St. Joseph County Parks
Calendar of Events
December
Winter Wonderland
Ornament Hunt
Fridays, December 6 – 27
St. Joseph County Parks
Fee: Free, *Regular gate fees in effect Elves have hidden ornaments around the St. Joseph County Parks, and they want YOU to embark on a quest to find them! Every Friday in December, the elves will unveil clues on the Parks’ Facebook page to help lead you to the secret ornament hideaways. Join the game, locate the ornaments, snap a photo, and submit them for a chance to win park prizes!
Cocoa,
Candy Canes, & Crafts
Saturday, December 7, 10am – 12pm
Bendix Woods County Park:
Nature Center
Fee: $5/person
Put a unique, nature-themed spin on this year’s handmade project by using materials collected from right outside. Tunes, treats, and a warm drink will be provided. Registration and payment required by December 5.
Stay in touch with the St. Joseph County Parks! Join our email list for updates, park news, and events!
Santa Paws Pet Pictures
Saturday, December 7, 1pm – 4pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Fee: Free with pet-related donation
Bring your furry friends to meet Santa Claus! Receive a complimentary, professionally taken photo with donation of a pet-related item. Enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores, available for purchase. Pet-related donations aid PetsConnect!
Cookies with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Sunday, December 8, 12pm – 3pm
St. Patrick’s County Park:
Brown Barn
Fee: $7/child
Santa and Mrs. Claus are making an early visit to St. Patrick’s County Park! Come have a professional photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, decorate a cookie, and then write a colorful letter to Santa to share your wishes. A picture-perfect way to kick off the holidays! Registration and payment required by December 4.
Yeti
Night at the Park
Friday, December 13, 6pm – 8pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Fee: $5/person
Yeti, Set, Go! to St. Patrick’s County Park to enjoy a fun-filled yeti experience. Walk the night trails in search of glowing yetis, enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores by a campfire, and pose in our winter-themed photo booth. Yeti fun for all ages! Registration and payment required by December 11.
Winter Solstice Hike
Saturday, December 21, 6pm – 8pm
St. Patrick’s County Park:
Brown Barn
Fee: $5/person
Bundle up and join us for a self-led hike on the longest night of the year. Enjoy the brisk air while following a glowing trail. Afterwards, enjoy hot chocolate, a treat, and make a solstice craft. Lanterns will be available to help guide the way. Registration and payment required by December 18.
January
Winter Fling for the Little Ones
Thursday, January 16, 10am – 12pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: Free!
Winter is a lovely 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 a snowy adventure, including crafts, stories, and snacks. Then head out onto the hill for some tubing! This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature, but registration is required by January 14. *Weather permitting.
For tips on nature projects and ways to help the environment, watch Outdoor Elements on WNIT Public Television, Sundays at 9am and 12pm, and Wednesdays at 7:30pm.
Sweet and Savory
Maple Cuisine
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.
Saturday, January 18, 11am – 1:30pm
Bendix Woods County Park: Nature Center
Fee: $15/person
Join us as we reveal the magic of maple syrup and explore the different ways to enjoy it! Learn how versatile and fun cooking with pure, local maple syrup can be by preparing and cooking maple-roasted acorn squash and baking a maple dessert. Come hungry! Space is limited. Registration and payment required by January 15.
Big Trees Awards Reception
Saturday, January 18, 1pm
Rum Village Nature Center
Fee: Free!
Join us as we honor the owners and nominators of the largest native trees found in St. Joseph County. Enjoy refreshments and a slide presentation showcasing these special trees.
Neon Night Tubing
Thursday, January 23, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Fee: $5/person
Experience the magic of winter nights in a new way – night tubing! Gather your friends and enjoy an evening filled with thrills and laughter on our tubing lanes. Help us light up the night by dressing in neon colors. Hot chocolate and glow sticks will be provided. Registration and payment required by January 21.
