St. Joseph County Parks, Leisure Activities

Canoe and Kayak the St. Joe River

When: Friday-Sunday and holidays, May 22- October 3
Closed Monday-Thursday (except holidays)
Site: St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn
Time: 11am to 4pm (Long trip rental ends at 2pm);
Friday shuttles depart on the hour;
Vessels must be returned no later than 7pm.
(all hours weather permitting)
Fee: 1-person kayak: $18 short trip and $25 long trip
Canoe short trip: $23 up to 4 hours
Canoe long trip: $30 up to 5 hours (not available on Fridays)
Plus gate fee in effect

Get your family and friends together and canoe the beautiful St. Joseph River! Also a great idea for clubs, businesses and groups of all ages! Packages include shuttle service, canoes, paddles and required life jackets. Parental signature required for renters under the age of 18. Not recommended for children 3 years of age or younger. Limited kayak rentals available. Need five or more canoes? No problem, call ahead to reserve a caravan of canoes at least ten days prior to your trip. Have your own vessel? We provide shuttle service for $7 during shuttle operations. Beginners and families may also use our pond for practice and fun for $7/hour.

Disc Golf

When: Open daily, Pro Shop hours vary
Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park, Pro Shop located in Gate House
Time: Course open 10am to park closing; Pro Shop hours vary
Fee: Daily pass: $4/adult; $3/youth (age 15 and under) Annual pass: $30/adult; $20/youth (15 and under)

Bring your friends! Bring your family! See what disc golf is all about. Check out the Pro Shop for all your disc golfing needs. We carry INNOVA disc golf bags and a great selection of INNOVA discs, including tie-dyed discs!

Private Evening Hayrides

When: Wed-Sun, September 25-October 31
Site: Bendix Woods County Park
Time: Begin at 1, 3:30, 6 or 8:30pm
Fee: $110/up to 80 people

Enjoy this colorful time of year with a tractor-drawn hayride! A campfire awaits you after the brisk ride. Reservations are by mail only. Call 574/654-3155 to request a reservation form, or click here to download one.

Private Daytime Hayrides

When: Wed-Fri, September 28-October 29
Site: Bendix Woods County Park
Time: Begin at 9, 9:30 or 10am
Fee: $75/up to 80 participants

Groups are invited to enjoy the fall beauty of Bendix Woods on a two-hour tractor-drawn hayride. Includes a picnic site; bring sack lunches or a snack if you like. Campfire not included. Reservations are by mail only. Call 574/654-3155 to request a reservation form, or click here to download one.

Innertubing Parties

Monday, November 1 we will begin taking reservations for our private winter innertubing parties at St. Patrick’s and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks. For more information or to make a reservation call St. Joseph County Parks at 574/654-3155. To print registration information click here.

Nature Munchkins

Discover nature with your 3- to 4-year old. The sessions are the third Thursday of every month from 9:30 to 11am at St. Patrick’s County Park. Siblings outside of the age bracket are not allowed to attend please. For more information or to register call 574/654-3155. The fee is $5 per adult-child pair and $3 for a second child, or register for four sessions for $16. Registration and payment are required by the Monday prior to the program. (Min. 5; max. 10)

Picnics

Planning a company or family picnic? St. Joseph County Parks offer many facilities and picnic sites for rent throughout the year. You will be pleased to find a safe environment, clean facilities and beautiful settings for your company picnic or family reunion. Now accepting reservations one year in advance. For more information or to reserve a shelter call 574/277-4828.

SJCP Winter Leisure Activities Brochure	SJCP Summer Leisure Activities Brochure
Hayride Brochure	Disc Golf Brochure
Group Canoe Reservation Packet	Innertubing Reservation Packet