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.
Disc Golf Clinic
Saturday, June 1, 12pm–2pm
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park
Fee: $6/per person, includes Disc Rental
Not sure what disc golf is all about? Join us for a clinic to learn the different types of discs, throws, and basic course etiquette. Afterwards, we will test our new skills on the course. This event is great for all ages. Registration and payment required by May 31.
Saturday, June 15, 10am–12pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Hurwich Shelter
Fee: $8/person
Celebrate the father figure in your life! Use your creativity to paint a flowerpot and then plant a daffodil in it! While the paint dries, create a heartfelt, handmade card. Registration and payment required by June 12.
Saturday, June 15, 2pm–4pm
Thursday, June 20, 8:30pm–10pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Fee: $5/person
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a 1-mile serene, self-guided night hike! Roast a hotdog over the campfire, enjoy lemonade, and make a suncatcher! Registration and payment required by June 17.
Pudding & Paddle
Wednesday, June 26, 5pm–7pm
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park: Hofferth Shelter
Fee: $25/person
It’s National Chocolate Pudding Day! Enjoy delicious dirt pudding and venture down Baugo Creek out to Baugo Bay on a kayak. Registration and payment required by June 21.
St. Patrick’s County Park: Hurwich Shelter
Fee: FREE!
Show your true colors by dressing in support of the LGBTQ+ Community and join us for a 1-mile colorful parade of pride and support on our trails. Registration required by June 12.
Thursday, June 27, 5pm–7pm
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park: Baugo Station
Fee: $120 per family (up to 3 people)
*includes fly rod and reel and fly-tying kit Join fishing experts from Reelin’ Family Fun to learn how to fly fish, and how to tie a simple fly which will have the Bluegills jumping! You’ll take home a fly rod and reel, plus a fly-tying kit and access to on-going advice and instruction. Don’t forget to bring your fishing license! Registration and payment required by June 6.
Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake: Backyard Pollinator Habitats
Wednesday, July 10, 5pm–7:30pm
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Visitor Center
Fee: Free! Bring a dish to pass!
Join the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake to discover how to provide important habitat for pollinators right in your own backyard! The presentation will be followed by a potluck supper and a brief meeting where you can hear updates about volunteer opportunities and other ways that the Friends organization supports the parks.
Friday, July 12, 8pm–10pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Fee: $5/person
Celebrate National Simplicity Day by ending your evening with a night hike! Take a leisurely stroll on the trails and then relax by the fire. Bring your favorite beverage in a mug and pair it with provided cheese and crackers. Registration and payment required by July 10.
Thursday, August 1, 10am–12pm Bendix Woods County Park: Nature Center Fee: Free!
It’s summer – time to get outdoors with kids! Join us for a special morning of activities for children five and under. Experience the best of the season with beetles, butterflies, and bugs of all kinds. You can catch bugs with a net, hear a bug story, sample a tasty snack, explore the bug activity stations, and play in the Discovery Room! This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by July 30.
Summer in Full Swing!
Saturday, August 3, 8:30am–10:30am
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Fee: $7/person
Meet a naturalist at St. Patrick’s County Park for an introduction to what’s going on with plants, animals, and insects in the glory of summer. Then head out for a naturalist-led hike to look and listen for nature in action. Registration and payment due by July 30.
“Color the Ramble”
Art in the Park: Series #2
Sunday, August 4, 12pm–2pm
St. Patrick’s County Park:
River Ramble
Fee: Free, *gate fee in effect
Calling all artists! Help make the River Ramble come alive with chalk drawings along the walking path. Chalk and freeze pops will be provided. *Weather Permitting
National Exercise with Your Child Week
August 4–10, during park hours
St. Patrick’s County Park: White Pine Letters Trail
Bendix Woods County Park: Hardwoods Loop Trail
Fee: Free, *gate fee in effect, weekends only Families, head out on the trails to exercise in the fresh air! These designated trails will have stops with 10 different exercises along the way.
Marshmallows & Meteors!
