Features
Trine State Recreation Area, adjacent to Pokagon State Park, provides nearly 200 acres of rolling, wooded hills, open meadows, unique wetlands and a kettle lake.
Fish for bass, bluegill, perch and the rare cisco from either the fishing pier or a rented fishing boat with an electric motor. Paddleboats and kayaks are also available to explore the 23-acre Gentian Lake.
There are three trails at Trine State Recreation Area. The Rolling Oaks Trail, a 2.5 mile trail of moderate difficulty, runs from the parking area north of the Wild Turkey Shelter and loops through woodlands, along wetlands and over open meadows. The multi-use trail is great for hikers and bikers. The Gentian Lake Trail, a quarter-mile moderate trail, runs from the Swenson Lodge to the lake shore. The bike trail connects the main gatehouse at Feather Valley Road with the welcome center and is a quarter-mile paved trail.
Price & Contact Info
Trine has six, four and two-person cabins available. All cabins include basic kitchen appliances plus a screened in porch with a table and chairs. Bedding, linens and a television are not provided. Bedding and towels are available at the welcome center for an extra fee. The admission fee is $7 per Indiana car and $9 per out-of-state car. Admission is free with paid entry into Pokagon State Park. Call (260) 833-2012 for information.
Virtual Tour
Video
History of Trine State Recreation Area
Development has included the evaluation and removal of many buildings and other structures, repair/replacement of infrastructure, renovation of facilities, restoration of natural features and construction of a new welcome center.
The property has gone through a massive overhaul since 2007 that started with the removal of non-functioning features of the former church camp. These included a three- tier swimming pool, go-kart track, paintball course, tennis courts, amphitheater, roads, and 36 buildings.
New construction and renovation of existing buildings for began with a new entrance road off of Feather Valley Road. It continued with renovation of the rustic dining lodge to a first-class day-use conference center (Swenson Lodge) and 12 cabins for overnight rental, construction of a paved bike path and the welcome center, and installation of a boat rental dock, a public fishing pier, and the Rolling Oaks Multipurpose Trail.
Restoration of natural features, including a wetland and a unique fen ecosystem, were important in the development process. The site has a long and well-known history in Steuben County and has historic connections to Pokagon State Park. The site will be managed as a unit of Pokagon.