St. Joseph County Parks
St. Patrick’s County Park Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area
Calendar of Events
March
Sugar
Camp Days
Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9 8am – 3pm
Bendix Woods County Park
Fee: $8/vehicle
Save the date for Sugar Camp Days and join us in celebration of this sweet tradition! Watch sap cook into syrup, enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast (a New Carlisle Lion’s Club fundraiser), tour the Sugar Bush, purchase homemade baked goods made with pure maple syrup, try maple kettle corn and cotton candy, enjoy family music, and much more!
Spring Equinox Sunset Hike
Thursday, March 20, 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Visitor Center
Fee: $5/person
What is the spring equinox and what is happening in nature at this time of year? Discover folklore and traditions around this special day and go on a sunset hike to explore the start of spring in the natural world. Enjoy spring-themed refreshments to end the evening. Registration and payment required by March 18.
Sky Dance of the Woodcock
Friday, March 21, 7:30pm
St. Patrick’s County Park:
ND-LEEF Morrison Pavilion
Fee: $5/person
Treat yourself to the sky dance of the American Woodcock! Fondly known as Timberdoodle, Bogsucker, and Labrador Twister, this unusual shorebird performs an unparalleled “sky dance” to win mates. Prior to sunset, meet with a Park Naturalist to learn about the life, history, and lore of the woodcock. Then take a short, quiet hike to the woodcock’s staging grounds to observe this amazing spring ritual, which begins shortly after sunset. Registration required by March 18. Due to the weather-dependent nature of this program, payment can be made at the program.
Bring on the Bluebirds!
Saturday, March 29, 10am – 11:30am
St. Patrick’s County Park: Harvest Room Fee: $5/person
Are you a fan of bluebirds? Are you considering putting up a bluebird box but unsure of what to do next? Michaele Klingerman, Naturalist with the SJCP, can answer your questions! An indoor presentation will discuss the natural history of bluebirds. Afterwards, participants will head outdoors to look at the different types of bluebird boxes along the bluebird trail. Dress for outdoor weather and a hike. Registration and payment required by March 26.
Bike Swap Meet
Sunday, March 30, 11am – 2pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn Fee: Free!
This annual event is sponsored by the Michiana Bike Association (MBA) and the Northern Indiana Mountain Bike Association (NIMBA). Anyone is welcome to buy or sell. Table space is available on a first come, first serve basis.
april
Weed Wrangle!
Saturday, April 5, 9am – 12pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn Parking Lot Fee: Free!
Help the parks fight back against the invasive species of shrubs and vines growing along the edges of the white pines at St. Patrick’s County Park. Learn to identify and manage these invasives with hands-on removal during our collective effort to reduce their negative impact. Dress in long sleeves and pants. If you have your own equipment, bring it along! Registration required by April 1.
Birding for Beginners at the Unity Gardens
Saturday, April 12, 9am – 11am Unity Gardens: LaSalle Square Welcome Center Fee: Free!
Enjoy the bird life in your yard or garden! A Park Naturalist will acquaint you with birds common to our gardens and even some of their songs! You will also learn tips and tricks for identifying birds on your own. A bird hike through the Unity Gardens will follow the presentation. Bring binoculars if you have them! Some loaners will be available.
Mandalas: Nature’s Art
Saturday, April 12, 12pm – 3pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Hurwich Shelter
Fee: $5/person
Learn about these geometric designs made from items found in nature and left for others to enjoy. We will learn about their background and how to responsibly place the designs on the trails. Registration and payment required by April 9.
Easter Egg Hike
Saturday, April 19, 11am – 1pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Harvest Room
Fee: $5/per child
Hop on over for this fun Easter egg hunt and hike! Search for Easter eggs along a 1-mile trail; then trade them in for treats! Don’t forget to bring your baskets! Registration and payment required by April 16.
