Photograph by Amber Radivojevic
Calendar of Events
August
RESCHEDULED
Science at Sunset: Through the Eyes of a Fish
Tuesday, August 19 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Thursday, October 16
St. Patrick’s County Park: ND-LEEF Fee: Free!
How nature and nurture shape life in changing waters. What can fish teach us about how animals respond to a changing world? This talk by Dr. Julian Torres-Dowdall will explore how freshwater fish species adapt to shifts in their environment, from the way they see to how they survive infections and temperature changes. Explore fish vision and dive into how nature and nurture work together to shape responses to natural challenges and human-driven impacts. Learn how quickly evolution can happen, when flexibility helps survival, and why understanding these responses matters for the future of freshwater communities. Light snacks will be provided. Bring Your Own Beverage (no glass containers please). Registration required by October 14.
september
Bag-A-Bat and a Batnana Split!
Thursday, September 4 7pm – 9pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Harvest Room Fee: $5/person
*Recommended for children 7 and older Meet Wildlife Biologist Jeremy Sheets as he talks about the various species of bats found in Indiana and discusses their biological importance. Enjoy an ice cream sundae made possible by bats! Registration and payment required by September 2.
Mother/Son Campout
Friday – Saturday, September 5 – 6
Friday Evening: 6pm – 9pm
Overnight (Optional): 6pm – 9am
Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter Fee: $40/pair, $10/additional son Get ready for an unforgettable night! Enjoy a fun-filled evening with a scenic hayride, campfire cooking with hot dogs and s’mores, and a hands-on activity. Bring your own tent for an optional overnight stay in the park! Registration and payment required by September 2.
A GRAND Day to Celebrate!
Sunday, September 7 11am – 2pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Harvest Room Fee: $5 per guardian/child pair
Come celebrate our most cherished family relatives on National Grandparents Day! Take a leisurely stroll, complete a fun activity, and enjoy a tasty snack while spending time with your loved ones. This special opportunity to create meaningful memories only comes once per year! Registration and payment required by September 4.
Ringing of the Bell
Thursday, September 11 9am
St. Patrick’s County Park: Freedom Memorial Fee: Free
Join us, along with local fire, police, and EMS, to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001.
Father/Daughter Campout
Friday – Saturday, September 12 – 13 Friday Evening: 6pm – 9pm Overnight (Optional): 6pm – 9am Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter Fee: $40/pair, $10/additional daughter Get ready for an unforgettable night! Enjoy a fun-filled evening with a scenic hayride, campfire cooking with hot dogs and s’mores, and a hands-on activity. Bring your own tent for an optional overnight stay in the park! Registration and payment required by September 8.
Weed Wrangle
Saturday, September 13 9:30am – 12pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Laurel Road Entrance Fee: Free!
Help the parks fight back the invasive species of shrubs and vines growing along the edges of the white pines at St. Patrick’s County Park. Dress in long sleeves and pants. Have your own equipment? Bring it along! Refreshments will be provided for all volunteers thanks to Logistick, Inc. Registration required by September 10.
Hug & Hike with Your Hound Day
Sunday, September 14 10am – 6pm
Bendix Woods, Ferrettie/Baugo Creek, and St. Patrick’s County Parks Fee: Free! *For cars entering with dogs Enjoy a fun walk with your furry best friend on National Hug Your Hound Day! Take a photo of your pooch on the trails and tag us on Facebook! Dogs will receive a goodie bag, and the park fee will be waived for all cars with a dog. Dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash. This program is sponsored in part by Pet Supplies Plus South Bend.
Orienteering Meet
Saturday, September 20 9:30am – 1pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Fragomeni Shelter Fee: $8/person
Challenge your map and terrain reading skills as you walk the trails in search of flagged controls. Times will be kept to determine how quickly you complete the challenge. Registration and payment required by September 17.
Girls Ambitious about Learning Science (GALS)
Saturday, September 27 9:30am – 3pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: Free!
Calling all 5th–8th grade girls interested in science! Come enjoy a day of outdoor science fun with hands-on, feet-stomping activities presented by local women in science. Lunch will be provided. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by September 24.
For program information or to register, call Bendix Woods County Park at 574/654 – 3155.
Kids’ Introductory Orienteering Program
Sunday, September 28 12pm – 3pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Fragomeni Shelter Fee: Free! *Children ages 7–12 Learn skills of map reading and exploring terrain in search of controls throughout the park. Tools and procedures will be taught before heading out to find the five markers. Prizes offered for each location found. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by September 24.
Science Sunday
Sunday, September 28 1pm – 3pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: ND-LEEF Fee: Free!
