This is clearly the best park in Rensselaer, and it is not even close. It a bunch of parking…read moreavailable and can be accessed from different streets. There are two playgrounds here. The smaller one some older style swings, and a 4 ladder mesh climber and some rocking animals for smaller children. The area's ground is not lined with anything. It is just over dirt and grass. Next to that playground is a nice full basketball court. It is well maintained and in good shape. The larger play area is lined with wood chips and has a large jungle gym with a bunch of slides, pull up bars, ladders, and a zip line track. Additionally, there is a large set of older style swings and a bench where parents can sit and watch their kids. The park has 5 shelters, three of which are named the Zorich Shelter, the Gifford Shelter and the Hall Shelter. They all have picnic tables under them and most of them have grills near by. They are available to be rented. And as most park's this size, there are restroom facilities available. It is obvious that this park is the sports center of the city. It has some awesome and well maintained baseball/softball fields fields (Blacker Fields).The fields are lighted too. There are also some equally awesome soccer fields right behind them. The fields serve double duty and are also used as football fields. There is an unpaved quarter mile walking track around the fields. The park's two tennis courts are ok. The nets and courts are in decent shape, but the fence is not full. One side is missing. So, you may end up chasing a few balls if you play here. The park is also home to a small pool, LaRue Swimming Pool and a very impressive disc golf course. It looks relatively new and is in excellent shape. The park's fields serves as host to many of the communities sporting events. Don't be creeped out, but the park is bordered by the Weston Cemetery. You will actually see the graves while you are at the park. This is a very nice park. The park is interconnected to the town's walking trail head. It has all the amenities that you would want in a park. It is also in an area with not man comparable options, which makes it that much more valuable. It is a good park to do the activity of your choice whether it be swimming, basketball, tennis, softball, baseball, picnic, soccer, football, playing catch, or playing on the playground.

Regardless of which street you pick to get here, this west side park is the most complete in…read moreRensselaer. There is something for nearly everyone at this park. Activities include baseball, soccer, basketball, a swimming pool, and tennis. There are two playgrounds as well as two shelters. A large central parking lot can be reached via Jackson St. All the equipment seemed to be in good condition and kept clean. Overall, if you have only one park to pick for activity, come here. Review #3028

This park has limited parking available and you have to be creative because there are no official…read morespots. The park was originally known as Austin Park and its name was changed in 2013 to what it is now. There is not much to this park outside of a paved walkway, a flag pole, a few benches, a view of a nice bridge and the Iroquois River that runs along the backside of it. There is a huge green area in the middle of the park that can be used to picnic, play catch, or throw a frisbee. The park is considered the trail head of the town's walking path. Even though it is lacking many amenities, it is still a clean and well maintained park. The parks does host events such as Sip and Paint Live, Movies in the Park, Jasper Jaunt and Yoga in the Park. On the opposite side of the river, there is an ocean themed mural painted on the wall that took a collaboration of artists to complete. It seems that this park is popular with dog owners because of it being so wide open. Outside of that, the special events and the walking trail, this park does not have much to offer.

Just a short stroll from downtown Rensselaer is a beautiful riverside park. The name Potawatomi…read morecomes from the Native American people who lived in the area first. The park is clean and flat with the exception of where the Iroquois River runs through on the east side. The city has put in a cool pedestrian bridge to facilitate those wishing to park next to downtown and walk across. (Note that additional parking is just south of the park on the other side of the river.) The park has a smooth paved path that runs through the park in a small loop. Trees have been planted along the way, but offer just a little shade at the time of my visit. Well groomed and convenient for visitors to enjoy the park. Review #3023

This was a beautiful Botanical Garden! There was plenty of street parking right in front of the…read moreentrance. The property was full of beautiful flowers, lush greenery, and bright colors. There was so much to take in! It's a great place for a photoshoot, relaxation, or just enjoying nature! There were a few groups relaxing around the gardens on benches or in the gazebos. Over the small bridge was a stream and a small pond with koi fish & turtles. I wasn't able to see any of the fish in the pond. The water was pretty murky, but a few did pop up. I was able to spot a few turtles! I had a fun time exploring the botanical gardens. The property was very clean and well maintained. It was extremely peaceful & a nice escape from the normal day to day to experience nature's beauty!