Friday, August 9, 9pm–12am
Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter Fee: $5/person
The Perseid meteor showers are nearing peak activity during this week in August! Bring a blanket and bug spray and watch for meteors on Carlisle Hill. Marshmallows will be provided at the campfire. Registration required by August 7. *Weather permitting.
Good Clean Dirty Fun!
Tuesday, August 13, 6pm–8pm
St. Patrick’s County Park:
Brown Barn
Fee: Free!
Families, join us for an evening of muddy fun! Paint with mud, make mud pies, scoop in the pond for tadpoles, blow giant bubbles, and more. Wear old clothes and shoes and bring a towel. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature.
Running Wild: 5K Trail Run & 3K Fun Walk
Saturday, August 17
Run/Walk start time: 8:30am
St. Patrick’s County Park:
Red Barn
Fee: varies, pre-registration required A FUNd-raising run and walk to benefit the St. Joseph County Parks! Help us raise funds for park projects, including scholarships to help schools cover the cost of transportation to the parks for programs. Our fun walk will have a nature scavenger hunt and is pet friendly (dogs must be leashed). To pre-register, visit sjcparks.org.
Marshmallows & Meteors!
Peak Night!
Monday, August 12, 9pm–12am
Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter
Fee: $5/person
Join us on Carlisle Hill for an additional meteor-watching night during peak activity for the Perseid meteor showers. Bring a blanket and bug spray. Marshmallows will be provided at the campfire. Registration required by August 7. *Weather permitting.
For program updates and nature notes, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/sjcparks and follow us on X (Twitter) at @SJCoParks.
Geocaching Clinic
Wednesday, August 21, 5pm–7pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Hurwich Shelter
Fee: $3/person
Are you interested in learning how to treasure hunt? Join us for a clinic to learn more about geocaching! Geocaching is the hobby of using GPS to either hide or locate caches at various locations. Together, we will cover the basics of geocaching and then head out in search of caches hidden in the park. Registration and payment required by August 16.
Science at Sunset: Tracking the Microscopic: How Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Move in Flowing Water
Thursday, August 22, 6:30pm–7:30pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: ND-LEEF
Fee: Free!
Join Dr. Kyle Bibby, Notre Dame Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, in this adult only program to learn how antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes from agricultural operations move in flowing water systems. Light snacks will be provided. Bring Your Own Beverage (no glass containers, please). Registration required by August 20.
Monday, July 29–Friday, August 2 9am–2:30pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Ages 9–12
Fee: $90.00 – scholarships available!
The Junior Indiana Master Naturalist Program provides children with hands-on opportunities to learn about our Hoosier natural resources. Gain new knowledge of Indiana’s plants, wildlife, geology, and geography. Meet friends with interests similar to yours. Gain personal satisfaction from giving back to your local community through service. And, maybe most important of all, have a great time getting outdoors! At the end of the week you’ll receive a certificate of completion and a Junior Indiana Master Naturalist patch! Registration required by July 19.
Nature
Fridays: June 7, July 19, and August 2 1pm–2:30pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: River Ramble Fee: FREE!
Drop in on a nature-themed program at our unique outdoor play park, the River Ramble! Activities are geared towards families and include a nature-themed craft.
We are now accepting nominations for The Big Trees of St. Joseph County. A list of the largest of each native tree species can be found online. The response to this program has been outstanding in past years, but the program is continually seeking new nominations. Categories which have no current champion include Black Walnut, Red Oak, and Flowering Dogwood.
To nominate a tree, find out more information, or to get a nomination form, please visit sjcparks.org. Questions? Contact Amal at afarrough@sjcparks.org.
You all help the county parks in many ways! 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, visit sjcparks.org.
