Ind. Code § 8-15-3-13

Sec. 13. The department may acquire in the name of the state, by purchase or otherwise, on the terms and conditions and in the manner that the department considers proper or by the exercise of the right of condemnation as prescribed by this chapter, that public or private property (including public parks, playgrounds, or reservations, including parts of them or rights in them, rights-of-way, property rights, easements, and interests) that the department considers necessary for carrying out this chapter.