Groups of 25 or more must secure advanced written permission for picnics from the Park Office. For more on the subject, follow Tom Davis on Twitter at Tom101010, Facebook at Thomas Davis and Instagram at tomdavis101010. The rental station for the canoes is found on the shore of Sand Lake which is right smack in the middle of the chain of lakes. Join us on Instagram to see pictures of our latest adventures! There are some picnic sights you can stop at along the way. Boggs grew up in Churubusco and his first job at the park (which opened in 1960) was as a 19-year-old lifeguard at the beach on Sand Lake, which is the largest of the chain and serves as the recreational lake.. (By Tom Davis of News-Sentinel.com), Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana is home to 13 lakes, nine of which are connected. Or completing an entire year of hikes, as we did when we participated in the 52 Hike Challenge, we are always up for outdoor adventure., In recent years, we have participated in the Indiana State Park Challenges; a series of fitness challenges designed to get Hoosiers hiking, biking or paddling at state parks and reservoirs. Of the challenges, our favorite is the paddling challenge at Chain O Lakes State Park. As the name implies, this state park has a chain of nine connecting lakes. These and four additional kettle lakes were formed thousands of years ago through the action of glaciers. Since boating in the park is restricted to electric-motors only, these peaceful lakes are best enjoyed by rowboat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboat.. On State Road 9 in northeast Indiana. We had campsite number 333. On the western edge of Rivir Lake, a small channel leads to the ninth and final lake, Miller Lake. On the smaller side at 11 acres, Miller Lake has its fair share of lake muck as well. Thankfully, its only a short distance to the boat launch, which is the 5-mile marker for the challenge. Visitors can bring in their own horses for enjoyment on the trail. During our two-day, three-night stay we managed to hike all but four and a half miles of that. We hope you are inspired to hit the road and get outside! The required safety equipment must be provided by the user or rented from the concessionaire. Not only is the outside in great shape, but the inside is set up just like a one-room schoolhouse would have been back when it opened in 1915. +1 260 636-2654. There you will find a boat rental service where you can rent paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, or fishing boats. Chain OLakes State Park is a popular place, especially on weekends. If you plan on renting a kayak, canoe or rowboat from the parks boat rental, its best to arrive early. For up-to-date operating hours, call the park directly at (260) 636-2654. With a paddling distance between 5 and 10 miles, this challenge is fairly strenuous in nature. Have you ever paddled a water trail? We had no clue such trails existed, until last year when we learned of the 9 Lake Challenge at Indianas Chain O Lakes State Park. This unique challenge was created by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to get Hoosiers moving at its state parks and reservoirs.
Anyways, I tried over and over during our trip to get a beautiful picture of one of the monarch butterflies flying around everywhere, but I kept missing them so I had to settle for a slightly out of focus shot of a little butterfly (or moth?). Your email address will not be published. (By Tom Davis of News-Sentinel.com), Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana is home to 13 lakes, nine of which are connected. After paddling the winding channel from Bowen Lake, youll go under another footbridge, the 2.25 mile marker, before reaching Sand Lake..
This is my favorite place to paddle. They make an excellent place to stop for a snack or restroom break.