The Notre Dame Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility (ND-LEEF), a unique environmental research collaboration between the University of Notre Dame and St. Patrick’s County Park, invites you to its twelfth annual Science Sunday! Come learn about various innovative environmental research projects happening at Notre Dame. Scientists from the Colleges of Science and Engineering will conduct on-site demonstrations at ND-LEEF. Participate in hands-on exhibits for children of all ages and public tours of the facility, which is home to a pair of bald eagles! Complimentary refreshments will be provided.
OctOber
Weed Wrangle
Friday, October 3 9am – 12pm
Bendix Woods County Park: Runnels Shelter Fee: Free!
Help the parks protect the old-growth forest in the nature preserve from Multiflora Rose. Learn how to identify and remove this invasive species, which crowds out native plants if left untreated. Refreshments will be provided for all volunteers thanks to Logistick, Inc. Registration required by October 1.
Public Hayrides
Sunday, October 12
Departure Times: 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm
Bendix Woods County Park: DeNeve Shelter
Fee: $3/person
Tractor-drawn hayrides are one of the best ways to enjoy fall at Bendix Woods County Park! Sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful colors and crisp autumn air.
Neon Night Hayride
Friday, October 17 7pm – 9pm
Bendix Woods County Park: DeNeve Shelter
Fee: $8/person
Light up the night with bright, neon colors! Paint your face with neon colors, take a glow-in-the-dark hayride, then enjoy some light-up treats to complete the glowing experience! Wear your brightest colors to make you shine!
Autumn Apple Day
Sunday, October 19 12pm – 2pm
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park: Hofferth Shelter
Fee: $5/person
Admire and enjoy the beauty of autumn with a family-friendly afternoon in the park! Fresh apples and cider refreshments will be provided for this crisp fall day. Kids can enjoy a fun seasonal craft while everyone takes in the colorful foliage. All ages welcome! Registration and payment required by October 16.
Life Through the Lens Photography Contest Update
Categories for the 2025 Photography Contest continue with Spring, Summer, Fall, & Winter. New categories will begin for the 2026 Photography Contest.
Follow or like us on Facebook or X (Twitter) for program updates and for fun family activities in the parks.
Fall Fling for the Little Ones
Tuesday, October 21 10am – 12pm
Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter Fee: Free! *Ages 5 and younger Warm fur, cozy dens, and colorful leaves! Join us as we find out what plants and animals are doing in the fall. Create a unique craft, hear a fall story, sample a tasty snack, play on the playground, and enjoy a hayride! This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by October 17.
Nighttime Hayrides
Saturday, October 25
Departure Times: 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm
Bendix Woods County Park: DeNeve Shelter Fee: $3/person
Hayrides are one of the best ways to enjoy Bendix Woods County Park in the fall. Sit back, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of nature at night.
Golden Leaves & Nature Scenes: A Fall Photography Walk
Sunday, October 26 1pm – 4pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: $5/person *Ages 18 and older
Join us for a fall-themed photography session and nature walk! Sharpen your skills with a naturalist-led photography workshop. Then head out into the park to capture the beautiful fall scenery! Bring your own camera and/or cellphone. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Registration required by October 23. *Submit your scenic snapshots to the 2025 Life Through the Lens Photography Contest for a chance to be featured on the cover of our seasonal Activity Guide! For more information, visit sjcparks.org.
NOvember
Tail Waggin’ Hayrides
Sunday, November 2 2pm – 4pm
Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter Fee: $5/person, and pet-related donation Bring your furry friend for a tractor-drawn hayride through the crisp autumn air. Warm up by the campfire with a free hot cocoa and s’more. Pet-related donations aid PetsConnect! Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.
Program Series & Spotlights
Become an Indiana Master Naturalist!
During this 11-session series for adults, explore the world of Indiana’s natural history with local experts on fish, glacial geology, freshwater ecosystems, birds, invasive species, and more! Please visit sjcparks.org to find out more information and to get the registration brochure. Questions? Contact Amal at afarrough@sjcparks.org.
Fall Migration Birding Series
Tuesdays, 8:30am – 10:30am
September 9: South Bend – Elkhart Bird Alliance Sanctuary
September 16: Spicer Lake Nature Preserve
September 23: Bendix Woods County Park
September 30: St. Patrick’s County Park Fee: $20/person for series
It’s that time of the year to grab binoculars and look for migrating birds! See which fall migrants are returning and what other birds are passing through. On the 9th, meet Carol Goodall, a local bird expert, enthusiast, and park interpreter at the South Bend – Elkhart Bird Alliance Sanctuary. Continue the series at the St. Joseph County Parks. Don’t have binoculars? We’ve got you covered!
Registration and payment required by September 2.
