Kendallville Park & Recreation

kendallville park

For Hoosiers looking to embrace the great outdoors without traveling far from home, Kendallville Park & Recreation offers a multifaceted natural retreat right in Noble County, Indiana. More than just a simple campground, this expansive park provides a wide array of recreational opportunities centered around the beautiful Bixler Lake. It’s a local gem where families can connect with nature, engage in various activities, and create lasting memories, all within a convenient distance for residents of Northeastern Indiana.

Kendallville Park & Recreation is designed to be a hub for community activity and outdoor enjoyment. While the camping facilities might offer a more rustic experience for some, the overall park provides ample space and diverse options for day-use visitors and campers alike. From serene fishing spots to lively playgrounds and scenic trails, it aims to cater to a broad spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts, making it a valuable resource for those living in or visiting the Kendallville area.

Kendallville Park & Recreation is situated at 1650 Lake Park Dr, Kendallville, IN 46755, USA. This location places it centrally within Kendallville, a charming city in Noble County, Indiana. Its accessibility is a key advantage for local users, as it’s often just a short drive from surrounding towns and communities in Northeastern Indiana. The park's prominent location on Lake Park Drive makes it easy to find and navigate to, whether you're coming for a day of fishing, a family picnic, or an overnight camping stay.

Kendallville itself is well-connected by state roads, allowing for straightforward travel from larger nearby cities like Fort Wayne, which is approximately 30 miles to the south. This means that residents from a wider radius can easily access the park's amenities for a day trip or an extended visit. The park’s integration within the Kendallville community also means that essential services, stores, and local dining options are conveniently close by, enhancing the overall visitor experience. This blend of natural escape and urban convenience makes Kendallville Park & Recreation a highly accessible and practical choice for outdoor recreation in Indiana.

Kendallville Park & Recreation offers a range of services aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, particularly for those enjoying the outdoors:

• Camping Sites: While perhaps not a traditional dedicated campground, the park offers areas for camping, providing basic facilities for overnight stays. There are 116 reservable campsites, all with water and electric hookups. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring/grill, and lantern post.
• Kayak Rentals: For those looking to explore Bixler Lake, kayak rentals are available through the Bixler Lake Campground Office. They offer both single and tandem kayaks for a four-hour usage period.
• Picnic Pavilions: Several open-air pavilions are available for reservation, providing shaded areas for picnics, family gatherings, or events. Some have water and electric hookups.
• Public Restrooms and Showers: Facilities are available for visitor use. While maintenance can vary, these are intended to provide essential amenities for those spending time at the park or camping.
• Boat Ramp: A boat ramp is available for launching personal boats onto Bixler Lake, particularly suitable for smaller boats or kayaks, given the lake size.
• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers, a dedicated station is provided for cleaning fish caught in the lake.
• Sports Facilities: The broader Kendallville Park & Recreation complex includes sports facilities such as basketball courts, tennis courts, and potentially disc golf, offering additional recreational outlets.

Kendallville Park & Recreation is rich in features that appeal to various outdoor enthusiasts:

• Bixler Lake Access: The park fully encompasses the 117-acre Bixler Lake, offering extensive opportunities for water-based activities like fishing, swimming, and boating (electric motors only). The lake features two beaches for swimming and areas suitable for crappie and bass fishing, particularly in the spring.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts a network of hiking and biking trails, including a pedestrian walkway and nature trail of over three miles that circles the lake, passing through wetlands and woodlands. These trails are popular for walking, running, and mountain biking.
• Multiple Playgrounds: Several playgrounds are available for children, ensuring plenty of space for younger visitors to play and expend energy.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse habitats within the park, including wetlands and wooded areas, attract a variety of wildlife, from waterfowl to deer. Observation platforms are available for excellent viewing opportunities.
• Fireworks Display: The park is known for hosting free fireworks displays for the Fourth of July, providing a spectacular local event for residents.
• Community Gardens: The park includes community gardens, fostering a sense of shared green space and encouraging local engagement in gardening.
• Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic spots are scattered throughout the park, ideal for a casual meal outdoors.
• Diverse Activities: Beyond typical camping, the park offers a wide range of activities including disc golf, basketball, and shuffleboard within the broader park complex, making it a versatile destination.

Address: 1650 Lake Park Dr, Kendallville, IN 46755, USA

Phone: (260) 347-9941

For Indiana locals, particularly those residing in Noble County and surrounding areas, Kendallville Park & Recreation offers a compelling and multifaceted outdoor experience right in their backyard. Its accessibility within Kendallville means it’s an effortless destination for a spontaneous day trip or a planned camping weekend, eliminating the need for long drives. This convenience is invaluable for busy families and individuals seeking a quick escape to nature without significant travel time or expense.

The park's diverse offerings cater to a wide range of interests, making it suitable for nearly every local. Anglers can enjoy fishing for crappie and bass in Bixler Lake, while hikers and bikers can explore miles of scenic trails that wind around the water and through natural habitats. Families with children will appreciate the multiple playgrounds and the opportunities for swimming at the two beaches. Even those looking for a simple, peaceful afternoon can find solace in the picnic areas or by observing wildlife.

While some facilities, like bathrooms and grills, may vary in their condition and might benefit from updates, the sheer breadth of activities and the natural beauty of Bixler Lake remain strong draws. The affordability, particularly for day use, makes it an economical choice for regular visits. Furthermore, the annual Fourth of July fireworks display provides a beloved community event right at home. For Hoosiers who cherish outdoor recreation, community engagement, and convenient access to diverse activities, Kendallville Park & Recreation stands as a valuable local asset, offering a fulfilling outdoor escape that truly has something for everyone.

Kendallville Park & Recreation

1650 Lake Park Dr, Kendallville, IN 46755, USA