This is a pretty little park in Valpo. Beautiful flowers and big trees. A small stream runs through…read morean area off in the corner. Benches to sit around on, or just lay out in the open grassy areas. Pavilions for gatherings are available. At tippy top there is a playground for children. I like to go for a run and then come here and relax after.

This is a small park that consist of a playground area and a shelter (Barnes Shelter). The shelter…read moreis decent. It has a bunch of picnic tables under it and a grill just outside of it. There is a scary restroom facility inside of the shelter. I was not feeling adventurous, so I looked from a far. There is not an official parking lot, but there are ample places to park. The playground is lined with wood chips and the equipment has seen better days. The parks equipment includes a jungle gym with slides and a rock climbing wall and a set of the older style swings. The equipment is playable, but the park is off the beaten path. The park needs a little TLC, which is ironic because it is co-located with the Parks and Rec Department. Anyway, I would probably check out another park if I wanted to play. It is deep enough out of the way that it may make it a decent spot to host an event and use the shelter. This park will do in a pinch or if you do not want to go to a busier park. But it definitely would not be my first choice or go to.

This is a pretty standard park for rural Indiana. There is a playground and a shelter with a…read moregravel drive leading back to them for access. The property is next to the Parks Department, so it makes sense to have the park close for ease of maintenance. The park is just across from the Potawatomi Park and is just a short walk from downtown shops and restaurants. Review #3024

This park is behind a residential neighborhood and is next to a cemetery. It is huge and was opened…read morein 1985. This park has everything, and I do mean everything. The park has two very nice lighted baseball fields that are tournament ready. It also has a huge field with a bunch of soccer goals. It features a very nice splash pad that has a lot of fun stuff and seating on the perimeter for parents to sit. In addition to all of that the park has two horse shoe pits, two tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts (one is broken though), bathroom facilities, a very nice 1-mile paved multi-use trail that goes around the park and 2 picnic shelters with tables under them and a grills right outside. You can reserve a shelter on the city's website or at the town hall. The park's basketball court will do, but could use a little TLC. The tennis courts are adequate, Not the best, but I have seen much worse. The park is not short on green space. There is places that you can play catch, fly a kite, or have a picnic. The playground is awesome. It is right by the picnic shelter and is actually divided in to two area, one for infants/toddlers and one for all ages They have an old school merry-go-round, some traditional swings, see-saw, a balance beam, rockers, and each section has an age appropriate jungle gym with slides. The park is well maintained. I chatted with the man that was doing the daily maintenance while I was there. There is tons of free parking available around the park. Outside of a baseball/softball tournament, you should have no trouble finding a spot. I really like this park. You can spend a half to full day here. There is so much to do here. The only thing that is missing is a lake that you can paddle on and fish. I know that it is a bit off of the beaten path and not practical to visit if you do not live near here, but if you do make if here, you and your family will have a wonderful time.

If I could give this place -5 stars I would. I've been going here for probably 2 months to walk my…read moredog. Today I went and my dog got attacked by a pitbull a lady couldn't handle. There was a maintenance staff on site as well that did nothing to help the situation. This is terrifying in itself but adding the fact it's a kids park with playgrounds, a wet pad, and all other attractions is terrifying what if it was a child and not my dog.

This park was a great place to get out and go for a walk. The sidewalk is oversized with plenty of…read moreroom for people to pass or go on opposing directions. On our walk we headed up a long winding sidewalk for a mile. We still hadn't reached the end before turning around and heading back. There were so many adorable dogs on the visit. We also saw several birds and squirrels. Plenty of parking and areas to get out. There is also a children play area and places to picnic. Recommended

My childhood park from 40 years ago... When visiting as an…read moreadult, I still see it as a wonderful park, well maintained etc., and definitely worth spending time at. The only downsides are, and this is comparing it to the 1980s..., is that there are many more people here, PAVED trails (not a fan), and the signs say that we can no longer explore off the trails... kind of a let down, but I understand.