Life Through the Lens Photographer Recognition
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 • Jaehee Shim
Rags to Riches
(Rag Rug Making)
Sunday, January 26, 2pm – 4pm
Bendix Woods County Park: Nature Center
Fee: $10/person
*Adults and children 12 and up. Turn something old into something new! During this cozy program, you’ll make a pair of potholders or a trivet, and gain the skills needed to make your own rag rug. Participants will need a basic knowledge of crochet and should bring a pair of scissors and a size J crochet hook. All other supplies will be provided. Registration and payment required by January 21.
February
Tapping Day
Saturday, February 8, 10am – 12:30pm
Bendix Woods County Park: Sauk Trail Shelter
Fee: Free!
The sap will soon be running and it’s time to tap our maple trees! Volunteers are needed to get the Bendix Woods Sugar Bush ready for making maple syrup! Experienced sugar-makers will take you out into the woods to show you how to tap maple trees and hang tubing used to collect sap. This activity is outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. All tools and materials will be provided. Registration required by January 30. *Back-up date is February 1. The date will be chosen based on the best-fit weather for the start of the season.
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!
The deadline for the 2024 Life Through the Lens Photography Contest is approaching fast!
Win an opportunity to have your local nature photography featured on the cover of our seasonal Activity Guide!
Capture the beauty of your local county parks. From leisurely smartphone snapshots to professional level camerawork, participants of all levels can submit their photographs. Visit sjcparks.org for more information and contest rules!
Skiing Special eventS
Click and GO!
Fridays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Fridays, February 7, 14, 21, 28
St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn 3pm – 4:30pm
Fee: $15/person; ski equipment included
Enjoy the winter wonderland on skis! Learn the basics of skiing and hit the trails with a cross-country skiing lesson. Weather and ski trail conditions permitting.
Please arrive 15 - 20 minutes prior to the start of the program.
Night Skiing
Friday, January 10 Moonlight Ski
Friday, January 24 Glow Ski
St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn 6pm – 9pm
Fee: $5/person plus $10 ski rental available
Ski by the light of glowing luminaires on snow-covered trails! At the Manion Cabin, warm up by the fire and enjoy a homemade treat! Registration and payment required by the prior Wednesday.
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.
Jeff McGowan • Ronda Spaulding • Stacie Jeffirs • Tom Shidaker • Rebecca Reeding • Notre Dame Alumni Family Volunteer Camp
Coco Rans and family • Evie Kirkwood • Lisa Needham • Lori Checkly • Alaina Needham • Shaylee Smith • Emma Brewer • June Kohler
Gary and Nancy Beall • Janet Egyhazi • Debra McClain • Kristen Van Dyke • Yasuko Duff • Pet Supplies Plus • Nancy Owsianowski
Catherine Farrough • Susan Antonovitz • Megan Lawson • John and Alice Bentley • Kat Gardner • Jennifer Liddell • Mary Ann Moran
Thankyou
Activity Guide Sponsor
Brenda Phillips • Evelyn Teske • Sandy Van Vooren • Erin Bonin • Larry Catanzarite • Judy Carlson • Rick, Cindi and Kevin Clawson
Marilyn Cook • Mary Dominick • Stephanie and Aidan Helm • Jeff McGowan Jr. • Pumpkin Morrow • Catherine Pellegrino • Donna Pfeil
Nikki Rector • Jamie Robbins • Lisa Slomka • Allyson Triplett • Brian and Alana Witkowski • Brian Rowe • Patty Fowler • Michael Davids Thomas Faludy • Press Gainey • Michael Denman • Cub Scout Pack 562 • *Junior League of South Bend
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!
