St Joseph County Parks

St. Joseph County Parks

Continuing the Legacy Of GreatnessImproving the Quality of Your Life!Investing time outdoors improves your physical health, your mental and your emotional health; in general, your overall well-being. The St. Joseph County Parks understand that and they encourage that wellness by providing beautiful outdoor surroundings, a myriad of fun, interesting and enjoyable recreational activities and many amenities that improve the quality of life for those living in or visiting St. Joseph County, Indiana.

About St. Joseph County Parks
Committed To Making Your Life More Enjoyable and Keeping You Healthier
By providing people the great outdoors, the St. Joseph County Parks Team helps improve green spaces and the conservation of natural resources. This also helps to protect natural habitats (plants and animals) while at the same time improving the quality of the air we breath, the water we drink and the natural environment that we exist in.

The St. Joseph County Parks Team is dedicated to improving your quality of life by offering a better environment, an abundance of recreational opportunities and a natural environment for your family and friends to play in, relax in, create memories in and enjoy!

The Team is made up of caring, resourceful people dedicated to the mission of improving life and the environment in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
See the St. Joseph County Park Staff here: Park Staff
See Friends of the St. Joseph County Park Staff here: Friends of the Parks

St. Joseph County Parks Mission Statement
"St. Joseph County Parks will enrich the community and the lives of St. Joseph County residents by conserving and caring for significant natural areas, promoting understanding and stewardship of our unique natural and cultural heritage through innovative programs and services, and enhancing visitor experiences through well-maintained park facilities."

St. Joseph County Parks Vision Statement
"Continuing the Legacy of Greatness!"

St. Joseph County Parks
Parks & Trails - Places To Visit
With seven exceptional parks and trails St. Joseph County Parks offers you a myriad of great outdoor places to visit and enjoy. Go explore and discover what life in St. Joseph County, Indiana has to offer you and your family!
See the 7 Parks & Trails below:

ANDERSON ROAD

This Parks and Recreation property features 118 beautiful acres for your enjoyment.
Anderson Road, approximately 1/2 mile west of the intersection of Anderson Road and Ash Road .
10761 Anderson Rd. Granger
574-277-4828

BENDIX WOODS

Enjoy 195 acres of wooded trails, ponds and natural fields in this outstanding St. Joe County park. Hiking, Picnic Sites & Mountain Biking (a 6.5 mile mountain bike trail)!
Also Bendix offers Fall Hayrides, a Children’s Discovery Room, Playground Equipment and a Sledding Hill (unsupervised so sled at your own risk.Bendix Woods is the second highest point in the county is found here plus you’ll see the pine trees planted in the 1930s to spell “Studebaker”- listed in the Guinness Book of Records and the National Historic Register. It is also home to the Historic Studebaker Clubhouse.
56960 Timothy Rd New Carlisle, South of U.S. 20
574-654-3155

CHAMBERLAIN LAKE

This wonderful Nature Preserve is over 80 acres and is managed cooperatively with Indiana Department of Natural Resources and St. Joseph County Parks. It features 1.5 miles of trails through woods, fields and along Chamberlain Lake's edge.
This environment provides habitat for several rare and endangered plants and is perfect for Hiking and Bird Watching (there is a Bird Observation Platform located on the west side of Chamberlain Lake).
58111 Crumstown Highway, South Bend
574-654-3155

BEVERLY D CRONE RESTORATION AREA

This 111 acres of undeveloped land Nature Preserve former landfill to be managed as a natural area and passive recreation site . It is a nesting site for several species of endangered birds so it’s perfect for bird lovers. It also features a gravel walking and bike path.
Jackson and Linden Roads, South Bend
574-277-4828

FERRETTIE / BAUGO CREEK

Imagine 214 sprawling acres with Hiking Trails, Open Fields, and Baugo Creek (which flows into the St. Joseph River) to add to the natural beauty. This property offers Hiking, Exploring, Picnicking and Disc Golf (it features an 18 hole, challenging Disc Golf Course). It also is perfect for Winter Inner Tubing and provides visitors a Public Access Boat Ramp on the Baugo Bay.
57057 Ash Rd , Osceola
574-674-9765

LASALLE TRAIL

The LaSalle Trail starts in Roseland near the Roseland Town Park and runs to the Indiana/Michigan State Line where it connects to the Niles Township trail system and beyond. This 12 1/2 acre spread has a 3.5 mile paved trail that offers visitors many recreational opportunities including: Bird Watching, Bicycling, Hiking and In-line Skating.
19701 Cleveland Rd., South Bend
574-277-4828