We came to Prophetstown State Park in the hope of continuing our Battle of Tippicanoe experience…read more I had assumed that there would be some historical memorial to the Indian settlement that had once been here - unfortunately other than a very small recreated Indian village there was nothing. This was extremely disappointing and it certainly isn't worth the entry free to just see the three mock Indiana buildings they have here. Assuming however that you agent coming here to see Indian related memorials, then this park is very cool. There are trails to hike - a working farm to visit - playgrounds to play in. Whatever you would normally expect in a State Park. So like anything else - do your research before arriving. I unfortunately did not.

I saw the sign on the highway so decided to stop. Trail wasn't anything spectacular. The visitors…read morecenter was small. Unless you are planning to go to aquatic center or camping, nothing much to see here.

One of the few prairie habits that has not been destroyed for chemical feedstock GMO corn…read moreplantations that nobody needs. Take some time to appreciate the beauty of a native ecosystem, and contemplate the madness of draining Indiana's biggest lake to graze cattle.

First time coming here! This place was absolutely magnificent! I've passed by this place often…read moregoing north and south on US-41 whenever traffic was terrible getting back into illinois but have always wanted to come here since I have always seen Bison here. The viewing area to park at and walk around has a small amount of parking but it has clean, well maintained restrooms trails that are very short and good overlooks. Most of the Bison we saw are all along the outskirts of the preserve from the street. Though you're not allowed to park or stop your vehicle. Park Rangers are always lurking in their trucks somewhere. I was dissapointed in the Elwood location back home in Illinois because I never got to see any Bison but you're guaranteed to see at least 60-80 here!

Potowatomi Camp: What a beautiful, quiet campground, neat, well kept, with a good size shower…read morehouse, and wooded areas separating the sites. The bike trails were awesome. The river views were picturesque. They had parks and swing-sets, pavilions, a nice suspension bridge and river overlooks. 10/10 would come again.

We stayed at Chippewa one of Kankakee's state parks had a wonderful time. The hosts "D and R" are…read morewonderful people. They are very attentive to their campground and were there when we needed help. We definitely will be going back. The sites are spacious and very clean. J and Lisa

My boyfriend, dog, and I stayed at France Park for two nights and had a great time. We rented the…read morecabin (there's only one on site) and wanted to make a review since it's hard to find info on it. The cabin is tucked away and was difficult to find due to the staff not giving us a map or directions but we found it just after driving the whole park and deciding to go back for directions. The cabin is primitive and you have to bring your own bed clothes, pillows, etc. no running water, electric, or heating/cooling but there is an electrical outlet a little ways from the cabin. You'd need an extension cord to reach the cabin though. Picnic table and fire ring on site. They didn't give us any hassle with bringing our dog which we declared when making the reservation. The cabin is very shaded and I was not worried about my dog over heating. There's also a store on site with basic supplies and you can also buy firewood on site. There were vault toilets right by the cabin but they were intolerable...strong odor, wet floors, you get it...so we would head up to the bath house for the rest rooms. Little bit of a walk so we'd drive up. Those were clean and the showers were free. France Park had a lot of fun things to do including various fishing areas (one being just down the hill from the cabin), a swimming/beach area with an obstacle course on the water, and the coolest disc golf course I've ever seen (we brought our own discs. I didn't check to see if you could rent or buy on site). The course goes through the woods and was very challenging for a beginner like myself but loved the experience. The location is also fairly close to a tubing place called Riverside Rentals and we really enjoyed that river float. Also not too bad of a drive to town if needing supplies. I wish we would have taken more photos but was too consumed in being present and enjoying disconnecting. Overall, the only negative was the vault toilets but we'll definitely be back to enjoy this location. What a gem!

Great campground and activities. Beautiful waterfall. Great trails. The water was amazing for…read moreswimming. Had a live DJ and concessions. Had a blast! Would highly recommend.