Friday, September 26
Movie begins at 7:30pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Amphitheater Hill Fee: FREE!
‘Early Bird’ Hikes
Saturdays, 8am – 10am
September 13: St. Patrick’s County Park: White Barn parking lot
October 18: Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Visitor Center parking lot
Fee: $5/person per session
Meet a park naturalist for a birding and nature hike before the park opens. We will walk trails, observing the plants and birds we encounter. No birding experience necessary, but bring binoculars if you have them. We will have a few loaners as well. Registration and payment required by September 10 for the 9/13 hike and October 15 for the 10/18 hike.
Family Movie Night!
Join us under the stars for a special Wicked Sing-Along! Bring your family and friends for food trucks, fun, and a big outdoor screening. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Wicked, it’s the perfect way to gear up for the upcoming sequel!
This free community event is sponsored by Everwise Credit Union, TPC Technologies, and St. Joseph County Parks.
Volunteers and Donors
Your support and contributions make a valuable difference in helping us achieve our goals! If you would like to become a volunteer or host a volunteer workday for your business or organization, visit sjcparks.org.
• John and Alice Bentley • Liz Grove Erica Price • Ashley Ryder • Judy Martin Godshalk
Thankyou
Mamoona Shakil and Kelly Wilson demonstrate how to tap a maple tree and collect sap at AG Days!
Lynn Smith • Catherine Pellegrino • Pumpkin Morrow • *Mamoona Shakil • *Kelly Wilson • Emma Brewer • Dave Suter • Michelle Tylka Patty Fowler • Will Brinkhoff (International Motors) • Erika Costantini • Jaqui Doyle • Jennifer Liddell • Nancy Owsianowski • Breanna Schuler Angie Skwarcan • Allyson Triplett • Wiktoria Drapala • Catherine Farrough • Dean Skaggs • Gary Beall • Mike and Yasuko Duff • Vicky Holt
Allie Gohn • Cohen Franklin • St. Jude Parish, Fort Wayne • Jeff McGowan • Nikki Rector • Patty Lawton • Brett Peters • June Kohler Lori Checkly • David Koshar • Debra McClain • Evie Kirkwood • Anita Messina • Donors: Gary and Nancy Beall • Savannah Kish
Have a passion for parks? Join the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake or the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation!
Parks Board: Felix Bueno, Virginia Calvin, Larry Catanzarite, Emily Evers, John Ferrettie, Thomas Panzica, Donna Pfeil
Evelyn Teske
Fall Leisure Activities
Book a Private Hayride
When: Wednesday – Sunday: September 19 through November 1
Site: Bendix Woods County Park
Time: 2-hour time slots beginning at: 1pm, 3:30pm, 6pm, or 8:30pm
Fee: $140/up to 80 people
Looking to start a yearly tradition with your friends, family, or organization? We have just the event for you! We offer private, two-hour long tractor-drawn hayrides. This wagon ride gives your group the chance to relax, bond, create memories, and just have fun! For availability or to book your group, call 574/654-3155.
Disc Golf
When: Open daily, Pro Shop hours vary
Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park
Pro Shop located in Gatehouse
Time: Course open 10am – Park Close
Fee: Daily pass: $4/adult
$3/youth (age 15 and under)
Annual pass: $40/adult
$20/youth (age 15 and under)
Combo disc golf/gate pass: $60/adult
$40/youth (age 15 and under)
Tee off year-round on our 18-hole course! Perfect for players of all skill levels, the varying terrain and obstacles will offer challenge and enjoyment to seasoned pros and newcomers alike!
Free Fishing Day
When: Saturday, September 27
Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek and St. Patrick’s County Parks
Time: Available during park hours
Fee: Free gate fee for those fishing, just show us your poles!
This day only, Indiana residents may fish without a state fishing license in Indiana waters. Free Fishing Days were created by the Indiana General Assembly and are designated each year by the Department of Natural Resources to promote angling as a recreational activity.
Canoe, Kayak, & Stand Up Paddle Board on the St. Joseph River!
*Operation is weather and river conditions permitting.
When: Friday – Sunday and Holidays: May 23 through October 5
Site: St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Time: 11am – 4pm
Long trip rental ends at 2pm. Vessels must be returned by 7pm.
Fee: *Gate fee in effect Friday – Sunday and Holidays
*All rentals require a $50 refundable deposit.
Short Trip - 4 miles (3 hours)
Single Kayak
Canoe or Double Kayak
Stand Up Paddle Board
$30
$40
$30
*Stand Up Paddle Boards are not available on Fridays.
Long Trip - 10 miles (5 hours)
Single Kayak
$40
Canoe or Double Kayak $50
*Long trip rentals are not available on Fridays.