SPICER LAKE

This wonderful area is home to several endangered plants and animals. It’s easy to become immersed in the natural environment as you explore and discover the wildlife and natural beauty. A boardwalk offers visitors easy access through a portion of the wetland. This is the perfect place for Birding and Hiking. It offers guests a Nature Center, Nature Hikes, Educational Programs for Schools and Habitat Studies.
50840 County Line Rd New Carlisle
574-654-3155

ST. PATRICK’S COUNTY PARK

An impressive 398 acres of wooded trail, ponds and St. Joseph River frontage makes St. Patrick’s one of the finest parks in the state. It also features the “Red Barn” a huge wooden barn which is one of the largest wooden barns in the county. Plus visitors can enjoy entertainment at the Robert J. Fischgrund Center for the Performing Arts. Here you will also see the Freedom Memorial (Standing Tall)!
Other fun things to do at St. Patrick’s County Park: Playground Equipment, Picnic Site Rental, Hiking, Canoe Rentals, Inner Tubing, Cross Country Skiing and they also offer a Public Access Boat Ramp for the St. Joseph River.
50651 Laurel Rd South Bend
574-277-4828

Things To Do
St. Joseph County Parks Activities

There is so much to do at the St. Joseph County Parks that you won't even know where to start... and if you did you wouldn't have enough time to do everything. From relaxing and enjoying the sights and sounds to strolling through the parks and trails, a trip to one of the St. Joe County Parks or Trails is always fun. Maybe you prefer more to be a bit more active? If that’s the case St. Joe County Parks offers you the opportunity to enjoy canoeing, cross country skiing, disc golf or a pick-up game of touch football.

Regardless of your hot buttons, your lifestyle or your hobbies and habits, St. Joseph County Parks has something awesome for you

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS THINGS TO DO

BIKING & MOUNTAIN BIKING
If you are a biker then you need to head to Indiana's St. Joseph County Parks where you'll enjoy the adventures of Biking & Mountain Biking. Enjoy these paths and trails or cut some of your own. This is the place to do it!

There are two great places for Biking in St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana. See them below:
Bendix Woods
Printable Trail Map here: Bendix Woods Biking

LaSalle Trail

BIRD WATCHING
Bird Watching is becoming more and more popular and for good reason, it gets you outdoors among the wildlife and nature's best. It also gives you the challenge of finding birds that are more difficult to find as well as the opportunity to enjoy watching their habits, patterns and their natural beauty.

Most all of the St. Joseph County Parks are ideal for Bird Watching. Some are a bit better than others depending on season, the day... and your luck.
Bendix Woods
Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area
Chamberlain Lake
Ferrettie / Baugo Creek
LaSalle Trail
Spicer Lake
St. Patrick's County Park

BOATING, CANOEING, STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING & KAYAKING
There is always something special about being on the water and the Team at St. Joseph County Parks realizes that. They have invested time and resources to ensure that there are many types of water activities for you and your family and friends. From Boating and Canoeing to Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding, you can do it all at these St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana.

Here are the best places for being on the water at St. Joseph County Parks & Trails
Spicer Lake
St. Patrick's County Park

CAMPING
There may not be anything that brings a family together better than camping in the great outdoors. That's one of the things you can always count on at St. Joseph County Parks & Trails. Camping means great times... and St. Joseph County Parks always delivers the great times!

Places to Camp at St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana

WINTER ACTIVITIES- CROSS COUNTRY SKIING, SLEDDING & SNOW TUBING
Winter doesn't stop you from having fun at St. Joseph County Parks. In fact, the fun just begins here for many people. That includes several Winter activities including Cross-Country Skiing, Winter Tubing & Sledding. So stay active this winter... at one of you St. Joseph County Parks!

Best Places in St. Joseph County Parks for Winter Activities:

DISC GOLFING
One of the best place to play Disc Golf in all of Michiana happens to be at one of the St. Joseph County Parks, Ferrettie / Baugo Creek. This 18 hole Disc Golf Course that as fun as it is challenging

Ferrettie / Baugo Creek

FAMILY OUTINGS, CLASS REUNIONS & COMPANY OUTINGS
St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana has so much to offer... and so many things to do. All you have to do is have a need and they can typically fill it. That's especially true if you are looking for a facility for a family reunion, a class reunion, Birthday Parties or Company Outings. They even offer excellent facilities for Wedding Receptions and other Special Events.

Here are some great places for Family Reunions, Class Reunions, Birthday & Anniversary Parties, Company Functions and Weddings:

FISHING
Some people say the best type of meditation or finding peace is fishing. Regardless if you agree or not fishing is one of America's most popular activities and St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana offers plenty of it. So grab a pole, a little bait and go try your luck!

