Summer Activity Guide 2025
St. Patrick’s County Park
Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area
Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve
Photograph by Michelle Payne
2024 Life Through the Lens Photography Contest: Summer Top Winner
Calendar of Events
June July
Sunset Stroll
Thursday, June 5 8pm – 9:30pm
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park: Baugo Station
Fee: $5/person
Slow down from the busyness of everyday life with a solemn sunset hike. This opportunity for self-reflection and mindfulness is a perfect chance to take in the scenery of Baugo Creek. All ages welcome. Come enjoy a snack and a calming experience among local plants and wildlife. Registration and payment required by June 3.
Where’s Walden?
Fridays, June 6 – 27
St. Joseph County Parks
Fee: Free, *Regular gate fees in effect
Uh oh! We lost Walden in the St. Joseph County Parks and need your help finding him! Every Friday in June, there will be clues posted on the Parks’ Facebook page as to where Walden is hiding within the parks. Find Walden, snap a photo, and submit them to Mikaela Gohn at mgohn@sjcparks.org for a chance to win park prizes!
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.
Summer Solstice Hike
Friday, June 20 8:30pm – 10pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Fee: $5/person
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a serene, self-guided night hike! Roast a hot dog over the campfire and enjoy ice-cold lemonade. Registration and payment required by June 18.
Nature Journaling for Teens and Pre-Teens
Wednesday, June 25 9am – 11am
St. Patrick’s County Park: Harvest Room
Fee: $15/person, *Ages 10 – 18
Join us for an interactive workshop on nature journaling! This beginner-friendly, indoor/outdoor workshop includes lessons on nature journaling, exploration, and practice. A basic journal to get you started is included! No art experience or supplies are required. Registration and payment required by June 18.
Early Birds Hike
Saturday, July 19 8am – 10am
St. Patrick’s County Park: Meet at the White Barn Parking lot Fee: Free!
Join a park naturalist to explore bird life at St. Patrick’s County Park before the gates open. No birding experience necessary! Bring binoculars if you have them; some loaners are available. *Space is limited. While there is no fee, please register by Thursday, July 17 to ensure your space on the hike!
Glow O - Night Orienteering
Thursday, July 31 8:30pm – 10:30pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: $5/person
Experience St. Patrick’s County Park after hours for this neon orienteering challenge! Using maps and lanterns, navigate the terrain of the park in search of glowing markers. Wear your brightest neon to add to the fun! Registration and payment required by July 28.
August
Books are Wild!
Sunday, August 3 2pm – 5pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Berta Shelter
Fee: Free!
Join us for an enriching family nature program that brings together the wonders of the outdoors and the joy of reading! This unique experience is designed to connect children and their families to the beauty of nature while fostering a love for literacy. Enjoy food, crafts, and hands-on learning stations. At each station, receive a free nature-themed, curiosity-sparking book! This program is free thanks to a generous sponsorship by the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation. Registration required by July 25.
Summer Fling for the Little Ones
Tuesday, August 5 10am – 12pm
Bendix Woods County Park: Nature Center
Fee: Free! *Children ages 5 and younger It’s summer – time to get outdoors with the 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. 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 August 1.
Sun Catcher Scavenger Hunt
Wednesday, August 6 2pm – 4pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Fee: $5/child, *Children ages 6 – 12
Enjoy a leisurely hike on the trails in search of items to create a ‘Nature Collage’ Sun Catcher! Using a scavenger hunt list, find items to attach to your sun catcher to create a natural piece of art to hang at home. *List and sun catcher materials provided. Registration and payment required by August 1.
Good Clean Dirty Fun!
Thursday, August 7 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. For program information or to register, call Bendix Woods County Park at 574/654 – 3155. For tips on nature projects and ways to help our environment, watch Outdoor Elements on WNIT Public Television, Sundays at 9am and 12pm, and Wednesdays at 7:30pm.
Marshmallows & Meteors: Peak Night!
Tuesday, August 12 9:30pm – 1am
Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter
Fee: $5/person
Join us on Carlisle Hill for a captivating night of meteor watching during peak activity of the Perseid meteor showers! Bring a blanket and bug spray. Marshmallows will be provided at the campfire. *Weather and clear sky permitting. Registration required by August 8.
Running Wild:
5K Trail Run & 3K Fun Walk
Saturday, August 16
Run/Walk start time: 8:30am
St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn Fee: varies, *pre-registration required
Join us for our annual 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.
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
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.
