Potato Creek State Park is an Indiana state park located in north-central part of the U.S. state of Indiana about southwest of South Bend. Potato Creek is open year-round and supports various activities and facilities, including fishing, hiking, camping and mountain biking. Natural habitats include the 327-acre (1.3&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies, and diverse restored wetlands. Each offers different opportunities for plant and wildlife observation. The northeast corner has been designated "Swamp Rose Nature Preserve"; now about 1 square mile is either wetlands or in Worster Lake. Potato Creek receives about 570,000 visitors annually.

About a century after the area was converted into farmland (and as many fields were becoming less productive), Darcy Worster began re-creating natural areas, as well as lobbying to dam the creek to create a reservoir for fishing and recreation activities. He often sent hand-crafted insects to "bug" state legislators. Although his efforts were interrupted by World War II, the reservoir was created in 1977 and the resulting lake is named after him.

Indiana Governor Otis R. Bowen dedicated six square miles as Potato Creek Recreation Area on June 6, 1977. Dairy farmer and 32-year state Representative Dick Mangus helped oversee the upgrade to state park status in 1983. Mangus had begun his political career when part of his family's long time dairy farm was taken during expansion of U.S. Route 31; the section adjoining the park was later renamed in his honor.

In 2006, the area was internationally designated as an important bird area, due to the migratory birds which visit, as well as native resident birds including osprey and wild turkey as well as songbirds.

Facilities

  • Paved Bicycle Trail -
  • Mountain Bike Trail -
  • Hiking Trails
  • Nature Center
  • Wildlife Observation Area
  • Cultural Arts Programs
  • Picnicking
  • Playground Equipment
  • Swimming / Beach
  • Fishing
  • Fish Cleaning Station
  • Shelter Reservations
  • Boat Launch Ramps
  • Boat (only Electric trolling motors)
  • Bridle Trails
  • Cabins / 17
  • Camping - Reservations recommended
  • Class A - 287 sites
  • Horsemen's Class A - 70 sites
  • Youth Tent Areas
  • Camp Store
  • Dumping Station
  • Winter Activities
  • Tubing Hill
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Ice fishing

Equipment rentals

  • Bicycle
  • Paddleboat
  • Rowboat
  • Kayak
  • Canoe
  • Recreation Building

References

  • Indiana Department of Natural Resources' official Web page