is now closed, will resume in early July. 

Holiday World and Splashin' Safari

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is planning to open its amusement park June 17 and the water park July 4. But don't expect business as usual.

The Southern Indiana theme park that typically draws nearly 1 million visitors will limit admissions, require social distancing in lines and cut back on indoor dining seats. Masks are expected to be optional.

New procedures also will be in place for ride lines, including reservations tracked by smartphone or a special wristband. They will alert guests when to get in line.

State and National Parks

All of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' properties — including state parks, state forests, fish and wildlife areas, nature preserves and recreation areas — are open. Some facilities and services are temporarily closed. But Hoosiers can still hike, fish, and boat. Equestrian and mountain bike trails also are open, but for day use only.

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Campgrounds, inns, restaurants are preparing to reopen May 24, but playgrounds, pools, and shelter houses will remain closed.

The Porter Beach area at Indiana Dunes National Park is closed.

Indianapolis International Airport

Some operations have been altered by COVID-19. The number of flights has been reduced, and dine-in services and alcohol sales have been temporarily halted.

Current expectations for June travel are that the airport will be servicing 31 nonstop destinations, down from 53 at the beginning of 2020, officials said.  The frequency of flights may still change, so officials urge travelers to check with their airlines before coming to the airport.

Contact Tim Evans at 317-444-6204 or tim.evans@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @starwatchtim.

What to expect

• Consider outdoor activities that allow for social distancing, like hiking, cycling or fishing.
• Take along your own hand sanitizer and consider wearing a mask in crowded or unfamiliar settings.
• Call venues and destinations to make sure they are open and for updates on safety or other requirements.
• Before heading to the airport call your airline to verify flight times and status.