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.