All watercraft must comply with State of Illinois Watercraft rules and regulations. I will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking those links. I think that there has been a resurgence in the last five or six years, Park Manager Samuel T. Boggs told News-Sentinel.com of the interest in camping. We got out of the canoe, had a snack and walked around a bit before heading back. We have 3 kids ages 18 to 24. The park boasts 30 single kayaks for rental, as well as seven double kayaks, Jon boat fishing boats and paddle boats and also seven new canoes., The new canoes are kind of a cross between a canoe and a kayak, Boggs said. We tried to go to the last lake of the chain, Sucker Lake, but there was a logjam that made it impossible to get through the passage to the lake. We bought this kind when we went on our 5 1/2 month trip with our three children and we are so glad we didthey cut down on trailer movement caused by having five full-grown people moving around in the trailer. (By Tom Davis of News-Sentinel.com), Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana is home to 13 lakes, nine of which are connected. The paddle trail leads along the southern edge of the lake before entering a channel to the west. Again, a small footbridge crosses over the channel, marking the 1.2-mile point along the trail. Now that the kids are older we have more time on our hands for travel. November 15, 2018 By admin Leave a Comment, Last updated on June 3rd, 2021 at 05:28 pm. At Road Trip 7 we love a good challenge! Whether its hiking a rugged trail with our entire family of seven. We walked all but trail 11. an Indiana State Park, Chain O'Lakes State Park Park manager Samuel T. Boggs stands on the deck of one of the modern cabins which can be rented for as little as $70 per night. All campers must have a permit (receipt for payment). End Point: North edge of Miller Lake (By Tom Davis of News-Sentinel.com), Spring has sprung at Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana, which is home to 23 miles of forested trails. At other properties, both daily visitors and campers are asked to be responsible when drinking alcohol. On-site fees: 331 Class A sites, 49 Class B sites, 33 Class C. Sites, This is the first of a weekly series on outdoor-related activities that will be published at News-Sentinel.com each Friday. One youth group camp area (Mud Lake West) will accommodate 150 youths with a fee of $2 per person (minimum $20 per night). You can also rent kayaks for two people and paddle boats. (By Tom Davis of News-Sentinel.com), Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana is home to 13 lakes, nine of which are connected. It took us just under two hours to canoe the route round trip. Frogs were also numerous in the park. The Pike Marsh North Picnic Area has been developed to provide accessibility for disabled and/or elderly visitors, including a quarter-mile hiking trail. We took the 9 Lake Challenge on a sunny, but mild August day, which was to our advantage because paddling 10 miles is a workout, indeed! From start to finish, the water trail is only 5 miles. However, we chose to rent kayaks and a canoe from the parks boat rental, which is located in the middle of the trail. This meant that we paddled an additional 5 miles in order to reach the starting point and return from the endpoint. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox, Copyright News-Sentinel | https://www.news-sentinel.com | 600 W. Main St., Fort Wayne, IN 46801 | | Ogden Newspapers | The Nutting Company, Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana is home to 13 lakes, nine of which are connected.
There is a total of thirteen small lakes in the State Park.
We did have neighbors on both sides of us during our stay, but the sites are plenty wide enough to make it feel like you are not invading each others space.
No more drying off with damp towels when camping several days in a row for usplus they take up so much less space. Chain OLakes refers to itself as a small boaters paradise, and with good reason. The directional signs keeping visitors on the right path are made in-house at the park. There is no charge to launch boats at the park, nor is there any horsepower limitation on boats using any of the Chain O' Lakes. There are some cabins to rent or the day or week. Once into the canals the world disappears. The park was invited into the State Park system in 1960. From the official website. Camping is available at the park with over 400 sites - primitive, electric and non-electric. There are some shallow spots and stumps, but there is always a passable spot. ALBION Over 14,000 years ago, a surge of glaciers left a series of steeper-than-you-think hills, streams, and lakes throughout Noble County, which outdoor lovers can enjoy the effects of any time of the year at Chain OLakes State Park but this weekend would be a particularly good time to do so. All trails can be used by cross-country skiers. we love a good challenge! Whether its hiking a rugged trail with our entire family of seven. Being out in nature and on the lake was a great way to connect and learn more about the Native people who once lived and inhabited the area of Chain O Lakes. Know Your Limits. The park staff still utilizes the school on a regular basis for educational groups and visits. 815-710-7210. Sometimes we take our kids but mostly we travel just the two of us. Your email address will not be published.
A journey throughout the chain can begin at any one of the five boat ramps in the park but a good place to start is the boat rental facility, which is just a few yards from the beach on Sand Lake.
For more information on the park and its activities, visit the Indiana DNR website or call Chain OLakes at (260) 636-2654. I want to get to know the names of all these flowers.
You dont have to (in advance) but Id hate for you to come and be disappointed and turned away.. At Goshen, our integrated approach and best-in-class programs educate the head and heart, creating globally-minded graduates who lead with courage and compassion. Among the popular fish available to anglers in the Chain O' Lakes are bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, muskie, northern pike, bullhead, catfish and yellow and white bass. Serves drinks, ice cream and snacks on a seasonal basis. Shop REI's Massive Sale to Gear Up for All of Your Summer Paddling Trips. Purchase Indiana resident park pass online or at gate to park(s) for $50 and gain entry into all state parks for free upon showing pass card at gate(s). All hunting is by registration only. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with Kids: A Family-Friendly Essential Guide, New River Gorge with Kids: A Family-Friendly Essential Guide. on entrance fees.
