Angola Parks & Preserves

Bicycle Trail

The 4.4 miles of the multi-purpose trail is in Angola, Indiana and is part of the county-wide trail stretching through Pokagon State Park. The asphalt and concrete trail takes riders through the heart of the city, along rolling hills and wooded wetlands. Benches built by Eagle Scouts dot the landscape. A parking lot is located on the north end of the trail.

Brammall and Richard Bruner Nature Preserves

These twin preserves stand as guards protecting Pigeon Pond, portions of Pigeon Lake and Pigeon Creek. Wildlife from deer to turkey to raccoons and rabbits can easily be spotted in the wetland forests and surrounding meadows. Flora of interest include blue bellflower, cardinal flower and white snakeroot that treat visitors to a patriotic display of American colors. Leashed dogs are welcome; please pick up after them. Carry out all trash and do not take any plants or rocks. The preserves, which encompass 124 acres, are open dawn to dusk. Parking is located at 2630 E. U.S. Highway 20, Angola IN 46703

The trails will be closed permanently Dec. 31, 2023.

Commons Park

This 100-acre park sits in the heart of Angola, Indiana. In addition to a community built playground known as Friendship Park, it also features several pavilions, multiple restroom facilities, a bandstand, basketball court, three ball fields, a soccer field, volleyball courts, a horseshoe pit and archery range. Picnic areas include tables and grills. A half-mile walking trail joins the Steuben County trail system, while additional nature trails showcase a small wetland with a wildlife overlook and a natural spring. A large fenced dog park completes the area.
The park is open dawn to dusk at 299 S. John St., Angola, IN 46703.

Downtown Angola Pocket Park

Scott Lepley of Fremont created a tree stump sculpture in the new pocket park in downtown Angola. The park also features about 40 decorated birdhouses and was funded through a Quick Impact Place Based Grant administered through the Downtown Angola Coalition. Colorful murals are painted on three sidewalks that meander through the park. You’ll also find a pollinator garden that will draw bees and butterflies!

Loon Lake Nature Preserve

The great attraction to this scenic area is the 138-acre lake which is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and sunfish. Public access to the water is located on the north side of the lake. There is a trail and boardwalk to the lake, but most of the additional 99 acres of surrounding wetlands are a bit difficult to reach. The area is open from dawn to dusk.
From I-69 and U.S. Highway 20 go west and turn north at County Road 325 West. Go three quarters of a mile to the left turn in the road. Park by the cable

Marion’s Woods

Disappear into woodlands in the middle of the city with a visit to Marion’s Woods. This 19.5 acre area is named after Steuben County’s late long-time nature-lover and activist Marion Eberhardt. The woods feature cherry, hickory and oak trees and several low-impact trails. A portion of the area has low-lying land, which can be wet for several days after a storm. The park is open dawn to dusk. Leashed dogs are welcome; please pick up after them. Carry out all trash and do not take any plants or rocks. Marion’s Woods has a small parking lot and is located at 805 Calvary Lane, Angola IN 46703.

Charles McClue Nature Reserve

Located just north of Angola this 80 acre preserve is a community favorite. The area includes Tulip, Juniper, and Long trails, which intertwine with each other and loop back to the parking area. The reserve includes tulip, redbuds and dogwoods and some of the best old growth woods in the area. Several vernal ponds are home to peepers, wood frogs and tree frogs, as well as a variety of other wetland animals. Bird watchers can easily spot woodpeckers, several kinds of nesting warblers, wild turkey and hawks. An old-fashioned red water pump on the east side of the reserve is a much anticipated destination for younger hikers. A multitude of large downed trees, (the result of a tornado some years ago,) gives the park a mystical otherworldly appearance. Several hills make the trail slightly difficult for the inexperienced hiker. Dogs are allowed. Please carry all trash out and leave all plants and rocks for others to enjoy.
The reserve is located on County Road 400 North, one mile east of State Road 127

Nature Park

This small park gives nature lovers a taste of its larger neighbors in a compact area. The 15-acre park has just one trail that leads to a marsh and wetlands. There are also areas for basketball and picnicking; however there are no restrooms. Leashed dogs are welcome; please pick up after them. The park is located on the southwest side of Angola near Trine University off Ettinger Street.

Pokagon State Park

The best-known and most widely used park is Pokagon State Park. The 1,260-acre park, which borders Lake James and Snow Lake, was created in 1925. As one of the state’s original parks it was largely built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1934 and 1942. It was named after Leopold and Simon Pokagon, leaders of the Potawatomi. In addition to the main inn, the park has a variety of cabins as well as campsites. Summer activities include swimming, boating and horseback riding, while cross-country skiing, ice fishing and riding the state’s only toboggan are top winter activities. The park has nine trails, fen wetlands, a natural spring, rolling hills, open prairies, two beaches, a nature center, several picnic and pavilion areas and an amphitheater. It’s open 365 days a year. Admission is $9 for out-of- state vehicles are and $7 for Indiana vehicles. State park passes are accepted.
Pokagon State Park is located at 450 Lane 100 Lake James, Angola IN 46703.

See more and photo gallery from Pokagon State Park

Potawatomi Nature Preserve

Follow Pokagon Trail 3 or 6 to the south and east and you’ll find yourself in Potawatomi Nature Preserve. The spacious 256 acres wind through prairies, woodlands and wetlands alike.

See also Potawatomi Inn Resort & Conference Center

Wing Haven Nature Preserve

This nearly 255 acre preserve is one of the most diverse parks in the county. It includes everything from deep ravines and fen wetlands to open prairie, richly wooded forest and kettle-hole lakes. Sandhill cranes can be found nesting in the area. Leashed dogs are welcome; please pick up after them. Remember to carry all trash out and leave plants and rocks for others to enjoy. The area is open dawn to dusk at 180 W. 400 N., Angola IN 46703.