Rentals include vessels, paddles, required life jackets, and shuttle service. Renters must be at least 18 years old and present a valid picture ID. Adults must accompany anyone under 18. Alcoholic beverages, smoking, and vaping are not allowed in county vessels. This activity is not recommended for children 3 years of age and younger. No pets allowed.
New to paddling? Beginners and families may use the pond outside of the Brown Barn for $7/hour for safe practice and fun!
Have your own vessel? We provide shuttle service for $15 during rental operations.
Group Canoe/Kayak Rental at St. Patrick’s County Park
June 4 through October 5, St. Patrick’s County Park is offering pre-registered group canoe/kayak rentals Wednesday – Sunday for groups of 10 or more vessels. Call ahead at least 10 days in advance to book your group canoe/kayak outing! To check availability or to schedule your group, call 574/654-3155.
Evening Paddles
When: Wednesdays, September 10 & 24
Site: St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Time: 5pm – 7pm
Fee: $25/person
Enjoy the fall colors lining the St. Joseph River during a relaxing evening paddle. Participants will be shuttled to Keller Park at 5:15pm and must return to St. Patrick’s County Park by 7pm. Registration and payment required by the Monday prior to each date.
Extended Fall Paddles
When: Saturdays, October 11 & 18
Site: St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Time: 11am – 3pm
Fee: $30/single kayak
$40/double kayak/canoe
Paddle down the St. Joseph River and enjoy the glorious colors of fall! Cooler temperatures and smaller crowds make this the perfect time to enjoy the water one last time. Trips are from Keller Park to St. Patrick’s County Park only. All canoe/kayak rules and regulations apply.
Private Winter Inner Tubing Parties
Tuesday, December 2, we will begin accepting reservations for private winter inner tubing parties at St. Patrick’s and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks. For more information or to make a reservation, call 574/654-3155. To print reservation information, visit sjcparks.org.
Winter Wonderland Ornament Hunt
When: Every Tuesday in December
Site: St. Joseph County Parks
Time: Available during park hours
Fee: Free!
Elves have hidden ornaments around the St. Joseph County Parks and they want YOU to embark on a quest to find them! Every Tuesday in December, the elves will unveil clues on the Park’s Facebook Page to help lead you to the secret ornament hideaways. Join the game, locate the ornaments, snap a photo, and submit them to mgohn@sjcparks.org for the chance to win park prizes.
Bendix Woods Bones and Bonfires
Get ready for a frightfully fun fall night at Bendix Woods! With spooky surprises around every corner, it’s a bone-afide good time for the whole family–if you dare!
Spot spooky skeletons on a fall hayride • Meet live nocturnal animals • Explore bones and fossils with Dino Don! Make a nature craft • Roast a hot dog • Make a gooey s’more And more!
Bendix Woods County Park
Saturday, October 11, 2025
6pm – 9pm • FREE Park Entrance!
Treats and treasures available for purchase at the event! Visit sjcparks.org for more information.
Thank you to our Event Sponsor: Indiana Michigan Power Foundation
Park Hours & Gate Fees
Park Hours
Bendix Woods, St. Patrick’s, and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks: August 4 – September 13: 10am – 8:30pm September 14 – November 1: 10am – 7pm November 2 – December 31: 10am – 5:30pm
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve opens one hour later and closes one hour earlier than the above times. No entrance fee.
Special Events
Note: Fees for special events or programs may be different from, or in addition to, park entrance fees. Consult the activity listing in this guide or visit sjcparks.org for more information.
Park Entrance Fees
Gate fees in effect on weekends and holidays April – October.
$4/in-county vehicle
$5/out-of-county vehicle
$8/vehicle at special events
*Gate fees will also be collected on Fridays at St. Patrick’s and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Park & Trail Locations
Bendix Woods County Park
56960 Timothy Rd. • New Carlisle, IN 46552
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park
57057 Ash Rd. • Osceola, IN 46561
St. Patrick’s County Park
50651 Laurel Rd. • South Bend, IN 46637
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve
50840 County Line Rd. • New Carlisle, IN 46552
Access to All
Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve 58111 Crumstown Hwy. • South Bend, IN 46619
Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area Jackson Rd./Linden Rd. • South Bend, IN 46614
LaSalle Trail
Roseland, IN to the Michigan State Line
Jasinski Public Access Site
Crumstown Hwy. • North Liberty, IN 46554
St. Joseph County Parks’ programs and facilities are available to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, limited English proficiency, sex, age, or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be requested in advance to provide participation in desired programs and activities. Persons needing services, accommodations, and support for accessibility, or for complaints, please call the County Parks’ office: 574 / 277 – 4828.
• St. Joseph County Parks are smoke-free.
•