Steep rolling hills and bogs surround the area consisting of 11 connected lakes of all shapes and sizes. In this picture we are wearing our own life jackets, but the park does provide life jackets with the $5 an hour rental, which makes it an even sweeter deal. Albion - There are a few restaurants and a Dairy Queen in nearby Albion. Canoes are our bread and butter, Boggs explained.
Required fields are marked *. Equestrian Services are available and operate on a seasonal basis. See restrictions on reverse side of card or check online before purchase. The camp store was by far the best camp store we have ever seen. From the South: Take I-69N from Fort Wayne onto US-33N then go north on IN-9 then north onto CR-75S into the park.
Prior to human habitation, the lakes in the chain are kettle lakes, formed 10,000 years ago from blocks of ice that melted, carving the channels that connect the 11 lakes. I found the shower stalls on the narrow side, but they got the job done. Ice fishing is a popular activity when the temperature drops and the ice thickens. It rained a short while both days we were there and that meant that in some areas the trails were a bit wet. You can stop dreaming about travel and start traveling when you apply the 40 thrifty living principles shared in this book. Whenever we stepped into areas of wet grass dozens of tiny frogs no bigger than a quarter would start jumping out of the way. Reservations are available for camp sites, youth groups and shelters. For additional information call 847-587-7165 or visit Spring and Fall are moderate and pleasant! 2355 E. 75 South guest-paddler. guest-paddler, A self-supported trip created by You can view the interior of the building by looking in the front door windows. There is a $3.00 per car fee and a $5.00 per boat fee.
Or completing an entire year of hikes, as we did when we participated in the, , we are always up for outdoor adventure., In recent years, we have participated in the, ; a series of fitness challenges designed to get Hoosiers hiking, biking or paddling at state parks and reservoirs. Of the challenges, our favorite is the paddling challenge at Chain O Lakes State Park. As the name implies, this state park has a chain of nine connecting lakes. These and four additional kettle lakes were formed thousands of years ago through the action of glaciers. Since boating in the park is restricted to electric-motors only, these peaceful lakes are best enjoyed by rowboat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboat.. Chain OLakes State Park is a popular place, especially on weekends. If you plan on renting a kayak, canoe or rowboat from the parks boat rental, its best to arrive early. For up-to-date operating hours, call the park directly at (260) 636-2654. You can get goods cheaper outside the state park though! Welcome to Road Trip 7! Trail Map:https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/chain_o_lakes_trail.pdf. Albion, IN 46701 This is lake country Alexandria Flores, a sophomore Business major from Goshen, Indiana, describes our time on the water: Before leaving Chain O Lakes State Park, we spent about an hour paddling around the lakes. We are an Indiana family of seven who loves to travel and explore the great outdoors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I am Victoria and I am married to Jack. Offers food, ice, firewood, soft drinks, ice cream, fishing equipment and baits, and camper supplies.
Other activities include Chain bingo (Friday at 7:30 p.m.), a night hike (Friday at 8:30 p.m.), and on Saturday informational sessions teaching the basics of canoeing, hiking and building a safe and fun campfire are also being offered.
Anyways, I tried over and over during our trip to get a beautiful picture of one of the monarch butterflies flying around everywhere, but I kept missing them so I had to settle for a slightly out of focus shot of a little butterfly (or moth?). Your email address will not be published. (By Tom Davis of News-Sentinel.com), Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana is home to 13 lakes, nine of which are connected. After paddling the winding channel from Bowen Lake, youll go under another footbridge, the 2.25 mile marker, before reaching Sand Lake..
This is my favorite place to paddle. They make an excellent place to stop for a snack or restroom break.
