Location:

North Central Indiana

St. Joseph County, Indiana

DeLorme Page 20, Grid D-5 (Labeled "Potato Creek SP")

GPS:   41º 32' 6.89" N     86º 21' 42.3" W

Description:

Potato Creek State Park became a reality on June 6,1977 when the six-square-mile area was formally dedicated. The park's 327-acre Worster Lake is named in honor of Darcy Worster, an early park supporter. When it first opened, much of the land at Potato Creek was recovering farmland; the vast overgrown fields attracted Bobolinks as well as Grasshopper, Henslow's, and Vesper Sparrows. As succession progressed, however, these birds gradually disappeared. Now, through an aggressive plan to re-establish the land to the pre-settlement days of the early 1800's, prairies, savannas, and wetlands can be seen again at Potato Creek. Some new wetland areas are located near the Visitor Center, while savanna areas, planted with prairie grasses and forbs, and additional wetlands are located along the main road going west and around to the north side of the lake. As you drive around the lake, look for hawks, Turkey Vultures, Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, sparrows, Willow Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers and swallows during the warmer seasons. Waterfowl and wading birds may also be visible. A walk down Pear Road, in the northwest section of the park, will take you to more prairie and wetland restorations. See the park naturalist for details.

There are two productive areas at Potato Creek to view waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds--particularly during migration. The first site is the West Boat Launch and fishing pier located next to the Whispering Winds Picnic Area. Located on the south side of the lake, this site is easy to access by car and allows a quick scan of the water--a luxury during the colder months. The second area is comprised of the entire eastern tip of the lake, which must be accessed on foot. To reach this area, park at the Porter Rea Cemetery parking lot, walk north toward the lake, and then follow trail 4 eastward along the lake's southern edge. It's been found that birding the lake from its southern shore often keeps the sun at your back. In all, thirty-one species of waterfowl have been seen on Worster Lake.

The best trails to see warblers and other migrating passerines include the Bicycle Trail and Hiking Trails 1, 2, 3, and 4 . These trails access most of the habitat types found at the park, including mature woodlands, early successional areas, wooded streams, ponds, grasslands, and the lake. Thirty-two species of warblers have been sighted in the park--most observed from these trails. Hawks, owls, woodpeckers, flycatchers, vireos, and warblers represent some of the nesting bird families found here. The Horseman's Campground area contains successional fields, three good-sized mature wooded areas, a few ponds, and a section of Potato Creek. This variety of habitat attracts many species of birds including Wild Turkey. Horsemen have the right of way on the horse trails, so try to stand off them and remain quiet as they pass. Horse traffic can be quite heavy anytime from late spring through fall.

The Swamp Rose Nature Preserve is located in the northeast corner of the park near Trail 2. Although this area has no foot trails through it, good birds can be found in the general area around the preserve. Just to the east of Swamp Rose--outside of the park on Oak Road--Virginia Rails have been seen and heard during spring migration. Additionally, Red-shouldered Hawks have nested in this area, and beavers have been seen here and along Trail 4 closer to the lake.

The Bicycle Trail is asphalt and is easily accessible to the wheelchair handicapped and walking disabled. Be aware, however, of a fairly steep slope near the north end of that trail. There are handicapped accessible picnic facilities in the Orchard Shore Picnic Area as well as accessible restrooms in most areas of the park. The swimming area, fishing piers and boat ramps are also handicapped accessible. Part of the north side of the lake may be birded by car during the colder months. Early morning is the best time to bird Potato Creek because there's generally less traffic. Obtain a bird checklist at the Visitor Center, gatehouse, or Nature Center as you enter the park. As a reminder, please use your car flashers and STAY on the road when driving in the park.

Potato Creek State Park was designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society and BirdLife International in 2006 due to the important habitat it provides to a variety of birds.