Ben Reinoehl
• Steve Hummer
• Jamie Robbins
• Jacob Waldron
• Ryan Woodruff
• Lori and Emily Cain
• Emma Lichtenbarger
• Liz Zapf
Dan Traylor
• Brian, Finn, and Cora Rowe
• Yasuko Duff
• Gary and Nancy Beall
• Mary Dominick
• DeAnna Varela
• John and Alice Bentley
Catherine Pellegrino
• Rick, Cindy, and Kevin Clawson
• Nikki Rector
• Dean and Pat Skaggs
• Marty Brennan • Brenda Phillips
• Keri Oursler
Judy Martin Godshalk
• Nancy Biggum
• Matt Wilken
• Evelyn Teske
• Greg Kutis
• Luke Gaboury
• Ken Peterson
• Samantha and Lisa Gohn
Patty Fowler
• Michael Davids and John Mastrojohn
• Nick Timm
• Kathy Gallagher
• Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake • Liz Grove
Kay Easton
• Jim and Lori Anderson
Leah Clark and Nana
Brad Laird
Pete Farrough
• Blanca Lopez
• Ally Pudlo
• Brent Barhart
• Tom, Joanne, and Vivien Blodgett
Erica Hanley
Jeremy Harvey
Michael Slattery
• Kimberly Min and Aidan, Junghee, and Kathy Lee
Activity Guide Sponsor
Larry Catanzarite
Joe Kielton
Elovie Hall
Amy Jachna
Evan Fortson
Evie Kirkwood
• Pumpkin and Eu’Rell Morrow
• Maria Rothy Broc Rykhus
• Amanda and Brent Sigg
• Monica Tetzlaff • Diana Zebroski • Jeremiah and Autumn Ziaya
Bob and Linda Leliaert
Julia Hostetler
Jeff McGowan
Parks Board: Felix Bueno, Virginia Calvin, Larry Catanzarite, Emily Evers, John Ferrettie, Thomas Panzica, Donna Pfeil
When: June 1 & 2, September 28
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.
One Saturday per month, St. Patrick’s County Park will open at 7am!
Start your day by exploring in the park! Paddle on the St. Joseph River in the early morning hours! Gate opens at 7am on the following dates. No gate fee until 10am.
June 8 • July 13 • August 10
Explore on your own OR Canoe/Kayak the St. Joseph River! Enjoy a short trip from Keller Park to St. Patrick’s County Park. Arrive at St. Patrick’s County Park at 7am—shuttle departs at 7:30am. Space is limited, so register today! $20/vessel. Registration and payment required by the prior Wednesday. To register or check availability, call 574/654-3155.
Thank you to all the wonderful photographers who have participated in the Life Through the Lens Photography Contest! We sincerely appreciate your contributions showcasing the beauty of the county parks. Featured in this Activity Guide are photographers:
Amber Radivojevic
Benjamin Ollen
Ellen Van Arsdale
Get your family and friends together and paddle on the St. Joseph River as rentals return to St. Patrick’s County Park!
When: Friday–Sunday and Holidays:
May 24 through October 6 Closed Mon–Thurs (except holidays)
Saturdays: October 12–26
(Short trips only)
*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
$25
$30
$25*
*Stand-up Paddleboard not available on Fridays
Long Trip - 10 miles (5 hours)
Single Kayak
Canoe or Double Kayak
$35
$40
*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 on county vessels. This activity is not recommended for children 3 years of age and younger.
St. Patrick’s County Park will be offering pre-registered group canoe/kayak rentals Wednesday–Sunday for groups of 5 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.
When: June 5, July 17, August 7
Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park
Time: 6pm–8pm
Fee: $20/person
End your day by taking a leisurely kayak trip! Enjoy 2 hours of paddling on the serene waters of Baugo Creek. Registration and payment required by the Monday prior to each date.
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
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!
Come be a part of Outdoor Adventures Summer Nature Camp 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.
These camps still have space available!
Tuesday, June 18:
Survival Skills (Ages 11–14)
June 24–28:
Nature’s Superheroes (Ages 5–6)
Tuesday, July 2:
Escape Room (Ages 11–14)
July 8–12:
Wonders of Water (Ages 10–11)
For more information, or to request registration materials, please call 574/654-3155, or visit sjcparks.org.
Park Hours:
Bendix Woods, St. Patrick’s, and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks: April 8–May 26: 10am–8:30pm May 27–August 4: 10am–9pm August 5–September 15: 10am–8:30pm September 16–November 2: 10am–7pm
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve opens one hour later and closes one hour earlier than the above times. No entrance fee.
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: 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.
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.
•