St. Joseph County Parks Fall Activity Guide 2026
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Photograph by Amber Radivojevic Life Through the Lens Photography Contest – Fall 2025 Top Winner
Photograph by Jaehee Shim
St. Patrick’s County Park • Bendix Woods County Park • Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve • Spicer Lake Nature Preserve • Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area Anderson Trail County Park – COMING SOON!
Calendar of Events September Bag-a-Bat Thursday, September 3 7pm – 9pm St. Patrick’s County Park: White Barn Harvest Room Fee: $7/person *Recommended for children 7 and older Discover the nocturnal world of Indiana’s flying mammal with Bat Biologist Jeremy Sheets. We will begin with an indoor presentation about bats found in Indiana, followed by examining bats as they are caught in mist nets. Then enjoy an ice cream sundae with toppings pollinated by fruit bats. Registration and payment required by Tuesday, September 1.
Ringing of the Bell Friday, September 11 9am St. Patrick’s County Park: Freedom Memorial Fee: Free Join us, along with local fire, police, and EMS to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001.
Hug & Hike with Your Hound Day Sunday, September 13 10am – 6pm Bendix Woods, Ferrettie/Baugo Creek, and St. Patrick’s County Parks Fee: Free! *For cars entering with dogs Enjoy a fun walk with your furry best friend on National Hug Your Hound Day! Take a photo of your pooch on the trails and tag us on Facebook! Dogs will receive a goodie bag, and the park fee will be waived for all cars with a dog. Dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash. This program is sponsored in part by Pet Supplies Plus South Bend.
Yoga Among the Pines Sunday, September 13 3pm – 4pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Park in White Barn parking lot to be directed to yoga site Fee: $15/person *Ages 16 and older Renew yourself among the shade of the pine trees as you enjoy yoga in the fresh outdoors. Each session is geared toward ages 16 and older. Please bring your own mat, water, and towel. In case of rain or lightning, we will meet under the Pfeil Pavilion or in the White Barn Harvest Room. Registration and payment required by Thursday, September 10.
Science Sunday Sunday, September 27 1pm – 4pm St. Patrick’s County Park: ND-LEEF Fee: Free! The Notre Dame Linked Environmental Ecosystem Facility (ND-LEEF), a unique environmental research collaboration between the University of Notre Dame and St. Patrick’s County Park, invites you to its 13th annual Science Sunday! Come learn about various innovative environmental research projects led by scientists from the Colleges of Science and Engineering as they conduct on-site demonstrations. Participate in hands-on exhibits for children of all ages and explore the grounds during a public tour of the facility, which is home to a pair of bald eagles! Complimentary refreshments will be provided.
October Early Birds! Saturday, October 10 8am – 10am St. Patrick’s County Park: Meet at the White Barn parking lot Fee: $5/person Meet a naturalist for a birding and nature hike during fall migration! We will explore part of the park, observing the plants and birds we encounter. No birding experience is necessary but bring binoculars if you have them. We will have loaners as well. Registration and payment required by Thursday, October 8.
Women in the Outdoors: Fishing 101 Saturday, October 10 10am – 2pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Fragomeni Shelter and Pond Fee: $30/person *Adults 18 and older Build confidence and connect with nature through the relaxing and rewarding skill of fishing. Participants will learn the basics of fishing equipment, knot tying, bait selection, casting techniques, fish identification, and responsible angling practices. All fishing equipment will be provided. *In addition to the program registration fee, a current Indiana fishing license is required and may be purchased on the Indiana DNR website Registration required by Thursday, October 8.
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.
For program information or to register, call Bendix Woods County Park at 574/654 - 3155.
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Fall Fling for the Little Ones
Neon Night Hayride
Wednesday, October 14 10am – 12pm Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter Fee: Free! *Ages 5 and younger It’s fall – time to get outdoors with the kids! Join us for a special morning of activities for children five and under. We’ll explore the spooky world of Halloween animals. Make a bat-shaped snack, listen to owl calls, and play the sticky spider web game. We’ll also enjoy story time and a hayride! This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by Tuesday, October 13.
Friday, October 16 7pm – 9pm Bendix Woods County Park: DeNeve Shelter Fee: $8/person Light up the night with bright, neon colors! Get your face painted with neon colors, take a glow-in-the-dark hayride, then enjoy some light-up treats to complete the glowing experience. Wear your brightest colors to make you shine! Registration and payment required by Wednesday, October 14.
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November Tail Waggin’ Hayrides Sunday, November 1 2pm – 4pm Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter Fee: $5/person, and pet-related donation Bring your furry friend for a tractor-drawn hayride through the crisp autumn air! Afterwards, warm up by the campfire with free hot cocoa and s’mores! *All pet-related donations aid Heartland Small Animal Rescue. Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.
