Crooked Lake Nature Preserve - Columbia City, Indiana

Introduction

The Crooked Lake Nature Preserve, nestled at 1040 E 700 N, Columbia City, IN 46725, United States, is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape into nature. This 72-acre preserve, managed by the Whitley County Parks Department, is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike, seeking a respite from the bustling city life.

Main Services

• Hiking Trails: The preserve boasts over 2.5 miles of hiking trails, catering to all skill levels. The trails wind through a diverse landscape, including forests, wetlands, and prairies, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature appreciation.
• Educational Programs: Crooked Lake Nature Preserve often hosts educational programs and guided tours, led by knowledgeable park rangers. These activities enhance visitors' understanding of the local ecosystem and its inhabitants.
• Picnic Areas: The preserve features several picnic areas, equipped with tables and grills, perfect for a family gathering or a relaxing lunch with a view.
• Wildlife Viewing: The preserve's diverse habitats attract a wide array of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Visitors can expect to see various species, depending on the season and time of day.

Location and Access

The preserve is conveniently located off IN-9, just east of Columbia City, Indiana. From the city center, head east on IN-9, and turn right onto E 700 N. The preserve's entrance will be on your right, just past the intersection with N 1050 E.

Public transportation is not directly available to the preserve. However, visitors can use the Indiana Public Transportation Association's services to reach nearby bus stops, and then arrange for a taxi or ride-sharing service to complete the journey.

Parking is available at the preserve's entrance, with ample space for both cars and buses. The parking lot is well-lit and monitored by security cameras, ensuring visitors' vehicles are safe during their time at the preserve.

Featured Characteristics

• Crooked Lake: The preserve derives its name from the winding, 11-acre Crooked Lake, which is a significant habitat for local wildlife and a popular spot for fishing.
• Boardwalks and Platforms: To protect the delicate ecosystems and provide accessibility for all visitors, the preserve features boardwalks and platforms throughout the trails. These structures allow visitors to explore the wetlands and other sensitive areas without causing damage.
• Observation Towers: The preserve is home to two observation towers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. These towers provide excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching.
• Native Plantings: The preserve has implemented various native plantings to encourage biodiversity and support local wildlife. These plantings include wildflowers, grasses, and other native species that provide habitat and food sources for local fauna.

Practical Information

The preserve is open year-round, from dawn to dusk. However, visitors should be aware that some facilities, such as restrooms, may be closed during the winter months. Admission to the preserve is free, making it an affordable and enjoyable destination for families and individuals alike.

Before visiting, it is recommended to check the Whitley County Parks Department's website for any updates on trail conditions, closures, or special events. Visitors are encouraged to follow the leave-no-trace principles to help preserve the preserve's natural beauty for future generations.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.8/5 from 64 Google My Business reviews, the Crooked Lake Nature Preserve receives high praise for its scenic beauty, well-maintained trails, and abundance of wildlife. Visitors appreciate the preserve's family-friendly atmosphere, with many mentioning that it's an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike. The preserve's accessibility, both in terms of location and trail difficulty, is also a significant selling point, drawing visitors of all ages and skill levels.

One reviewer praised the preserve's educational value, stating, "I took my kids here for a homeschool field trip, and we all learned so much about the local ecosystem. The trails were easy enough for them, and they loved spotting all the different animals and plants." Another visitor highlighted the preserve's serene atmosphere, writing, "I come here to unwind after work. The trails are peaceful, and the lake is beautiful. It's like having a little piece of paradise right in my backyard."

Visitors also appreciate the preserve's cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, with many mentioning that the park is consistently well-cared for. The Whitley County Parks Department's efforts to preserve and enhance the preserve's natural beauty are evident in the positive feedback received from visitors.

In conclusion, the Crooked Lake Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a serene escape into nature. With its well-maintained trails, diverse wildlife, and family-friendly atmosphere, this hidden gem offers something for everyone. Whether you're a local resident looking for a nearby escape or a tourist exploring the Indiana countryside, the Crooked Lake Nature Preserve is an excellent choice for a day filled with natural beauty and memorable experiences.

👍 Reviews of Crooked Lake Nature Preserve

Maya B.

4/5

Stopped here on a road trip to stretch my legs and test out my new trecking poles. There were not really any good spots to rest and sit down, and some parts of the trail were really narrow, with one section being tall grass up to my chest. Overall though it was a really nice hike. There was plenty of shade and it was very clear what was trail and what wasn't. Also got to see some fish swimming around in the lake 🙂

Mary M.

5/5

A nice 2 1/2 mile hike, never busy and trails are alway well maintained. Easy enough for beginners but still a good workout with some hills for adventure hikers. You can tell the storm hit it hard with lots of trees down but the paths are all cleared. Small old cemetery in center with big lake on far side.

Mary L.

5/5

Nice little trails through the woods. Very nice when the trail takes you along the lake, I saw hummingbirds, and lots of insects.

Summer C.

4/5

This place is beautiful! Tons to explore and see. Definitely worth checking out. My husband and I enjoy going out hiking and exploring. We like to visit new places all the time so we look places up close to us and write them all down and toss them in a hat and draw a location and whatever we draw we go to explore.
This was one of those places. And it was definitely worth it!!!

Elizabeth S.

5/5

BEAUTIFUL isn’t even a good description. Absolutely stunning in the fall. Nice crisp leaves underfoot. Lots of hawks and I believe I saw an owl!
Came upon a cemetery at one point which was surprising and intriguing when looking at the dates!

Was fun trying to get lost in nature. Barely anyone else on the trail, I arrived around 7am so it was still dark. Spent a few hours roaming around and sitting at time observing the fat squirrels and chipmunks.

The lake was beautiful to see through the trees. Can’t wait to visit again.

Holly C. (.

5/5

Beautiful. Nice trails. Small interesting cemetery in forest. We really enjoyed this. On our walk we had a large group. Our 5 well behaved paw kids. 8 of our children, 2 grandbabies and my boyfriend and I. When we finished, we all decided to chat about if we were all going to pizza hut, to our place to eat, or home. The neighbor (On the curve) walked over to us and recorded us, the children, and our vehicles and plates and then when asked what he was doing?, He accused us of hanging out. Yelled..
"This ain't no Highschool hangout" Very Rude. Then accused us of doing burn outs. If this place wasn't so peaceful and beautiful, (because of him) I wouldn't have gave it any stars. But because of that incident, we won't be going back. Nick is his name. I only know that because I looked up his address when we left.

Michael F.

5/5

Nice trails, some are harder than what you'd normally find due to steeper hills. I did see lots of burning bush and honeysuckle that could be managed, but excited to check it out in the spring. One perk is you get a good view of the lake.

Chantelle S.

5/5

Love walking the trails. Very beautiful place🫶🌿🎋🌧️