Why You Should Visit Pokagon State Park This Summer

Why You Should Visit Pokagon State Park This Summer

Pokagon State Park is the natural gem of Steuben County, Indiana, nestled on the scenic shores of Lake James. This park contains 1,260 acres, including two beaches and nine hiking trails and offers visitors many fun outdoor activities such as hiking, a nature center, guided horseback riding, two beaches, boat rentals and more. Here are some reasons you should visit the park this summer.

Horseback Riding

Head to the saddle barn and take a guided horseback ride on Pokagon’s trails. The stables are open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. You must be at least 8 years old and rides are $25 per person.

Hiking Trails and Biking Paths

Pokagon has nine trails for hiking. No matter your skill level, you can find the perfect trail here, as they offer easy, moderate and difficult paths. Take a light afternoon stroll or bring your bike and take on the paved trail. If you don’t own a bike, the park also offers bike rentals.

Birdwatching

The wetlands, rolling prairie and woodlands attract a variety of unique birds year-round. If you are an avid bird watcher, this is the perfect place to head this summer. Pokagon has a tradition of regular Sunday mornings where an interpretive naturalist leads a bird hike. All ages and skill levels are invited, and binoculars are provided.

Nature Center

The Pokagon Nature Center offers a variety of hands-on exhibits, which include native reptiles, amphibians, insects, animals and other wildlife. It is a great educational resource for your kids to explore. The Woodland Window is also a great place to sit and bird watch and you may see other types of wildlife as well such as squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs and deer. A large variety of educational programs are also hosted interpretive naturalists here year-round.

Water Fun

Visit Lake James and lounge on the beach, go swimming, fish or rent a boat. During the hot summer months to come, what better place to spend your weekend than on the water. You can find boat rentals at Potawatomi Inn.

Trine State Recreation Area

Located on the opposite side of I-69 from Pokagon, this 200 acre area features Gentian Lake, a 23-acre kettle lake. Rent a paddleboat, kayak or fishing boat with an electric motor to explore the lake. Walk or bike on the multi-use trail or hike on two scenic trails through the open meadows and scattered wetlands.

Clearly, Pokagon State Park is an amazing place to visit if you are looking for fun trips to take this summer. The options for fun and adventure are endless, with horseback riding, hiking and biking trails, birdwatching, Lake James, the nature center, and more. You can also stay at Potawatomi Inn while you are here, and check out the many other attractions in Steuben County.