Named after father and son Potawatomi leaders Leopold and Simon Pokagon, Pokagon State Park is located in Steuben County, which has more lakes than any other Indiana county. The park features cross-country ski rental, sledding, ice fishing, and a twin-track toboggan run for winter visitors. During warmer months, visitors can enjoy campgrounds, hiking trails, picnicking, non-motorized boat rentals, a sand volleyball court, and a saddle barn.
Must see and must do at Pokagon State Park
Pokagon State Park's quarter-mile, refrigerated toboggan run reaches speeds of 35-40 mph. The toboggan run operates weekends from the Friday after Thanksgiving through February, with extended hours during the Christmas holidays.
Best and worst time to go to Pokagon State Park
Pokagon's toboggan run makes the park a unique and popular tourist destination during the winter months. While the toboggan run may draw extra visitors, it offers a unique family activity that makes late November through February the best time to visit the park. Pokagon State Park is open 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily.
Admission to Pokagon State Park
Park entrance fees are $7 for in-state vehicles, $9 for out-of-state vehicles, and $2 per person for bus entry. Toboggan sled rental is $13 per hour, with a maximum of four riders per toboggan. Cross country ski rental is $8 per hour for adults and $5 per hour for those fifteen and under.
Wildlife at Pokagon State Park
The lakes located at Pokagon State Park make it a haven for a variety of bird species, including geese, mallards, cranes, and swans. Visitors to Pokagon can also see deer and turtles.
Insider Tip for Pokagon State Park
Sleds for the toboggan run are rented on a first come, first served basis. Visitors who plan to enjoy the run should arrive when it opens in order to avoid a lengthy wait.
Author's Bio: Heather Hurley is a publishing professional and freelance writer living in Carmel, Indiana. She enjoys exploring Indiana's many state parks with her family.