Ben Reinoehl • Steve Hummer • Erica Price • Jamie Robbins • Kelly Wilson • Sarah, Ryan, Elijah, Norah, Jude, and Finn Skinner
Michael and Toni Goldenstern • Brian, Finn, and Cora Rowe • Emma Brewer • Ruth Nieboer • Tapping Day Public Volunteers • Liz Zapf Patty Fowler • Nancy and *Gary Beall • John and Alice Bentley • Marilyn Cook • Rick, Cindi, and Kevin Clawson • Ally Pudlo • Ken Peterson
Catherine Pellegrino and James Cobb • Nikki Rector • Kirsten Sharpe • Lynn Smith • Nick Timm and grandson • Nancy Biggum • Matt Wilken Dean Skaggs • *Marty Brennan • Christina Clark • Clover Kuehn • Breanna Schuler • Lisa Slomka • Emily Swanson • David Heinold Evelyn Teske • Greg Kutis • Larry Catanzarite • Patty Lawton • Mike and Yasuko Duff • Ken Neumann • Michael Davids • Kathy Gallagher Liz and Grace Grove • Kay Easton • Samantha and Ryker Posego • Erin Adamo • Khylie Aguilar • Stephanie, Aidan, Mia, and Clarence Helm
Thankyou
Volunteering over 67 hours in the Sugar House this season, their hard work & dedication is truly appreciated.
Cooking pure Bendix Woods maple syrup is always a sweet time for volunteer Sugar Cooks Gary Beall & Marty Brennan.
Libbie, Simon, and Vivie Anderson • Susan Antonovitz • Tom Blodgett • Jacqi Doyle • Evelyn Calderon • Clarie Deak • Sami DeVries Jacob Farmwald • Pete Farrough • Nikkia Flora • Ashley Foor • Braden Fox • Anna Kubik • Ronald Garcia • Ashley Guaman • Evie Kirkwood Libby Klesmith • Brad and Hannah Laird • Howard Lee • Lindsey Les • Sarah Martin • Nate Matanic • Debbie McClain • Jason Metcalfe Stephanie Moreland • Amanda and Brent Sigg • Manny Munguia • Justin Neilson • Izzy Northcutt • Joshua Perez-Grahovac • Kristin Rajter Pumpkin and Eu’rell Morrow • Kathy Portolese • Teddy Redlinger • Maria Ribaudo • Ashley Ryder • Marilla Shafer • Abby Sheldon Paige Taelman • Lily Taylor • Monica Tetzlaff • Anna Turba • Jacob Waldron • Ryan Woodruff • Terri and Todd Zeiger Austin Bourdon • Jacob Kutcka • AmeriCorps • Brooklyn Hinds • Jeff McGowan
Have a passion for parks? Join the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake or the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation!
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 are still available in July and August 2025! Now booking reservations for 2026 dates. For facility and picnic shelter rentals, please call 574/277– 4828.
Parks Board: Felix Bueno, Virginia Calvin, Larry Catanzarite, Emily Evers, John Ferrettie, Thomas Panzica, Donna Pfeil
Summer Leisure Activities
Free Fishing Days
When: 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 the park you visit, your mileage, then submit your log to St. Patrick’s County Park or by email to mgohn@sjcparks.org 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 – 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!
Canoe, Kayak, & Stand Up Paddle Board 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: 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 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
Canoe or Double Kayak
$40
$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 shuttling operations.
Group Canoe/Kayak Rental at St. Patrick’s County Park
St. Patrick’s County Park offers 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: June 12: Pirates and Mermaids of Baugo Creek
July 10: Barbies and Kens on Baugo Bay
August 14: Neon Night Kayakers
Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Fee: $20/person
End your day by taking a leisurely kayaking trip! Enjoy 2 hours of paddling on the serene waters of Baugo Creek. Add to the fun by dressing in the theme of the night! Registration and payment required by the Monday prior to each date.
Thank you to GVC Mortgage: Sponsor of the 2025 Activity Guides
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
These camps still have space available!
Junior Indiana Master Naturalist
July 28 – August 1: Ages 9 – 12
Who Done It?
July 7 – 11: Ages 10 – 11
Escape Room - The Eradicator
Wednesday, June 11: Ages 11 – 14
Outdoor Skills
Wednesday, July 2: Ages 11 – 14
Splish, Splash, Splatter! June 23 – 27: Ages 5 – 6
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:
April 6 – May 25: 10am – 8:30pm
May 26 – August 3: 10am – 9pm
August 4 – September 13: 10am – 8:30pm
September 14 – November 1: 10am – 7pm
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. •