Fall Owl Prowl
Science at Sunset Thursday, October 15 6:30pm – 7:30pm St. Patrick’s County Park: ND-LEEF Morrison Pavilion Fee: Free! Join Dr. Alison Zachritz (University of Notre Dame) to explore how PFAS, “forever chemicals,” have made their way into the Great Lakes and the fish that call them home. We will trace how these chemicals move through the food web, examine PFAS levels in commonly consumed fish, look at what four decades of data reveal about long-term trends in the ecosystem, and consider why understanding PFAS persistence matters for the future of the Great Lakes and the people who rely on them. Light snacks will be provided. *Bring Your Own Beverage (no glass containers). Registration required by Tuesday, October 13.
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Weed Wrangle Saturday, October 17 9:30am – 12pm Bendix Woods County Park: Runnels Shelter Fee: Free! Help the parks protect the old-growth forest in the Bendix Woods Nature Preserve from Multiflora Rose and Bush Honeysuckle. Learn how to identify and remove these invasive species which crowd out native plants if left untreated. Registration required by Thursday, October 15.
Nighttime Public Hayrides Saturday, October 24 *Departure Times: 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm Bendix Woods County Park: Otahnagon Picnic Area Fee: $5/person Hayrides are one of the best ways to enjoy Bendix Woods County Park in the fall! Sit back, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of nature at night. Registration and payment required by Wednesday, October 21.
Saturday, November 21 4pm – 6pm St. Patrick’s County Park: White Barn Harvest Room Fee: $5/person Celebrate the season by exploring the mysterious world of owls. Learn which owls call Indiana home and discover their incredible adaptations for nighttime hunting. Then head out onto the trail for a guided twilight owl-calling walk. Fall refreshments will be provided. Registration required by Wednesday, November 18.
Nature Journaling Club Saturdays, 10am – 1pm St. Patrick’s County Park: September 26: Fragomeni Shelter October 31: Brown Barn November 28: Brown Barn Fee: $5 cash donation requested per meeting Join a naturalist in a creative space for adults (18+) who love exploring the outdoors and capturing its beauty through art and words. This beginner-friendly club is all about slowing down, observing nature, and connecting with other nature lovers. Bring your favorite journal, curiosity, and a sense of wonder ! We will use writing prompts to spark inspiration and provide tips on how to use mixed media such as pencil, paint, photography, and collage.
Program and Park Spotlights Become an Indiana Master Naturalist! During this 11-session series for adults, explore the world of Indiana’s natural history with local experts on fish, glacial geology, freshwater ecosystems, birds, invasive species, and more! Please visit sjcparks.org to find out more information and to get the registration brochure. Questions? Contact Amal at afarrough@sjcparks.org.
Family Movie Night!
Friday, September 25th
Grab the whole family, bring your favorite blankets, and join us under the stars for a fun-filled Family Movie Night as we watch Zootopia 2!
Movie begins at 7pm Pre-show cartoons begin at 6:30pm
St. Patrick’s County Park: Amphitheater Hill Fee: FREE! This free community event is sponsored by Force Tech, Everwise Credit Union, and St. Joseph County Parks.
Enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks before settling in for an evening of laughter, excitement, and family fun. Cheer on Judy and Nick as they tackle another wild case in a new adventure the whole family will love!
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. Volunteers: *Dr. Erica Price: GALS Program Presenter • Andrea Vollrath • Anton Watt • Austin Young • Ava Schrock Becca, Jake, Charlie, and Cas Davis • Brandon Lawson • Brandy Wanbaugh • Brett Peters • Catherine Farrough • Chris Jones Chris Temple • Chris White • Daniel Schelinski • Debra McClain • Del Meyer • Diana Zebroski • Dr. Jen Tank and the Tank Lab Dr. Katie Witlow and student researchers • Emma and Declan Brewer • Evelyn Teske • Honeywell team members • James Magas Jaylah Harlan • Jeff McGowan • Jenna Zielinski • John and Alice Bentley • Judy Martin Godshalk • Judy Rockstroh • Julie Cauffman
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Each spring, St. Patrick’s County Park hosts the Girls Ambitious about Learning Science (GALS) Program, a mini-series of science programs for girls in the 5th-8th grades. This past April, Dr. Erica Price dug into the world of soil science and participants got their hands dirty performing soil chemistry experiments!