Book reservations for 2026 dates starting January 2, 2025. 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
Winter Leisure Activities
Public Inner Tubing
When: December 26 – January 5, daily January 11 – March 2, weekends only
*Snow conditions permitting Site: St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Time: 12pm – 5pm
Fee: $5/person, *regular gate fees in effect
Enjoy winter fun on the snow! Our tube hill offers multiple supervised lanes and canvas-covered snow tubes with plastic bottoms and handles. The inner tubing hill has a capacity of 150 active tubers at a given time. Check our Facebook page or X (Twitter) feed for updates and hill status! *Sleds and toboggans are not permitted. Not recommended for children 3 years of age or younger.
Preschool Tubing
When: Thursdays, January 16 – February 20
*Snow conditions permitting Site: St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Fee: Free!
Ages: 3 – 5 years old
Fun for families with preschoolers, snow tubing is a perfect way to spend a snowy afternoon together. Leave the older kids at home – this one is just for the little ones!
Night Hikes
When: Thursday, December 12
Site: Bendix Woods County Park: Runnels Shelter
Time: 6:30pm – 8pm
Fee: $5/person
Explore nature at night! Join us for the final hike of the Night Hikes series. Hikes will be self-led, and lanterns will be provided. Registration and payment encouraged by December 10.
Inner Tubing Parties
Monday, December 2, we will begin accepting reservations for private winter inner tubing parties at St. Patrick’s County Park. For more information or to make a reservation, call St. Joseph County Parks at 574/654 –3155. To print off registration information, visit sjcparks.org.
Snowshoe Rental
When: Wednesday – Sunday December 26 – March 9
*Snow conditions permitting
Site: St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn
Time: 10am – 4pm, snowshoes must be returned by 5pm
Fee: $5/person, *regular gate fees in effect
Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy winter sights and sounds. Enjoy trekking along the river and lower trails. Rentals are available for both children and adults.
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
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!
Cross-Country Skiing
When: Wednesday – Sunday December 26 – March 9
*Snow conditions permitting
Site: St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn
Time: 10am – 4pm, all equipment must be returned by 5pm
Fee: *Regular gate fees in effect
$10 ski rental available
Daily Trail Pass:
$5 adult daily trail pass
$4 youth daily trail pass (ages 15 and under) OR
Seasonal Trail Pass:
$20 adult seasonal trail pass
$15 youth seasonal trail pass
*Seasonal passes are not valid for special events.
St. Patrick’s County Park takes on a special beauty during winter. Enjoy the winter scenery, get healthy exercise, and have some fun by skiing over 6 miles of trails. Ski trails are groomed throughout the week. Rentals are available for both children and adults. Seasonal trail passes are honored at Madeline Bertrand County Park during regular business hours; gate fee not included. Check our Facebook page or X (Twitter) feed for trail condition updates.
COMING SOON! to Bendix Woods County
Park.
The Nature Center’s Discovery Room is adding a new exhibit!
Learn about native Indiana pond life in and out of the water.
Crawl through a log. Explore inside a muskrat den. Find creatures throughout the habitat. AND MORE!
*Exhibit designed by Split Rock Studios.
Sugar Camp Days
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
Purchase homemade maple baked goods • Tour the Sugar Bush Try maple kettle corn and cotton candy • Enjoy family music And MUCH MORE!
Bendix Woods County Park Saturday and Sunday March 8 & 9, 2025 8am – 3pm • $8/vehicle
Visit sjcparks.org for more information.
Park Hours & Gate Fees
Park Hours
Bendix Woods, St. Patrick’s, and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks:
November 3 – December 31: 10am – 5:30pm
January 1 – March 8: 10am – 5:30pm
March 9 – April 5: 10am – 7pm
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve opens one hour later and closes one hour earlier than the above times. No entrance fee.
Holiday Closings
All County Parks will be closed on November 28 & December 25 for county-observed holidays.
On December 24, Bendix Woods, Ferrettie/Baugo Creek, and St. Patrick’s County Parks will close at 3:30pm. Spicer Lake Nature Preserve will also be closed on December 24.
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
Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fee in effect during winter programs and special events.
$4/in-county vehicle
$5/out-of-county vehicle
$8/vehicle at 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.
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. •