Location:

Northeast Indiana

Noble County, Indiana

DeLorme Page 22, Grid H-5 (Labeled "Chain O' Lakes SP")

Description:

Chain O' Lakes State Park gets its name from a series of kettle lakes formed by the most recent glacial period--about 10,000 years ago. The dozen lakes, most of which are connected by channels (which make for good canoeing), are surrounded by mature deciduous woodland, successional fields, pine plantings, open recreational areas, and limited grasslands. With more than ten miles of hiking trails, one encounters a rich variety of habitats that support a large number of bird species.

The entire park is worth exploring for birds. Some of the most productive areas include Trails 1, 5, 6, and 7. A portion of Trail 1 surrounds Dock Lake and is excellent for woodpeckers, wrens, warblers and vireos. Trail 5 encircles Sand Lake and is reliable in the summer for warblers, vireos, orioles, and wrens. Trail 7 veers off from the north side of Trail 5 and is good for warblers, thrushes, and many other species as it winds through woodlands and past lake channels. Trail 6, which passes through woodlands and brushy fields, is in a partially restricted area. If you are not staying in one of the cabins, park your vehicle at the cabin playground parking lot and take the unmarked trailhead directly south of the parking lot. Trail 6 is good for warblers, especially Blue-winged and Yellow-breasted Chat, and a variety of other species which love the brushy fields.

Due to the extensive amount of shoreline, Prothonotary Warblers are a "can't miss" summer nesting bird. Check the north side of Sand Lake and the Dock Lake boat launch for easy views of this magnificent bird. Chain O'Lakes is one of the most northern spots in Indiana for nesting Yellow-throated Warblers. Barred Owls are numerous in the park and are often heard calling during the day. An interesting trail that is not included on park maps is the Old Ski Trail which may or may not be mowed during the summer months. If you look carefully the trailhead begins at Sunnyside Shelter near the beach. This path passes through grasslands and brushy fields and is good for woodcock, sparrows, and pheasants. Birding by car is possible, especially in the fall and winter when vehicle traffic declines. The main road provides a convenient loop through the park while the road to Norman and Miller Lakes is productive year-round (and always worth a look).

Handicapped accessible areas are available, but limited, and most trails cover rolling terrain and contain seasonal wet areas. A great way to bird the park is to use one of the john boats, canoes, or paddle boats available at the Sand Lake boat rental (seasonal). Obtain a park map at the gatehouse or visit the office if no gate attendant is on duty.

Typical Time to Bird Site: 2-8 Hours

Birds:

Overview:

Nesting birds include hawks, owls, all Indiana woodpeckers, and a good variety of songbirds. Fourteen species of warblers regularly nest here although some species such as Prairie and Hooded occur in very low numbers. The park seems to be increasingly productive for songbirds and sparrows in migration.

Specialty Species:

Nesting hawks include the uncommon Broad-winged Hawk , which is best seen near the park office. Ospreys often stop by during migration, in April and October. Long-eared Owls are sometimes present in conifers on the property from November through March. May through July is the best time to observe nesting Least Flycatchers , which occur along CR 75 S and on the northwest side of Sand Lake. Brown Creepers are a permanent resident but are more numerous November through March. A wintering Northern Shrike is often seen near the gatehouse and on the road to Norman and Miller Lakes from November through March. Chain O'Lakes is the best place in northeast Indiana for Prothonotary Warblers . Look for them May through July around Dock Lake, the north side of Sand Lake, and areas of Trail 7 that are near water. Hooded , Cerulean , Prairie , and Yellow-throated Warblers , along with Northern Parulas , all nest in the park. These birds are easiest to find May through July. Henslow's Sparrows usually nest in the field by the Nature Center parking lot and are most reliably found June through July.

Noteworthy Records:

Yellow-crowned Night Heron, 20-26 April, 2004

Barn Owl

Brewster's Warbler (present for several years)

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Evening Grosbeak

April 1997

General:

Ownership:

State of Indiana / Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Site Phone Number: 260-636-2654

Hours:

Dawn to dusk year-round.

Fees:

The usual Indiana State Park entrance fee is collected. Also accepted is the annual State Park pass good for all Indiana DNR properties. Use the state parks link below for further details.

Restrooms:

Pit toilet restrooms are located throughout the park.

Access Restrictions:

There are several restricted areas in the park including the road back to the youth group tent camp, the road to the cabins, and the road and surrounding area that houses a Department of Corrections minimum security facility. Each of these areas is labeled on the park map and has posted signs that clearly indicate the access restrictions. During the winter months only, you may travel the road to the youth group tent camp area where the Northern Shrike may be lurking; all other bird species found on this short stretch of road can be viewed from elsewhere in the park. You may park in the cabin playground parking lot if you are planning on hiking Trail 6. However, go no further than the parking lot. Accessing the land immediately surrounding the correctional facility (prison) is the one area in the park that could truly lead to serious consequences for wayward birders. Stay clear of this area.

Lodging:

Family housekeeping cabins and over 413 campsites are available at Chain O' Lakes State Park. Hotel accommodations are available in Kendallville, some 15 miles from the park.

Temporal Considerations:

A visit to the park will result in a respectable number of species at any time of the year except winter, when there is usually little to see unless a Long-eared Owl or Northern Shrike is present. Spring and fall are the best times for migrant songbirds, while June is optimal to observe nesting birds. November through March is the most reliable time to find Northern Shrike, owls, and common wintering birds on the property.

References:

Goll, John.

Indiana State Parks.

Saginaw: Glovebox Guidebooks of America, 1995.

Keller, Charles E., Shirley A. Keller, and Timothy C. Keller.

Indiana Birds and Their Haunts: A Checklist and Finding Guide. Second Edition.

Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1986.

Polston, Steven.

"Trail 6 - Chain O' Lakes State Park."

Outdoor Indiana 64.4 (1999): 48.

Seng, Phil T., and David J. Case.

Indiana Wildlife Viewing Guide.

Helena, MT: Falcon Press, 1992.

Directions:

From the North: From the Indiana Toll Road, exit south onto SR 9 (exit #120), and continue south on SR 9 through LaGrange County into Noble County. From the intersection with SR 6, continue south on SR 9 for 7.75 more miles to CR 75 S. Turn east on CR 75 S into the park.

From the South: From I-69 at Fort Wayne, take U. S. 33 North (Exit #109B). Follow U. S. 33 through Churubusco and exit north onto SR 9 at Merriam, IN. Take SR 9 north to CR 75 S, turning right (east) onto CR 75 S into the park.

Links:

Indiana Department of Natural Resources - State Parks

Select your favorite park to get information on activities, camping, lodging and fees, as well as trail maps and other maps of the park.

Geology of Chain O' Lakes State Park

A superb overview of the geology of the Chain O' Lakes region, from the Indiana Geology Today website.

Credits: