I've been making an effort to experience my home state of Indiana a little more these days. From…read morestate parks to roadside attractions to smalltown diners, I've been trying to simply slow down and enjoy Indiana. Chain O' Lakes State Park is one of Indiana's state parks. Located in Albion, a small city of under 2,400 in northeast Indiana's Noble County (think Kendallville), Chain O' Lakes State Park has as its main feature, you guessed it, a chain of lakes. The park has a chain of nine "kettle" lakes (13 lakes total, 9 connected). Kettle lakes are glacial lakes that were formed out of melting ice blocks. Chain O' Lakes offers small boating, 23 miles of forested trails for hiking, a hillside family cabin, a Nature Center, campground, swimming beach, picnic shelters, and the historic Stanley Schoolhouse - a historic one-room schoolhouse. Chain O' Lakes has 426 campsites, 18 cabins, waterfalls, great fishing spots, and you can rent watercraft. This is far enough from Indy that I kind of recommend making it a weekend trip rather than a day trip. There's much to do in Noble County (which also has a decent-sized Amish community). You can canoe a great five-mile path through the park's nine connected lakes (This used to be an official "challenge," though I don't know if it is anymore). There are even canoe camping sites (more isolated than the traditional camping sites). Chain O' Lakes is one of Indiana's under-appreciated gems. It's definitely less accessible than some of the parks, though it has improved somewhat over the years. It's more rustic and natural. It emphasizes outdoor experiences and its just over 2,700 acres feel like you could just get lost in them. The park is only 19 miles northwest of Fort Wayne (Indiana's second largest city), however, it feels like a world away. As someone who typically goes to Fort Ben State Park, I have a major love for these parks where you get there and forget there's a world outside the gates. If you're not the camping type, I'd probably head to Kendallville rather than Albion for the overnight. However, Chain O' Lakes has everything from primitive to more comfortable camping. So, it's easy to find something that works. I hadn't been to Chain O' Lakes in a while. Returning, I was reminded just how much I enjoy the place and how relaxing it is. A few other basics - This is a state park, so there's a fee to enter unless you've gotten the State Park pass (which I recommend for Indiana's 24 state parks). Also, fishing requires the state license and it is enforced. Finally, a couple semi-fun facts. There's a "re-entry center" located directly in the state park with a capacity of 140 incarcerated individuals. It offers educational and treatment programs designed to help people transition into the community - it also helps maintain this park, Pokagon, and the surrounding communities. It's been here since 1967 (and yes, it is safe.). Chain O' Lakes State Park also hosts The HUFF 50k Trail Run/Relay, the 12th largest ultramarathon in North America. Doesn't all this make you want to visit? I'll admit that I tend to stick in the 4-5 star range for most state parks. I love them. In terms of accessibility, I'd go 4-star for Chain O' Lakes. Because it offers so much and is really under-appreciated (in my opinion), I'm bumping it up to 5-stars. The trails, occasionally accessible, really do require someone with mobility issues to have assistance and some simply wouldn't work. Word of caution, as well, with so much water you had best plan for mosquitoes. They can be really serious around here!

Great camping spot! It's always quiet and beautiful. The boat rental closes at 4 ( I couldn't find…read morethe hours) and we didn't know that and got there at 4:05 :( only downside. The trails are good and the Dairy Queen in town is always a nice backup if the hot dogs aren't enough for your hunger

Went out to the park Sunday night to use telescope at 8pm . An officer later showed up and said…read morecouldn't be there.park hours are 6am - 11pm which is listed on website.

Such a great place with so much to offer... everyone notes the water park elements and playground,…read morebut the dirt loop is perfect for running, walking, or escaping the crowds of little tykes in the play area. Be sure to check out the trail at the far end of the loop-- it follows the steam and leads to some great spots to check out wildflowers, bird watching, and finding a peaceful spot to catch your breath...

There's something special about this place. Lindenwood is a little oasis from the city and feels…read morelike a sweet escape. It's a great place to bring family and kids. Unfortunately dogs are NOT allowed because they want to preserve the nature and wildlife. Plenty of parking spots. Trails are clear and easy to walk along. This is more of a walk than a hike. Trails can get muddy so recommend wearing boots. If you get muddy, there's a boot brush out in front where you can scrub your shoes. Don't forget to pack it in and pack it out! Happy exploring fellow Hoosiers!

I went during april which I do not recommend doing because there is literally nothing. All the…read moretrees were still dead, the ground was very muddy, the flowers were barely growing. Even with all those negative things Lindenwood still looked pretty and I enjoyed the hike. I was very Underwhelmed by the pond. I expected the pond to be much prettier, bigger and nicer looking but unfortunately it was tiny and very dirty. At least there were visible tadpoles there which was exciting to see. I cannot wait to return to this place again once everything is fully regrown.

This is a great park for beginning hikers or those short on time. The park, while beautiful is much…read moresmaller than State parks, with trails that are harder to get lost on. There is small playground, a "Sensory Garden" area that has a pond with running water & frogs (for sound), highly scented flowers (for smell) and even some safe to taste herbs (for taste). There is a covered picnic area that can be rented out for parties. It can also be used freely when no parties are booked. One could make a day of this place but it's not a requirement to see everything.

such a beautiful park, i love the trails available very pretty views and everyone that travels is…read morenice. good for walking and biking.

This place was great! We did the wagon ride to feed the animals and it was so fun. Very clean and…read morethe animals look well kept. Can't wait to go back this summer! Hidden gem for sure.

We absolutely loved this place! My kids and I enjoyed it SO much! The animals are so happy and well…read moretaken care of and there's so many animals to see and feed! The wagon ride is a must! What a cool experience!

This is the classic Japanese-style garden. It was a gift from Mishawaka's sister city, Shiojiri,…read moreand unlike anything else in the city. Upon entering the park, one will notice how this garden sends off quite a different "vibe" than western-style gardens do. Typical of Japanese design, it was thought out quite a bit, and there is a reason behind every little detail within. Every changing month seems to bring its own charm to the park. An excellent park to go to for feeling closer to both God and nature. This has got to be the loveliest acre of land in Mishawaka.

This park celebrates the sister city status of Mishawaka and Shiojiri, a city in Nagano, Japan…read more Niwa is Japanese for garden and this park takes on many of the characteristics of a Japanese Garden. Some of those characteristics include: Water - renewal and calm Stone - longevity and forces of nature Yukimi-gata Lantern (a snow lantern) Bridges The park has all these but the water/pond which would ideally contain fish /koi. Of course, the weather here would necessitate wintering of the fish elsewhere, so it is probably a cost management issue. The park is well kept and is filled with plants, small trees, and gardens. There is also a bronze sculpture to the right of the entrance that commemorates the relationship between the two cities. Review #3099

Very nice city park. Well manicured and a great playground for the kids! Great place to run off…read moresome energy!

Wow, this is a beautiful park. I wish we had taken more pictures! Pet friendly, and easily…read moreaccessible. There's lots of parking. There is a Garfield statue here (one of the many in Grant county). This park was so nice, I was surprised it was free admission. Beautiful fountains, lots of educational information, and butterflies everywhere. In my opinion, the garden alone is worth a quick day trip.

I'm fat. Over the last year this statement is no longer a subjective opinion, my pants tell me I'm…read morefat. So, I've made it a point to be more active and start creaking the ole bones again. I've driven past the entrance for this park for a year and had good intentions of stopping. Today I ran into the one neighbor who doesn't hate me, and he told me I can get to the hiking trails from my neighborhood. Cool! I charged up my 1st gen iPod (seriously), dug out my pig wrestling sneakers (seriously), and my fanny pack (seriously) and off I went. Mengerson is owned and cared for by Acres Land trust since 1989. There are approximately 32 acres of forest and hiking trails are about 1.2 miles. This time of year the trails are ridiculously muddy, so I'm glad I wore my pig shoes. There were several points I just went off trail to avoid standing water, and since the trees and undergrowth is still bare, it wasn't too bad. The hike itself is easy and suitable for just about anyone. There can be deer seen (according to my neighbor) and all sorts of bird species. There are a few neat side trails. You are never far from housing, but it's still quiet (my iPod died in the middle of Bel Biv Devo) and once the trees fill in I imagine it's even more peaceful. Now that I know I can walk to a trailhead and not have to drive and park, I can say I'll be back frequently till the mosquitos drive me away. This is a neat little patch of forest and I highly recommend it. Plus its a pokestop for the three people who still play PokemonGo.

Great kayaking, I had a lot of fun. When we went the water was a bit low, but wasn't a problem…read more Hardly any current so it was a nice easy kayak trip.

After years of playing this as my home course, I have come to the realization that this course is…read moreamong some of the best I have played. It's well maintained, good variety of play and very nice park staff.

Not taken care of, bees hives and ground bees everywhere we went. Tried to take some ute pictures…read morebut kept getting attacked by bees. So we left.

Great place to have a picnic. The sunken garden area is a little hidden gem in indiana. Areas to…read morewalk and eat. Disc golf course is nice too. Open pickle ball and tennis courts too. Wish there was something like this closer to Fort Wayne!