CHASE AWAY THE MIDWEST WINTER BLUES WITH THE
FORD 71st ANNUAL INDIANAPOLIS BOAT, SPORT & TRAVEL SHOW
INDIANAPOLIS – The Ford 71st Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show is gearing up to chase away the Midwest winter blues and ignite dreams of spring and summer adventures. Running February 20-22 and February 25-March 1, 2026, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, this massive event—the nation’s largest sport show—transforms chilly days into a vibrant celebration of boating, RVing, fishing, hunting, travel and more all under one roof.
For seven decades the show has united families, sparking excitement for the great outdoors and helping attendees plan their warm-weather escapes while snow still lingers outside. This year’s edition promises even more thrills across more than 750,000 square feet of indoor adventure, with one ticket granting access to whatever is open on the day you visit—including the 31st Annual Indiana Motorcycle & Powersports Expo throughout the main run and the 28th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo from February 27-March 1.
Imagine strolling acres of gleaming boats (over five and a half acres worth) and RVs (four and a half acres), chatting with 100’s of expert vendors about your next big purchase or dream getaway. No show has a better selection. In TackleTown USA, the building buzzes with rods, reels, kayaks, tackle, and pro tips, plus the must-see Fishing Seminar Series featuring legends like Chris Johnson, Joe Thomas, Wally Marshall (Mr. Crappie), , and others sharing secrets on crappie tactics, forward-facing sonar, and more. The iconic Hawg Trough—a 4,000-gallon live aquarium—delivers jaw-dropping bait demos, while kids can cast lines at the Kid’s Trout Pond for memories that last a lifetime.
The Travel & Tourism Pavilion beckons with experts ready to book your ultimate escape: houseboat getaways, Canadian fishing lodges, African safaris, or local camping gems. Laughter and excitement fill the air with nationally known comedy stunt fisherman Dan Israel (@offthehookfisherman), whose high-energy antics and YouTube fame entertain all ages. The K-9 X Games showcase the Alpha K-9 U Crew’s incredible dock-diving, obedience, and aerial stunts. On Saturday, February 21—Kid’s Day—the first 500 children 12 and under score a free rod and reel combo, and there is fishing fun led by Dan Israel to inspire the next generation of outdoor lovers.
Motorcycle and powersports fans rev up for the 31st Annual Indiana Motorcycle & Powersports Expo, showcasing the latest bikes, side-by-sides, gear, and tech to fuel open-road dreams or trail-blazing escapades. The Biker’s Showcase dazzles with rare finds, wild customs, and hot machines. ABATE of Indiana’s Tiny Tots Riding Experience lets little ones feel the thrill of kid-sized electric motorcycles, and on Kid’s Day, the first 500 young visitors grab a fun coloring book.
For hunters, the 28th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo (February 27-March 1) delivers Midwest premier action: Archery Alley for testing gear, the Hoosier Record Book Trophy Buck Display, on-site scoring by Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young experts, global outfitters for dream hunts, waterfowl gear galore, youth archery ranges, and safety education. The seminar lineup inspires with pros like Joe Thomas on western big game, Philip Culpepper on turkey, Jeff Foiles on duck and goose calling, Bill Epeards on whitetails, and more—check full schedules at indysportshow.com or IndianaDeerandTurkeyExpo.com.
Admission: Adults (13+) $16, kids 6-12 $10, and 5 & under free. Tickets are available online at indysportshow.com or at the box office. Adult special discounts available at the Box Office Only on February 25-27 for those showing boat/RV registration, hunting, or fishing licenses (February 25-27 only; discounts not combinable). .
Presented by Renfro Productions, this isn’t just a show—it’s a motivational kickstart to the season, turning winter cabin fever into unstoppable enthusiasm for sun-soaked lakes, open trails, roaring campfires, and unforgettable family adventures. Grab your ticket, bundle up, and step into spring early! For details, visit indysportshow.com.
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Contact:
Dan Forst
Renfro Productions Media Relations
317-441-7106
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2026
