With over 860 acres of parks and trails in La Porte, it’s important to make the most of what each has to offer. For those who don’t know, May is Bike Month and Indiana hosts free fishing days on May 18 and June 1-2. Take advantage of these activities at any of the beautiful parks and trails in La Porte County this summer! We’ll give you a head start by breaking down some options.
Luhr County Park
The beautiful 89-acre park is located just south of La Porte and features four ecosystems: upland forest, wetland, prairie, and stocked pond. Fishing pole rentals are available at the Nature Center in the park.
The park includes paved trails, shelter rentals, picnic tables, restrooms, a fishing pier, playground, boardwalks, an observation tower, and a no-leash dog exercise area. There is a geocache located in the park, too.
Upcoming Events:
- Kids Fishing Fun Day is on June 1, 9-11 a.m. A limited amount of fishing poles and bait will be provided.
- Family Fishing night on June 19 and July 18. Bring out the family for an evening full of fishing and fun. No fishing license required during the programs. You must register at least one week in advance by calling 219-325-8315.
- Nature Matters will take place on June 18. Participants will learn the several elements working together in nature.
- On July 16, enjoy Insect Extravaganza, where you will experience a “hands-on” approach to the world of bugs.
Creek Ridge Park
Located south of Michigan City, the 112-acre park is a series of boardwalks that allow all visitors to experience the entire trail system. The park has a 9-hole disc golf course, too.
Upcoming Events: The 28th annual Pioneer Days will take place on Sept 28-29 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience wagon rides, outdoor cooking, vendor crafts and food.
Soldiers Memorial Park
The largest La Porte Park contains 556 acres and is known for its forested beauty, water sports, and recreational activities. It hosts the Park Department Office and Cummings Lodge. It is also the home to a local favorite, Tour de La Porte, the cycling, running, and walking event that benefits patients with cancer in the community.
Fox Memorial Park
The picturesque park originally opened in 1911, with only 15 acres. Now, the 170-acre park is full of beauty and adventure that includes Clear Lake. Fox Memorial is considered one of the finest parks in La Porte and offers a plethora of features for the community.
For runners, walkers, and cyclists, active recreational facilities have been developed at the park as the demand for such activities have increased. The park has ball diamonds like Ron Reed Field, playgrounds, picnic shelters, fishing, boating, and Thrills ‘n’ Spills Skate Park.
The parks biggest attraction is considered the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheatre, home to various special events including Arts in the Park.
Upcoming Events: Arts in the Park, all summer long. On Wednesday evenings the La Porte City Band performs a set of 10 concerts spanning from June 5 - August 7. Thursday nights are jam packed, starting with pre concert hour. Enjoy art classes for youth and adults, hula hoop artists, Zumba, yoga, clogging, drumming and other activities. Enjoy a new featured performer each week and immerse in a variety of genres every Thursday. Click here for the full summer music schedule https://artsintheparklaporte.com/band-schedule.html.
Kesling Park
Kesling Park is located on the southern edge of La Porte and includes modern facilities, such as four ball diamonds, six tennis courts, a walking and nature trail, soccer fields, sledding hill, and picnic shelter. The park also contains the ultimate playground - Fort La Play Porte.
Upcoming events:
June 15 - La Porte Police will be hosting Bike Safety Rodeo where there will be free bike inspections, prizes, and a skills challenge course for children ages 5-12. For more information, call 219-362-9446.
Fort La Play Porte
Located in Kesling Park, the remaining fort is preparing for renovations on June 10.The redesign and rebuild steering committee prepares to build from June 10-15.
Spend time volunteering to transform the dream into a reality by signing up here. (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050f4fa9ac28a7fb6-fort). Businesses and organizations are encouraged to schedule as groups, too! The build is fully funded by the community.
For a more in-depth scope of all parks located in La Porte and La Porte County, visit https://hflaporte.org/parks/. Take advantage of the summer fun and beauty La Porte County has to offer!
