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End-of-Summer Adventures: Kayaking, Hiking, and Outdoor Rentals
Summer is such a beautiful season, but it won't last forever. As the days grow shorter, make sure you take the time to kayak, hike, or otherwise enjoy the great outdoors. The area around South Bend and St. Joseph is home to so many trails, waterways, and outdoor rental businesses. Here are a few our real estate agents suggest checking out in the coming weeks.
Best Places for Outdoor Adventure Near South Bend & St. Joseph
Paddler Park at East Basin
Address: 213 Upton Drive, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Paddler Park at East Basin is a small, 0.3-acre park where you can launch your kayak, paddleboard, or other small craft into the water. It's the perfect spot for a casual paddle with kids. Plus, there are plenty of fish to be caught!
After you go paddling, you can enjoy a picnic in the park or simply relax along the water, watching the birds and butterflies flit about. Don't forget to look at some St. Joseph homes for sale while you're in the area.
Silver Beach Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
Address: 101 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI 49085
If you don't have your own kayak or paddleboard, head to Silver Beach Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals. They'll get you set up with everything you need, from paddles to life vests. They're open daily from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., with prices starting at just $25 an hour.
In addition to paddleboards and kayaks, this company also rents loungeboards, which are perfect for a more relaxing float. Silver Beach is the perfect place to paddle, too, offering views of a lighthouse and historic pier.
St. Patrick's County Park
Address: 50651 Laurel Rd., South Bend, IN 46637
St. Patrick's County Park is a nearly 400-acre park that offers several miles of wooded trails perfect for hiking. The Manion Canton Loop is only 0.4 miles, making it perfect for hiking with young children. For a longer adventure, try the Cabin Walk or Oak Tree Trail.
This county park also offers a playground, picnic sites, and a live bald eagle camera. It's located near plenty of great South Bend homes for sale.
Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve
Address: 58111 Crumstown Highway, South Bend, IN 46619
Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve is another great place to hike and view wildlife. The trail is 1.5 miles in total, making this the perfect choice for an evening stroll or a before-work adventure.
As a designated State Nature Preserve, Chamberlain Lake is home to:
- Butterflies
- Toads
- Mushrooms
- Wildflowers
- ... and more!
The lake overlook is also a lovely spot to read a book, enjoy a picnic lunch, or sit and chat with friends.
Pinhook Park
Address: 2801 Riverside Dr., South Bend, IN 46616
For kayaking in South Bend, you really can't beat Pinhook Park. It's well equipped with all of the best park amenities, including:
- Restrooms
- An event room with a kitchen area
- Picnic tables
- A playground
Paddleboard and kayak rentals are available within the park, so there's no need to purchase your own. And if you get tired of paddling, you can always take a walk along the Pinhook Park Native Tree Trail. There, you'll see species like Black Cherry, Black Gum, Eastern White Pine, and Redbud. There are also a few Scarlet Oaks and Red Oaks, which look stunning in late summer as their leaves begin to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own kayak or paddleboard?
Not at all! If you don't own your own gear, Silver Beach Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals in St. Joseph and Pinhook Park in South Bend both offer rentals, so you can hit the water without any equipment of your own. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some sunscreen).
Which trail is best for hiking with young kids?
The Manion Canton Loop at St. Patrick's County Park is a great option for little legs, at only 0.4 miles long. If your family is up for a longer walk, the Pinhook Park Native Tree Trail and Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve's 1.5-mile trail are also manageable options with plenty of nature to spot along the way.
What kind of wildlife might I see at these parks?
It depends on where you go! Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve is a designated State Nature Preserve known for butterflies, toads, mushrooms, and wildflowers, while St. Patrick's County Park even has a live bald eagle camera. Pinhook Park's Native Tree Trail is also a great spot to see a variety of tree species, especially as their leaves begin to change in late summer.
Whether you paddle on the water or hike through the forest, we hope you get a chance to enjoy the great outdoors before summer ends. Contact us if you're still looking for a new place to call home. We're happy to guide you.
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