Glow Golf – Nighttime Disc Golfing
Saturday, April 19, 8pm – 10pm
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park: Disc Golf Course
Fee: $15/person *Update: $15/pair
Sharpen your skills under the stars and join us for a nighttime disc golf tournament, hosted in partnership with the St. Joseph Valley Disc Golf Club! Illuminated baskets will be your guide as you complete Ferrettie/Baugo Creek’s 18-hole course. Feel free to bring your own lanterns, flashlights, or glow discs. LED disc stickers will be provided to each registered individual. Email jtylka@sjcparks.org for more information.
Leave No Trace Ethics
Tuesday, April 22, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Nature Center
Fee: $5/person
Learn the seven principles of leaving no trace during this fun, interactive program. Leave feeling confident in your ability to minimize your impact in the parks. Registration and payment required by April 17.
Life Through the Lens Photographer Recognition
Thank you to all the photographers who participated in the 2024 Life Through the Lens Photography Contest! Featured photographers in this Activity Guide are: Spring 2024 Top Winner: Emily Castaneda & Carlos Lopez
Red Barn Rummage Sale
Saturday, April 26, 8am – 1pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn
Fee: Free, *regular gate fees in effect Shop through a barn full of treasures! This annual event is organized by the South Bend–Elkhart Bird Alliance (formerly South Bend–Elkhart Audubon Society). Drop off donations April 23 & 24 from 8am-6pm or April 25 from 8am-1pm. Electronics and sofas are not accepted. For more information, please contact Martha at 574/360-7983.
Girls Ambitious about Learning Science (GALS)
Saturday, April 26, 9:30am – 3pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Hurwich Shelter Fee: Free!
Calling all 5th-8th grade girls interested in science! Come enjoy a day of outdoor fun with hands-on experiments and presentations led by local women in science. Learn about invasive species, critters living in our soil and water, and our local Bald Eagles! Lunch and snacks will be provided. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Space is limited. Registration required by April 23.
Celebrate the Nature Preserve!
Saturday, April 26, 10am – 12pm
Bendix Woods County Park: Runnels Shelter Fee: Free! All Ages Welcome!
Experience one of the most beautiful spots in St. Joseph County – the Bendix Woods Nature Preserve in spring! Join us as we celebrate the nature preserve’s new membership in the Old Growth Forest Network. Enjoy a guided hike through the preserve to see the spectacular display of woodland flowers and discover the preserve’s history and special features. Afterwards, enjoy treats served outdoors in the fresh spring air. Registration requested by April 24.
May
Discovery Room and Popular Ponds Exhibit: Grand Opening!
Saturday, May 3, 2pm – 4pm
Bendix Woods County Park: Nature Center Fee: Free!
There are brand-new interactive nature exhibits in the Bendix Woods Nature Center Discovery Room! Join us for the grand opening of this newly-imagined and renovated space. Crawl through a muskrat lodge, climb on a painted turtle’s back, and experience pond life up close! Enjoy refreshments, crafts, games, and nature investigations. All ages welcome.
Birds and Plants at the Unity Gardens
Tuesday, May 6, 12pm – 1pm
Unity Gardens: LaSalle Square Welcome Center Fee: Free!
Birds and plants, plants and birds: you can’t have one without the other! A Park Naturalist will describe how essential plants and birds are to one another. Discover ways that you can manage your garden and yardscape to attract and support birds year-round!
Spring Fling for the Little Ones
Thursday, May 8, 10am – 12pm
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Visitor Center Fee: Free!
Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors with kids! Join us for a special morning of activities for children five and under. We’ll scoop in the pond to discover the tiny creatures that live underwater! Kids can also create unique works of art, hear a spring story, sample a tasty snack, and explore pond learning stations. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by May 6.
Nature Journaling 101
Saturday, May 10, 10am – 2pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Fee: $20/per adult, *Ages 18 and up Join us for an interactive workshop on nature journaling for beginners! This indoor/outdoor workshop includes lessons on nature journaling, exploration, and practice. Included in this workshop is a basic journal to get you started. No art experience or supplies are required. Please bring a sack lunch for our midday break. Space is limited. Registration and payment required by May 2.
