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

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.

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

Clean, well kept, expansive park with many places to walk, sit in nature, and explore FW. there is…read morea really neat integrative playground with handicapped accessible elements.

What a great park to watch an event, take a stroll or frequent a vendor. Lots of easy walk paths…read moreand seating. Things to do if you plan in advance like corn hole and ping pong. Water play areas to entertain kids. Lots of beautiful scenery to take in. The park is very clean and safe. Go check it out!!

Beautiful park. We want to fish in the pond but don't catch anything. There were a lot of people…read morefishing that day. The park itself was pleasant except for the people passed out on a bench.

Lakeside Park is a park located in Fort Wayne. It is a very peaceful park to walk around with a…read morevast array of roses and fountains. I stopped at the park while visiting Fort Wayne and was very impressed. There was a lot of care that was put into these roses and it was such a treat to find at a public park.

We had such a great time! It is a smaller State Park but it was really peaceful and clean. I had…read morethe best sleep ever here. We also loved seeing the Bison and enjoyed watching the feeding. The volunteers were extremely knowledgeable about them and had interesting facts.

Great little park with a sturdy, well built/renovated fire tower great for climbing, and a buffalo…read morepreserve! We went at the right time of day and they were right up against the fence line. Very cool sight. There were a lot of great trails including a mile long one around the buffalo area, as well as a fully paved bike trail that goes through the woods. It was a lovely ride. The bathrooms left something to be desired as usually 2/3 toilets were clogged and the hardware in general could use some renovation. There are private showers in the back restrooms which were a nice change but having to continuously hit the water button (and it pauses every time you hit it) was a different, not so pleasant experience. Overall, this was a decent campground, fairly busy. A lot of the large buildings were closed or intended for renting out. There was no nature center. There is a lake which offer paddle and other boats for rent. There is also parking for horse & buggies away from the RV sites. Outside of the horse & buggy and a summer camp area, we never found the primitive camp sites but we didn't exactly go looking for them either.

What a great little spot. I would totally love for this to be my backyard. I will say there are…read moreBiblical references in the choices of plants if you know them. If not, there's truly not much Biblical about it. It is a great spot to slip away and connect with nature, pray, read or journal. The walking track is super short. More a quiet respite than a place for exercise. Maybe a good spot for some stretching, tai chi, meditation, or prayer.

I love to go to this garden when I need some peace and quiet. Or to pray. Or even just to eat lunch…read morealone, in silence. It's located right on the lake, so you can can hear children playing in the background and city noise but there is something tranquil about it. And the fountain nose drowns it out. Plants and flowers are marked to indicate what they are for anyone interested in walking around and checking out the garden. It's a smaller place but really pretty. They have weddings here and events, the space can be rented. It's free to visit.

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...