Bicentennial Woods: Fort Wayne, IN

ACRES Land Trust manages a number of nature preserves.  Many of these are in the Fort Wayne area.  Bicentennial Woods is one of those beautiful preserves.  Located on Shoaff Road off of Coldwater on the north side of Fort Wayne; it offers over 2 miles of well-maintained trails.  A small gravel parking lot is immediately at the entrance to the preserve.

Beauty abounds as you walk the hilly "moderate" trails through woods, prairie, and wetland.

Bicentennial Woods offers benches for resting in strategic scenic areas.

It has wide bridges for the whole family to safely cross the creek that flows through the preserve.

Wildlife can be found in many areas of the preserve if you keep your eyes open.

This hike offers a brilliant display of fall colors, sounds, and smells.  It's a must-hike for families interested in nature learning.

Rotary Park, Bluffton, In

Rotary Park sits along the River Greenway Trail in Bluffton, IN.  This park offers a picnic pavilion, which can be reserved for $30 a day.  

The park also offers public parking and an acre or two of land for activities.

There is a sign board next to the park with information about Parks & Recreation Department activities. When we visited, the information on the board was about a week past completion.  This does get updated regularly as events are scheduled. 

A large eagle statue sits to the east of the park, marking the 1.5 mile spot on the River Greenway Trail.

This is an excellent location for small parties.  I am unclear about whether or not there is electricity in this pavilion.