Khaleesi Kish • Lelia Burley-Sanford • Linda Byer • Lucas Gerkey • Lynn Smith • Marci deGroot and daughter Marci Horvath • Marilyn Cook • Matthew Rutten • Max Ziesel • Mike and Yasuko Duff • Nellie Bowen • Nicholas Daeger Patty Fowler • Peggy Gearhart • Peyton Norman • Ruth Davis • Ryan Paturalski • Saleem Ismail • Samantha Byers • Stacie Jeffirs Stacy Bennett • Steve Smith • Suffolk Construction volunteers • Susan Ortiz • Tara and Cora Perkins • Thomas Pletcher • Tom Faludy Tracy Slattery • Waseer Mohammed • Wiktoria and Tad Drapala • Donors: Ruth Nieboer • Stantec Native Plant Nursery • Tom Blodgett
Have a passion for parks? Join the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake or the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation! For more information, call 574/277 - 4828. Parks Board: Felix Bueno, Virginia Calvin, Larry Catanzarite, Emily Evers, John Ferrettie, Thomas Panzica, Donna Pfeil
Fall Leisure Activities Book a Private Evening Hayride When: Wednesday – Sunday: September 18 through October 31 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 St. Patrick’s County Park at 574/277- 4828.
Friday Night Hike Series When: September 18: Apples, Cinnamon, & Spicer Lake Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Gazebo October 9: Jack-O-Lantern Jaunt Bendix Woods County Park: Deneve Shelter November 20: Turkey Trek St. Patrick’s County Park: Harvest Room December 18: Holly Jolly Jaunt St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Time: 6:30pm – 8pm Fee: $8/person Walk the park trails at night while enjoying a festive holiday atmosphere and themed goodies. Lanterns and decorated trails are provided. Registration and payment required by the Wednesday prior to the event.
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 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, and Stand-Up Paddleboard on the St. Joseph River! *Operation is weather and river conditions permitting. When: Saturday – Sunday and Holidays: Beginning May 23 through October 4 Site: St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Time: 11am – 4pm, May 23 through Sept.12 11am – 3pm, Sept. 13 through Oct. 4 Fee: *Gate fee in effect Weekends & Holidays *All rentals require a $50 refundable deposit. Short Trip - 4 miles (3 hours) Single Kayak
$30
Canoe or Double Kayak
$40
Stand-Up Paddleboard
$30
Long Trip - 10 miles (5 hours) Single Kayak
$40
Canoe or Double Kayak
$50
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/vessel during normal shuttling operations.
Canoe and Kayak on Baugo Creek! *Operation is weather and creek conditions permitting. When: Fridays Only: Beginning May 22 through October 2 Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park: Gatehouse Time: 11am – 4pm, May 22 through Sept.11 11am – 3pm, Sept. 18 through Oct. 2 Fee: *Gate fee in effect *All rentals require a $50 refundable deposit. Rental Limit - 2 hours Single Kayak
$30
Canoe or Double Kayak
$40
Rentals include vessels, paddles, and required life jackets. 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.
Private Winter Snow Tubing Parties On Tuesday, December 1, we will begin accepting reservations for private winter snow tubing parties at St. Patrick’s and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks. For more information or to make a reservation, call St. Joseph County Parks at 574/654 -3155. To print reservation information, visit sjcparks.org.
Free Fishing Day When: September 26 Site: St. Patrick’s and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek 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.
Activity Guide Sponsor:
Clubhouse 100 Year Anniversary Celebrating a Century of Studebaker History Join us for the 100th anniversary of the Studebaker Clubhouse and Proving Grounds! Explore the Clubhouse with staff-guided tours. Walk through the historic STUDEBAKER tree sign. Enjoy 1920s-era music and kids’ games, and so much more! Visit sjcparks.org for more information.
Bendix Woods County Park Saturday, October 3, 2026 10am – 2pm FREE Park Entrance!
*In partnership with International Motors, patrons can also visit the original Studebaker shop space, tour the testing grounds, and see vintage Studebaker and International vehicles on display! Food trucks and vendors will also be onsite for visitors to enjoy.
Park Hours & Gate Fees Park Hours
Special Events
Bendix Woods, St. Patrick’s, and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks: August 2 – September 12: 10am – 8:30pm September 13 – October 31: 10am – 7pm November 1 – December 31: 10am – 5:30pm
Park Entrance Fees
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.
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve opens one hour later and closes one hour earlier than the above times. No 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 are also collected Fridays at St. Patrick’s and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Park & Trail Locations Bendix Woods County Park
56960 Timothy Rd. • New Carlisle, IN 46552
Anderson Trail County Park
10761 Anderson Rd. • Granger, IN 46530
Jasinski Public Access Site
Crumstown Hwy. • North Liberty, IN 46554
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park 57057 Ash Rd. • Osceola, IN 46561
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve
50840 County Line Rd. • New Carlisle, IN 46552
Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve
58111 Crumstown Hwy. • South Bend, IN 46619
St. Patrick’s County Park
50651 Laurel Rd. • South Bend, IN 46637
Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area
Jackson Rd./Linden Rd. • South Bend, IN 46614
LaSalle Trail
Roseland, IN to the Michigan State Line
Access to All 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. •