Typical Time to Bird Site: 2-8 Hours

Birds:

Overview:

Nesting bird families include herons, hawks (4 species), owls, flycatchers (7 species), woodpeckers (6 species), thrushes (4 species), vireos (4 species), and warblers. Potato Creek is a great northern Indiana location for migrating waterfowl and passerines in the spring and fall.

Specialty Species:

Red-shouldered Hawks nest in the northeastern section of the park from the Trail 3 area to the Swamp Rose Nature Preserve. March through June is typically the best time to find these birds.

Ospreys can be observed diving into the waters of Worster Lake from March through September. There are two nesting platforms that have been successfully used. One is at the west end of the lake, easily seen from the park road and one at the eastern end of the lake just off of Trail 4.

Common Loons are typically found in the deeper parts of the lake from March through April and again from October through November.

Pileated Woodpeckers are permanent residents that nest in the Horseman's Campground area and along Trails 1 and 3. Additionally, they are often seen along the Bicycle Trail and Trail 2. These birds tend to be easier to find March through November.

Yellow-throated Warblers have nested sporadically in a grove of Sycamores along Potato Creek near the service area. Late April through June is the most reliable time to encounter this species.

Northern Shrikes often winter along the main park road just east and west of the entrance road. When present, they usually can be seen perched in isolated trees from late December through February.

Noteworthy Records:

American Bittern - found in the restored wetlands at the west end of the park in the spring of 1997 and 1998.

Sandhill Crane - have nested in the park since 2001. They are very secretive and difficult to find.

Little Blue Heron - sighted during the 2nd week of May in both 1995 and 1999.

American Avocet

American White Pelican

Bald Eagle

Brown Creeper - nested along Trail 3 near Potato Creek in 1988.

General:

Ownership:

State of Indiana / Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Site Phone Number: 574-656-8186

Hours:

Although official park hours are 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, fishermen and birders may enter earlier. The Visitor Center is open 7 days a week year-round from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The Nature Center hours are as following:

Memorial Day through Labor Day - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day.

November through March - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturdays, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sundays, and weekdays 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm as staff levels allow.

All other times - 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm M-F, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturdays, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sundays.

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 toilets are located throughout the park and are open year-round. Modern facilities are located at the Visitor Center, Nature Center, and campgrounds and are open when their respective buildings are open. Additional modern restrooms can be found at the Whispering Winds, Tulip Poplar, and Quaking Aspen Picnic Areas. These are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Lodging:

Two hundred eighty-seven Class A campsites and 70 Horseman's campsites are available at Potato Creek. Hotel/motel accommodations are abundant in nearby South Bend.

Special Considerations:

Unless you are camping, ALL visitors must carry their trash out.

Temporal Considerations:

Spring and fall are the best times to view migrant songbirds and waterfowl at Potato Creek. Start birding early in the day for best results. Early summer is also a good time to visit the park, for over 85 species have nested within its boundaries. Winter can be good for waterfowl and an occasional Bald Eagle when open water is available.

Directions:

From the North: From South Bend, take US 31 south 6.3 miles to SR 4. Turn right (west) on SR 4 and go 4.7 miles to the park entrance on the north side of the road. The Visitor Center/Office and Gatehouse are located on that entrance road.

From the East: Take US 20 west to the US 20 Bypass. Continue west on the US 20 Bypass into St. Joseph County until the US 31 exit. Go south on US 31 for 6.3 miles to SR 4. Turn right (west) on SR 4 and drive 4.7 miles to the park entrance on the right.

From the South: Take US 31 north through Lakeville to SR 4. Turn left (west) on SR 4 and go 4.7 miles to the park entrance.

From the West: Take SR 4 east through North Liberty and continue for 3 miles to the park entrance on the left.

References:

Goll, John.

Indiana State Parks.

Saginaw: Glovebox Guidebooks of America, 1995.

Gorney, Don.

"Brown Creeper in Indiana."

Indiana Audubon Quarterly 78.1 (2000): 3-15.

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

Indiana Wildlife Viewing Guide.

Helena, MT: Falcon Press, 1992.

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.

Credits: