Pokagon State Park

Introduction of Pokagon State Park

Off I-69, Pokagon State Park is close to Angola. Natural lakes abound in this region, and the park borders Snow Lake and Lake James, which provide a wealth of boating, swimming, and fishing options.

What a rush! When you experience the quarter-mile toboggan track at speeds of 35–40 mph, you’ll agree with that! From the Friday following Thanksgiving until February, the toboggan runs on the weekends with extended holiday hours. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the toboggan is closed.

Pokagon State Park Activities

Boating

The Inn beach offers boat rentals throughout the summer. There are less hours in the spring and fall. Private boat launching facilities are not offered, however docking slots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camping

There are flush toilets, hot water, and showers at the campground. A maximum of 14 consecutive nights may be spent occupied. Every campsite has a table and a fire ring. There is electricity accessible. Through the Central Reservation System, reservations may be made. The park inn has additional lodging options, including rooms, cabins, an indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna. Banquets and feasts are well-suited for the inn. Food is not included in rates. You can make reservations via the inn’s reservation system.

Fishing

At the park, you may catch fish like bass, bluegill, walleye, crappie, catfish, northern pike, etc. The park office has state licences available for purchase.

Hiking

All year long, eleven miles of easy to moderate trails welcome you.

Picnicking

The picnic area has tables, grills, restrooms, play areas, and playground equipment.

Water Sports

At the beach, swimming is free of charge. The Saturday before Memorial Day and no later than Labor Day is when the beach and bathhouse open.

Winter Sports

Sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, camping, and ice fishing are among the winter activities that are possible. From the weekend after Thanksgiving through the month of February, the quarter-mile toboggan run is open on the weekends with extended holiday hours.

Pokagon State Park History 

In 1925, Pokagon State Park was established. The first 580 acres (2.3 km2) on the shores of Lake James were acquired by the county’s residents through fundraising efforts; a large portion of this area was agriculture. The Department of Conservation, State of Indiana, received this property donation from the county residents, and the next year, it added two more parcels, increasing the park’s total area to 707 acres (2.9 km2). The newly renamed Potawattomi Inn first welcomed guests in 1927. In what is currently the State Park’s group camping area, Pokagon Boy’s Camp opened in 1934; several of the camp’s structures have been modified for their current use.

1995 saw its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

Civilian Conservation Corps

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) chapter 556 arrived in Pokagon in 1934.  The CCC built several of Pokagon’s most well-known structures over the course of the following eight years, including the Gate House, the Spring Shelter, the Saddle Barn, the first three iterations of the toboggan run, and last but not least, the CCC Shelter, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The ground rapidly climbs to a cliff with a view of the lake beyond the Beach House.

The CCC also built roads and paths, often in very precise lines, and planted trees. The Pokagon Chieftain, their own newsletter, was even produced by them. Pokagon’s transformation into the rustic park it is now was made possible by the CCC.

The park currently spans 1,260 acres (5.1 km2). An attempt was made to take possession of the property next to Pokagon. In June 2007, it was formally transferred. Trine State Recreation Area will be its name, while Pokagon State Park will oversee its management.

Potawatomi Inn

Only two years after the park’s establishment, the Potawatomi Inn opened. The Lonidaw Lounge, dining area, and 40 guest rooms made up the inn. An open veranda with a view of Lake James was located to the south of the dining room. The nightly fee of a room was $3. Additional rooms were constructed to the west in the 1960s. The long porch on the south was covered to make a sunny space with a view of the lake, and the original rooms had bathrooms. On the south side of the new wing, a pool with an outside deck was erected in the 1980s. The park was able to grow in the 1990s due to increased demand, and in 1995 the conference centre with more guest rooms opened.

Directions

Driving

Take I-69 south to exit 154 if coming from the north. Turn right (west) into the park after leaving.

From the East or West: Take the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90) to exit 144, the I-69/SR 120 exit, from either the east or the west. I-69 southbound to exit 154. Enter the park by turning right (west).

From the south, take I-69 north to exit 154. Turn left (north) on State Road 127 after leaving, then rapidly turn left (west) at the park sign.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.