Kids to Parks Day
Saturday, May 17, 12pm – 3pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: Free!
Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play that connects kids and families with their public lands and green spaces. Participate in an array of leisure activities, including fishing, canoeing, disc golf, and orienteering during this day of outdoor fun! This program is free due to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature.
Early Birds!
Saturday, May 31, 8am – 10am
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Visitor Center Fee: $5/person
Meet a naturalist for a birding and nature hike during the peak of spring! We will hike the boardwalk and a trail or two, 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 May 29.
June
For program information or reservations, call 574/654 -3155. Follow or like us on Facebook or X (Twitter) for program updates and for fun family activities in the parks. Stay tuned for NEWinCATEGORIES the 2025 LifetheThrough Lens Photography Contest!
Kids Fishing Derby
Sunday, June 8, 11am – 1pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Fragomeni Shelter Fee: Free!
*Children ages 8 – 12. Come cast a rod for one of the top angler prizes in a fishing derby! Prizes will be awarded for the most catches and the longest length. Fishing rods and bait will be available. This program is free due to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by June 5.
Special Spotlight
Art in the Park My Special Spot Project
Color our trails with your words and art!
Bendix Woods County Park • Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park • St. Patrick’s County Park • Spicer Lake Nature Preserve
The original “Art in the Park” series installment My Special Spot returns April – August, 2025! Create an artistic rendering of your favorite place in the park as a photo, painting, or drawing. A laminated reproduction of your work will be placed as a marker at your location, while your original will be displayed in one of our park office buildings.
There is no cost for this project and artwork paper will be provided. Visit a park office or gatehouse for instructions and materials. For more information, visit sjcparks.org or email mslattery@sjcparks.org.
Volunteers and Donors
You all help the county parks in many ways! Visit sjcparks.org if you would like to become a volunteer, join the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation, or join the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake.
Samantha Gohn • Nikki Rector • Marilyn Cook • Mary Dominick • Morgan Carr-Markell • Madelynn Sinclair • Stephanie Moreland and son
Mike and Yasuko Duff
• John and Alice Bentley • Ryan Skinner • Sarah Skinner • Elijah Skinner • Jude Skinner • Norah Skinner • Finn Skinner
Kirsten Sharpe • Gary and Nancy Beall • Kelly Wilson • Tracy Slattery • Shea Allison • Steve Sass • Jeff McGowan • Irvin Ruiz
*Jodie Fletcher • Charlotte Fletcher • Kevin Fletcher • Ashton LeDonne
• Emily Lara • Faith Heblinger • Tiarra Howard • Vicky Holt
Hannah Laird and friend • Brad Laird • Aubrie Micetich • J.D. McDonald • Monica Tetzlaff • Michael Wise • Abby Hutchinson
Brian Rowe • Alia Nix • Kayla Witkowski • Dean Skaggs • Evelyn Teske • Jillian Miller • Areeba Shaikh • Annette Flores • Erika Costantini
Thankyou
*Volunteer Jodie Fletcher guides visitors through a ‘Trick or Treat’ trail at our Halloween-themed Boo! at Bendix Woods fall special event.
Jett Davis-Bey • Bailey Combs • Matt Wilken • Grace Shoemaker • Peter Farrough • Hector Amezquita • Evie Kirkwood • Patty Lawton
Meg, Gabe, Adeline, and Cora Buss • Pumpkin and Eu’Rell Morrow • Ben Reinoehl • Tyler Reinoehl • Steve Hummer • Marty Brennan Catherine, Chris, and James Pellegrino • Ken Peterson • Liberty Scanlin • Harley Smith • Alexia Velazquez • Angie Skwarcan Breanna Schuler • Jennifer V. Liddell • James Rutkowski • Todd Eliott • James Eliott • William Wolter • Andrew Mrozinski Greg Turner • Mike Beasley • Ally Tobolski • Jacob Waldron • Mr. and Mrs. Scott D. Smith, CFP • Scout Pack 562 St. Joseph Valley Disc Golf Club • Ivan and Rachel Friesen • Carlos Negron Vega
Rent a Facility or Shelter!
