Summer 2026 St. Joseph County Parks Activity Guide

Calendar of Events

May

Women in the Outdoors: Cooking 101

Saturday, May 23 10am – 2pm

Bendix Woods County Park: Studebaker Shelter

Fee: $35/person, *Adults 18 and older Build confidence cooking outdoors in this hands-on workshop designed for women of all experience levels. Learn to cook using fire and coals, Dutch ovens, mini gas and wood stoves, hobo and soda can stoves, and even a solar pizza box! Perfect for hiking, camping, scouting, or backyard adventures, this class covers simple meals, safety, and choosing the right method for your outing. “Make your own lunch” included! Registration required by Wednesday, May 13.

Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt

Sunday, May 24 10am – 5pm

St. Patrick’s, Ferrettie/Baugo Creek, & Bendix Woods County Parks Fee: Free!

Come celebrate National Scavenger Hunt Day! Head out on the trails at St. Patrick’s, Bendix Woods, or Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks in search of signs of spring. Share your favorite photo by tagging the Parks’ Facebook Page or email your photo to mslattery@sjcparks.org. Pick up a scavenger hunt list at the Park Gatehouse when entering the park.

June

Silver Swans Paddle

Wednesday, June 10 2pm

St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn

Fee: $30/person, *Ages 55 and older Take in the beauty of the St. Joseph River while paddling at a comfortable pace and connecting with others! Choose your vessel and be guided along the river by park staff. Once on the water, this paddle will be around 3 hours. Registration and payment required by Friday, June 5.

Lopping in the Letters!

Saturday, June 20 9:30am – 12pm

Bendix Woods County Park: Nature Center Fee: Free!

The STUDEBAKER Letters that is! Help park staff trim and clear brush from the understory of the historic STUDEBAKER trees in preparation for a special event in October. Registration required by Wednesday, June 17.

Summer Solstice Hike

Sunday, June 21 8pm – 9:30pm

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 icecold lemonade. Registration and payment required by Wednesday, June 17.

July

Summer Fling for the Little Ones

Wednesday, July 1 10am – 12pm

St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn

Fee: Free! *Ages 5 and younger It’s summer – time to get outdoors with kids! Join us for a special morning of activities for children five and under. We’ll explore the world of dirt by digging for worms, making mud pies, and painting with mud. We’ll also enjoy a worm story time and a dirt-themed treat. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by Monday, June 29.

Glow O Night Orienteering

Thursday, July 30 8:30pm – 10:30pm

St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn

Fee: $5/person

Experience the park after hours for this neon orienteering challenge. Using maps and lanterns, navigate the terrain of St. Patrick’s County Park in search of glowing markers. Wear your brightest neon to add to the fun! Registration and payment required by Tuesday, July 28.

For program information or to register, call Bendix Woods County Park at 574/654 - 3155.

august

Early Birds!

Saturday, August 1 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 while summer is in full swing! We will explore part of the park, observing the plants and birds we encounter. No birding experience necessary but bring binoculars if you have them. We will have loaners as well. Registration and payment due by Thursday, July 30.

Yoga Among the Pines

Session 1: Sunday, August 2 Session 2: Sunday, August 23 3pm – 4pm

St. Patrick’s County Park: Park in the White Barn parking lot to be directed to yoga site Fee: $15/person each session *Ages 16 and older

Renew yourself amist the shade of the pine trees as you enjoy yoga in the refreshing outdoors. Each session is geared towards ages 16+. 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, July 30, for Session 1 and Thursday, August 20, for Session 2.

Good Clean Dirty Fun

Wednesday, August 5 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.

Books are Wild!

Sunday, August 9 2pm – 5pm

St. Patrick’s County Park: Berta Shelter Fee: Free!

Join us for an enriching family nature program that brings the wonders of the outdoors and the joy of reading together! 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! Registration required by Friday, July 31.

Follow or like us on Facebook or X (Twitter) for program updates and for fun family activities in the parks.

Mid-Night Meteor Showers! Peak Night!

Wednesday, August 12 9:30pm – 1am

Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Meet at Visitor Center Fee: $5/person

Join us on the Boardwalk to Spicer Lake for a meteor-watching night during peak activity of the Perseid meteor showers! Bring a camping chair or blanket, and bug spray. A nighttime-themed treat will be provided. Registration required by Monday, August 10.

Nature Journaling Club

Saturdays, 10am – 1pm

May 30: Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Visitor Center

August 29: St. Patrick’s County Park: Berta Shelter 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 provide inspiration using writing prompts, and tips on how to use mixed media such as pencil, paint, photography, and collage.

Stay in touch with the St. Joseph County Parks!

Join our email list for updates, park news, and events!

Life Through the Lens Photography Contest

FOUR new categories for the 2026 Life Through the Lens Photography Contest!