FREE PLAY
When you just want to get outdoors and get some activity in there is nothing better than going to the park... and that's especially true of Indiana's St. Joseph County Parks. Gather some friends, grab a ball, a disk or anything else that you can get a little Free Play Time in with and head to one of the St. Joseph County Parks below:

GEOCATCHING
More and more people are catching on to Geocatching and for good reason, it brings together technology with outdoor activity. There are several places at the St. Joe County Parks for Geocathing. We've listed our favorites below:

HAYRIDES & FALL EVENTS
Fall is a great time to enjoy Indiana's St. Joseph County Parks. The colors are magnificent and there is plenty to do. Always check out their programs at St. Joseph County Parks Calendar of Events and enjoy this fall!

HIKING
St Joseph County Parks, Indiana are the ideal place to hike. With several terrains and several types of hiking trails, you will thoroughly enjoy hiking anyone of these great parks or trails.

JOGGING
Joggers love to jog the St. Joseph County Parks. Peaceful, serene and full of sights. Try one then try another... you'll be back again and again.

NATURE WALKS
Walking in nature is emotionally healing, soothing and enjoyable... whether by yourself, with friends or family. St. Joseph County Parks has many places to escape and just enjoy nature. Never say there's nothing to do as long as there are St. Joseph County parks

PICNICS & BARBECUES
Everyone loves picnics and barbecues. Family, Friends, Fun and Food! Who could ask for more. Our favorite places for picnics and barbecues in St. Joseph County Parks? All of them! So grab some goodies, gather your friends and family and let's go have a great time.

PLAYGROUND ACTIVITIES
Kids love the St. Joseph County Parks. With running and jumping, laughing and yelling... what more could you ask for? How about Playgrounds, Playground Sets and Playground Activities. You'll find plenty of Playground Activities for the kids at St. Joseph County Parks.

ROLLER BLADING, IN-LINE SKATING & ROLLER SKATING
What a great place for Roller Blading, In-Line Skating and Roller Skating, outdoors in the perfect environment. St. Joseph County Parks offers skaters variety and quality. See the various skating opportunities here:

WEDDINGS
St. Joseph County Parks offers you a huge selection of Wedding Venues... both inside and out. If you are on a budget it's even better becasue the venues at the various parks are affordable and there are many options to choose from. Check out some of the Wedding Venue and Wedding Reception options below.

St Joseph County Parks
FACILITIES
Rental Facilities & Shelter

BENDIX WOODS
Bendix Woods has five available shelters for picnics and gatherings, two of which have adjacent picnic areas. These facilities will house from 30 to 135 guests which gives you many options for events. The facilities are also versatile and serve many purposes. If you are having a family gathering, a company outing or a special event, these are the perfect venue.

DeNeve Shelter - Otahnagon Picnic Area
This well appointed facility holds up to 125 guests and serves as a great place for most types of events. Here you will also have several amenities including:
Bike Trail, Grilling, Horseshoes, Free Parking, Picnic Shelters and Picnic Tables, a Playground and Restrooms. Running Water is available as well.

Studebaker Shelter - Picnic Area
The Maximum Occupancy for the Studebaker Shelter is 60 guests. The facility is very nice for smaller to mid size gathering and has many amenities including:
Chairs & Tables, Grilling, Meeting Rooms, Restrooms, a Pavilion for gatherings, Trails and Running Water.

Glenn Bauer Shelter - Picnic Area
The Glenn Bauer Shelter is the St. Joe County Parks' largest facility with a Maximum Occupancy of 135 guests. The facility is very nice for smaller to mid size gathering and has many amenities including:
Chairs & Tables, Grilling, Meeting Rooms, Free Parking, Restrooms, Playground, a Pavilion for gatherings, Trails and Running Water.

Van Paris Shelter - Picnic Area
The Van Paris Shelter offers a Maximum Occupancy of 80 people. The facility features a very nice Bike Trail as well as other amenities also: Tables & Chairs, Fishing, Walking Trail, Grill for Picnics, Free Parking, Pavilion & Picnic Tables, Playground and Restrooms. This facility also has Running Water.

Runnels Shelter - Hardwood Picnic Area
This facility, with a Maximum Occupancy of 100 is nestled in a beautiful setting and has a variety of amenities to please your guests including: Bike Trail, Outdoor Grill, Horseshoes, Free Parking, Picnic Shelters & Picnic Tables, a Playground, Restrooms, Nice Nature Trails, Volleyball and Running Water.