The Red Barn and adjacent Goodhew Gazebo at St. Patrick’s County Park are the perfect setting for a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony and indoor reception.
Dates still available in 2025! Now booking reservations for 2026 dates. For picnic shelter and facility rentals, please call 574/277- 4828.
Parks Board: Felix Bueno, Virginia Calvin, Larry Catanzarite, Emily Evers, John Ferrettie, Thomas Panzica, Donna Pfeil
Spring Leisure Activities
Free Fishing Days
When: May 4, June 7 & 8, 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!
These days 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.
Trails Challenge!
When: Now through June 2, 2025
Site: St. Joseph County Parks
Time: 10am – Close
Fee: Free, *regular gate fees in effect
Are you up for a challenge? Hike 26.2 miles throughout any of the St. Joseph County Parks, track your mileage, and submit your log to receive a commemorative pin. Logs due by June 2.
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 Closing
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
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!
Canoe, Kayak, & Stand-Up Paddleboard on the St. Joseph River!
Get your family and friends together and paddle on the St. Joseph River at St. Patrick’s County Park!
When: Friday–Sunday and Holidays:
Beginning May 23 through October 5
*Operation is weather and river conditions permitting.
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 Fri–Sun & Holidays
Short Trip - 4 miles (3 hours)
Single Kayak
Canoe or Double Kayak
Stand-up Paddleboard
$30
$40
$30
*Stand-up Paddleboards not available on Fridays
Long Trip - 10 miles (5 hours)
Single Kayak
Canoe or Double Kayak
$40
$50
*Long trip rentals not available on Fridays
Rental includes vessel, 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 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 shuttling operations.
Group Canoe/Kayak Rental at St. Patrick’s County Park
St. Patrick’s County Park will be offering pre-registered group canoe or kayak trips this summer. Call ahead at least 10 days in advance to reserve your caravan of vessels. To check availability or to schedule your group, call 574/654-3155.
Check our Summer Activity Guide for the opportunity to kayak at Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park on certain dates offered throughout the summer.
Join the FUN! Hiring Part-Time
Canoe Rental Staff: Weekends and holidays, May-October
Gatehouse Staff: Weekends and holidays, April-October
Leisure Services Internship: 15 hours/week, end of May-August
Apply online at sjcindiana.com.
Thank you to the 2025 Activity Guide Sponsor
Outdoor Adventures Summer Nature Camps
Come be a part of Outdoor Adventures Summer Nature Camps at St. Patrick’s County Park! Bring on the summer and outdoor fun by hiking, paddling, and splashing your way into natural fun! Enjoy the many health benefits of spending time outdoors and experience new adventures every day.
Seven camps are offered for children entering Kindergarten through 8th grade!
Splish, Splash, Splatter!
Ages 5 – 6: June 23 – 27
Super Safari
Ages 8 – 9: July 21 – 25
Junior Indiana Master Naturalist
Ages 9 – 12: July 28 – August 1
Slime Scientists
Ages 6 – 7: July 14 – 18
Who Done It?
Ages 10 – 11: July 7 – 11
Escape Room - The Eradicator
Ages 11 – 14: Wednesday, June 11
Outdoor Skills
Ages 11 – 14: Wednesday, July 2
For more information, or to request registration materials, please call 574/654-3155, or visit sjcparks.org. Outdoor Adventures Summer Nature Day Camps are sponsored in part by the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature.
Park Hours & Gate Fees
Park Hours
Bendix Woods, St. Patrick’s, and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks:
January 1 – March 8: 10am – 5:30pm
March 9 – April 5: 10am – 7pm
April 6 – May 25: 10am – 8:30pm
May 26 – August 3: 10am – 9pm
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve opens one hour later and closes one hour earlier than the above times. No entrance fee.
Bendix Woods County Park
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 Fee
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
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. •