Capture the beauty of your local county parks and win an opportunity to have your nature photography featured on the cover of our seasonal Activity Guide! From leisurely smartphone snapshots to professional level camerawork, participants of all skill levels can submit their photos that showcase these four categories. Visit sjcparks.org for more information and contest rules.

Volunteers and Donors

- Seasonal Scenes- People in the Park- Wildlife- Micro -

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: *Brian, Finn, and Cora Rowe • Abigail McDaniel • Ally Pudlo • Alyssa Althoff • Annika Jongkind • Areon and Laura Roberts

Arianna Botello • Arnes Skopo • Austin Bourdon and Andrew Fox • Ben Reinoehl • Brandon Stahl • Breanna Schuler • Bryant Marsh • Bud Lies

Catherine Pellegrino and James Cobb • Charles and Margaret Carson • Chris Temple • Christina Camp • Dan Lindborg • David Heinold

Dean Baumann • Dean and Pat Skaggs • Debit Datta • Debra McClain • Del and Nancy Meyer • Dixie Burrell • Don Tonk • Emma Brewer

Erica Price • Evelyn Teske • Gary and Nancy Beall • Giana Gibson • Grace Countryman • Greg Kutis • Gretchen, Grace, and Grant Krivak

Jacob Kutcka • Jacob and Cora Waldron • Jamie Robbins • Jim Tanner • Joe Kielton • John and Alice Bentley • John Leland • Judy Hawkins

Judy Martin Godshalk • Kallie Young • Kathy Portolese • Kay Easton • Kayla and Alana Witkowski • Ken Neumann • Ken Peterson

Thankyou

In the Sugar House at Bendix Woods County Park, helping park staff cook pure maple syrup is a fun family activity for Brian, Finn, and Cora Rowe!

Khaleesi Kish • Kirsten Sharpe • Larry Catanzarite • Layla Myers • Linda Hough • Mallorie Freitag • Maria Peacock • Marty Brennan

Maya Wright • Melissa Peterson-Plummer • Merle, Suzanne, and Becky Miller • Michael Davids and John Mastrojohn • Mike and Yasuko Duff

Monica Tetzlaff • Nancy Biggum • Nancy Croumlich • Nikki Rector • Noah Goddard • Paige Sizemore • Pam Murphy • Pat Lawton • Patty Fowler

Pete and Catherine Farrough • Reghan Penziol • Rick and Cindi Clawson • Ron Schafer • Ryan Sensenig and Notre Dame Pre-Med Students Samantha and Ryker Posego • Sarah, Ryan, Elijah, Norah, Jude, and Finn Skinner • Scott Beam • Steve Hummer • Susan Antonovitz Susan Ortiz • Tapping Day Public Volunteers • Tom Davidson • Tom Faludy • Tom, Joanne, and Vivien Blodgett • Troy Skaggs • Ursula Godinez Vicky Holt • Vicky Rydzynski • Vincent Niles • Wiktoria Drapala • Donors: Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake

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.

Rent a Facility or Shelter

The 2,100 square-foot Fragomeni Shelter at St. Patrick’s County Park is the perfect spot for large company picnics or an outdoor wedding. Tents and inflatables can be set up on the adjacent grounds, too!

For more information about shelter rentals at any county park, please call 574/277 - 4828 or visit sjcparks.org.

Parks Board: Felix Bueno, Virginia Calvin, Larry Catanzarite, Emily Evers, John Ferrettie, Thomas Panzica, Donna Pfeil

Summer Leisure Activities

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!

Free Fishing Days

When: June 6 & 7, and 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!

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.

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

Canoe or Double Kayak

Stand-Up Paddleboard

Long

$30

$40

$30

Trip - 10 miles (5 hours)

Single Kayak

Canoe or Double Kayak

$40

$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.

St. Patrick’s County Park offers pre-registered group canoe/kayak rentals Wednesday – Sunday for groups of 8 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.

Saturday, August 15, 2026

St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn

Celebrate the 15th anniversary of Running Wild with a chip-timed 5K trail run or a family-friendly 3K scavenger hunt walk through scenic park terrain.

This FUNd-raising event supports St. Joseph County Parks, helping fund park projects and student transportation scholarships.

Enjoy a fun-filled run or walk (dogs welcome on a leash), then stick around for a tasty breakfast and door prizes!

Start Time: 8:30am

*Fees vary. Pre-registration is required. Register at sjcparks.org!

Park Hours & Gate Fees

Park Hours

Bendix Woods, St. Patrick’s, and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks:

April 5 – May 23: 10am – 8:30pm May 24 – August 1: 10am – 9pm August 2 – September 12: 10am – 8:30pm

Spicer Lake Nature Preserve opens one hour later and closes one hour earlier than the above times. No entrance fee.

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.

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

Park Entrance Fees

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

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. •