All watercraft must comply with State of Illinois Watercraft rules and regulations. I will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking those links. I think that there has been a resurgence in the last five or six years, Park Manager Samuel T. Boggs told News-Sentinel.com of the interest in camping. We got out of the canoe, had a snack and walked around a bit before heading back. We have 3 kids ages 18 to 24. The park boasts 30 single kayaks for rental, as well as seven double kayaks, Jon boat fishing boats and paddle boats and also seven new canoes., The new canoes are kind of a cross between a canoe and a kayak, Boggs said. We tried to go to the last lake of the chain, Sucker Lake, but there was a logjam that made it impossible to get through the passage to the lake. We bought this kind when we went on our 5 1/2 month trip with our three children and we are so glad we didthey cut down on trailer movement caused by having five full-grown people moving around in the trailer. (By Tom Davis of News-Sentinel.com), Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana is home to 13 lakes, nine of which are connected. The paddle trail leads along the southern edge of the lake before entering a channel to the west. Again, a small footbridge crosses over the channel, marking the 1.2-mile point along the trail. Now that the kids are older we have more time on our hands for travel. November 15, 2018 By admin Leave a Comment, Last updated on June 3rd, 2021 at 05:28 pm. At Road Trip 7 we love a good challenge! Whether its hiking a rugged trail with our entire family of seven. We walked all but trail 11. an Indiana State Park, Chain O'Lakes State Park Park manager Samuel T. Boggs stands on the deck of one of the modern cabins which can be rented for as little as $70 per night. All campers must have a permit (receipt for payment). End Point: North edge of Miller Lake (By Tom Davis of News-Sentinel.com), Spring has sprung at Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana, which is home to 23 miles of forested trails. At other properties, both daily visitors and campers are asked to be responsible when drinking alcohol. On-site fees: 331 Class A sites, 49 Class B sites, 33 Class C. Sites, This is the first of a weekly series on outdoor-related activities that will be published at News-Sentinel.com each Friday. One youth group camp area (Mud Lake West) will accommodate 150 youths with a fee of $2 per person (minimum $20 per night). You can also rent kayaks for two people and paddle boats. (By Tom Davis of News-Sentinel.com), Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana is home to 13 lakes, nine of which are connected. It took us just under two hours to canoe the route round trip. Frogs were also numerous in the park. The Pike Marsh North Picnic Area has been developed to provide accessibility for disabled and/or elderly visitors, including a quarter-mile hiking trail. We took the 9 Lake Challenge on a sunny, but mild August day, which was to our advantage because paddling 10 miles is a workout, indeed! From start to finish, the water trail is only 5 miles. However, we chose to rent kayaks and a canoe from the parks boat rental, which is located in the middle of the trail. This meant that we paddled an additional 5 miles in order to reach the starting point and return from the endpoint. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox, Copyright News-Sentinel | https://www.news-sentinel.com | 600 W. Main St., Fort Wayne, IN 46801 | | Ogden Newspapers | The Nutting Company, Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana is home to 13 lakes, nine of which are connected.
There is a total of thirteen small lakes in the State Park.
We did have neighbors on both sides of us during our stay, but the sites are plenty wide enough to make it feel like you are not invading each others space.
No more drying off with damp towels when camping several days in a row for usplus they take up so much less space. Chain OLakes refers to itself as a small boaters paradise, and with good reason. The directional signs keeping visitors on the right path are made in-house at the park. There is no charge to launch boats at the park, nor is there any horsepower limitation on boats using any of the Chain O' Lakes. There are some cabins to rent or the day or week. Once into the canals the world disappears. The park was invited into the State Park system in 1960. From the official website. Camping is available at the park with over 400 sites - primitive, electric and non-electric. There are some shallow spots and stumps, but there is always a passable spot. ALBION Over 14,000 years ago, a surge of glaciers left a series of steeper-than-you-think hills, streams, and lakes throughout Noble County, which outdoor lovers can enjoy the effects of any time of the year at Chain OLakes State Park but this weekend would be a particularly good time to do so. All trails can be used by cross-country skiers. we love a good challenge! Whether its hiking a rugged trail with our entire family of seven. Being out in nature and on the lake was a great way to connect and learn more about the Native people who once lived and inhabited the area of Chain O Lakes. Know Your Limits. The park staff still utilizes the school on a regular basis for educational groups and visits. 815-710-7210. Sometimes we take our kids but mostly we travel just the two of us. Your email address will not be published.
