Fremont Parks & Preserves
Beechwood Nature Preserve
A rainbow of trees from the namesake blue beech trees to red elm and yellow birch can be found at the preserve. Other botanical delights visitors may encounter as they journey through the fen wetlands and lush meadows include elderberry, spicebush and dogwood trees. While fen wetlands are a somewhat rare occurrence, Steuben County is rich in this wildlife habitat. Instead of rain water running off the land it soaks into the ground creating a sponge-like filtration system. As water makes its way through the layers of sand and gravel it becomes mineral rich as it winds its way to larger bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and streams. In addition to the abundant flora and fawna, the preserve provides access to two additional public-friendly areas: Foster and Majneri nature preserves. The nature areas are open dawn to dusk. Leashed dogs are welcome; please pick up after them. Carry out all litter and leave all plants and rocks for other visitors to enjoy. The area is accessible through a parking lot at 5145 N. State Road 127, Fremont IN 46737.
Broad Street Dog Park
The people of Fremont didn’t want to forget their furry friends, so they built a dog park! The large fenced area with a double entrance gate includes a pick-up station, several benches and plenty of space for pooches to run free. Owners must clean up after their pets, keep them in sight and under voice control at all times, remove any animal showing aggression toward other dogs or humans and have a leash close by at all times. No more than two dogs per owner are allowed and no puppies under four weeks can use the park. Children under 13 are not allowed without an adult. This Fremont park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. While it is called the Broad Street Dog Park, the entrance to the area is located through the skateboard park, closer to the corners of Coffin and Water streets.
Marsh Lake Nature Preserve
Get up close to nature with this rustic site located near Trine State Recreation Area. The area has no trails but can be a great adventure for those willing to explore. There’s a wide variety of wetlands with cattail marsh, sedge marsh and calcareous fen as well as a lush stand of tamarack and yellow birch trees. The area also includes a wonderful assortment of flora such as marsh marigold, skunk cabbage and numerous wildflowers. Explorers should use caution during hunting season as the area is open and accessible to hunters. The parking lot is located near County Road 100 East. The park is open dawn to dusk. Use caution to plan accordingly for leaving before dark. To get to the preserve take I-69 to Feather Valley Road and turn east. The public access site for boats is located east on Feather Valley Road. A posted sign directs visitors.
Ropchan Wildlife Refuge
Not to be confused with Ropchan Memorial near Orland, this nature preserve is located is Fremont. The peaceful park boasts a plethora of trails from the deep woods to open prairies. The area was once cultivated as farmland before being returned to its natural state. Trees of note include upland oak and hickory. The area can’t be beat for spring wildflower enthusiasts with a range of phlox, wild iris, violets, buttercups and asters among many others. A cemetery hugs the area giving its name to the kettle hole lake, Cemetery Lake.
This unique body of water has a peat-rich center which lends nicely to the wetlands landscape. Great blue herons, beavers and muskrats have been known to call the area home. The platform by the lake makes for a great bird-watching location. Leashed dogs are welcome; please clean up after them and carry out any trash. Please leave plants and rocks for others to enjoy.
The park is open dawn to dusk at 4990 N. State Road 827, Fremont, IN 46737.
Trine State Recreation Area
One of the newest park additions is Trine State Recreation Area. It was formerly the 200-acre Oak Hill Conference and Retreat Center. The area features Gentian Lake, which is a recreation area for non-motorized boats and watercrafts. There are , several fen wetlands and trails. Sandhill cranes as well as osprey can be seen in the area. There is a paved multi-use trail in the park as well as 12 cabins, a meeting lodge, welcome center, boat rental and, public fishing pier.
Admission is $7 per Indiana vehicle and $9 per out-of-state vehicle. The park is open dawn to dusk for non-cabin guests. Leashed dogs are welcome; please clean up after them.
The park is located at 145 W. Feather Valley Rd., Fremont, IN 46737.
Vistula Park
This park is unique in that it is owned by Fremont Community Schools. Visitors first notice the ball diamonds decked out in red and black, the playground equipment and the giant metal sculpture of an eagle, the district’s mascot. However, the park also includes several picnic sites and a nature trail behind the library that winds through a lush wooded area. At Halloween it is used for various activities such as a haunted trail. Leashed dogs are welcome; please clean up after them.
The park is open dawn to dusk at 1100 W. Toledo St., Fremont, IN 46737.
Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve
Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve is home to approximately 250 wild bison roaming over 400 acres that they claim as their home.