A journey throughout the chain can begin at any one of the five boat ramps in the park but a good place to start is the boat rental facility, which is just a few yards from the beach on Sand Lake.
For more information on the park and its activities, visit the Indiana DNR website or call Chain OLakes at (260) 636-2654. I want to get to know the names of all these flowers.
You dont have to (in advance) but Id hate for you to come and be disappointed and turned away.. At Goshen, our integrated approach and best-in-class programs educate the head and heart, creating globally-minded graduates who lead with courage and compassion. Among the popular fish available to anglers in the Chain O' Lakes are bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, muskie, northern pike, bullhead, catfish and yellow and white bass. Serves drinks, ice cream and snacks on a seasonal basis. Shop REI's Massive Sale to Gear Up for All of Your Summer Paddling Trips. Purchase Indiana resident park pass online or at gate to park(s) for $50 and gain entry into all state parks for free upon showing pass card at gate(s). All hunting is by registration only. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with Kids: A Family-Friendly Essential Guide, New River Gorge with Kids: A Family-Friendly Essential Guide. on entrance fees.
Steep rolling hills and bogs surround the area consisting of 11 connected lakes of all shapes and sizes. In this picture we are wearing our own life jackets, but the park does provide life jackets with the $5 an hour rental, which makes it an even sweeter deal. Albion - There are a few restaurants and a Dairy Queen in nearby Albion. Canoes are our bread and butter, Boggs explained. Required fields are marked *. Equestrian Services are available and operate on a seasonal basis. See restrictions on reverse side of card or check online before purchase. The camp store was by far the best camp store we have ever seen. From the South: Take I-69N from Fort Wayne onto US-33N then go north on IN-9 then north onto CR-75S into the park.
Prior to human habitation, the lakes in the chain are kettle lakes, formed 10,000 years ago from blocks of ice that melted, carving the channels that connect the 11 lakes. I found the shower stalls on the narrow side, but they got the job done. Ice fishing is a popular activity when the temperature drops and the ice thickens. It rained a short while both days we were there and that meant that in some areas the trails were a bit wet. You can stop dreaming about travel and start traveling when you apply the 40 thrifty living principles shared in this book. Whenever we stepped into areas of wet grass dozens of tiny frogs no bigger than a quarter would start jumping out of the way. Reservations are available for camp sites, youth groups and shelters. For additional information call 847-587-7165 or visit Spring and Fall are moderate and pleasant! 2355 E. 75 South guest-paddler. guest-paddler, A self-supported trip created by You can view the interior of the building by looking in the front door windows. There is a $3.00 per car fee and a $5.00 per boat fee.
Or completing an entire year of hikes, as we did when we participated in the, , we are always up for outdoor adventure., In recent years, we have participated in the, ; a series of fitness challenges designed to get Hoosiers hiking, biking or paddling at state parks and reservoirs. Of the challenges, our favorite is the paddling challenge at Chain O Lakes State Park. As the name implies, this state park has a chain of nine connecting lakes. These and four additional kettle lakes were formed thousands of years ago through the action of glaciers. Since boating in the park is restricted to electric-motors only, these peaceful lakes are best enjoyed by rowboat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboat.. Chain OLakes State Park is a popular place, especially on weekends. If you plan on renting a kayak, canoe or rowboat from the parks boat rental, its best to arrive early. For up-to-date operating hours, call the park directly at (260) 636-2654. You can get goods cheaper outside the state park though! Welcome to Road Trip 7! Trail Map:https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/chain_o_lakes_trail.pdf. Albion, IN 46701 This is lake country Alexandria Flores, a sophomore Business major from Goshen, Indiana, describes our time on the water: Before leaving Chain O Lakes State Park, we spent about an hour paddling around the lakes. We are an Indiana family of seven who loves to travel and explore the great outdoors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I am Victoria and I am married to Jack. Offers food, ice, firewood, soft drinks, ice cream, fishing equipment and baits, and camper supplies.
Other activities include Chain bingo (Friday at 7:30 p.m.), a night hike (Friday at 8:30 p.m.), and on Saturday informational sessions teaching the basics of canoeing, hiking and building a safe and fun campfire are also being offered.