ACRES Land Trust, Various sites throughout Noble County.
With more ACRES land preserves than any other county, Noble County offers groups the opportunity to arrange for naturalist-guided walks. Well-maintained paths provide easy walks for the hiking-challenged, and locations and topics can be group-specific. Wildflower, tree and plant identification, bird-watching, and photography are some of the topics that can be addressed.
www.acreslandtrust.org
Jason Kissel, Executive Director
260-637-2273
Black Pine Animal Park, Albion
This is truly a unique attraction: a retirement village and rescue center for over 80 exotic and performing animals. Located in a beautiful pine woods, guided tours are entertaining and informative. Bears, camels, chimps, big cats of all kinds, and some other interesting residents will welcome your group! Indiana's finest exotic animal sanctuary! Large covered pavilion with picnic tables; gift shop. Admission; group discount.
1426 W. 300 N., Albion, IN 46701
Lori Gagen, Group Tour Coordinator
www.blackpineanimalpark.com
260-636-7383
Chain O'Lakes State Park, Albion
 A Park Ranger or Naturalist will step on at the gate to provide your group with a narrated tour through this absolutely beautiful, lake-filled park! Pick up a boxed lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of the pavilions. Treat your adventurous groups to personal time on the water; canoe and kayak rental available in the park!
2355 E. 75 South, Albion, IN 46701 www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/properties/park_chainolakes.html
Steve Merrill, Park Ranger
260-636-2654
Fashion Farm, Ligonier
The perfect destination for a rural country experience! Spring and summer offer outstanding greenhouses chocked full with annuals, herbs, perennials, water garden features and plants, and landscaping décor.
During the late summer the greenhouses are transformed - as is the entire venue - into "Pumpkin Fantasyland"! Treat your groups to fun, sometimes hilarious, carved pumpkins, gourds, squash, and other vegetables depicting well-known characters, including all the presidents! Corn maze, pumpkin gathering, and all things harvest! Homemade baked goods include all things pumpkin: pie, bread, cookies, and more! Groups can enjoy a good, home-cooked meal at the on-site restaurant all year.
"This Ole House Memories Museum" tells the story of 5 generations of one family. (Note: year-round hidden treasure: pumpkin ice cream!!! Worth the stop alone!) The Becker Family will assist you with planning the perfect visit for your groups!
Patty Becker, Group Tour Coordinator
www.fashionfarminc.com
260-894-4498
Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, Rome City
This beautiful spot on the shores of Sylvan Lake provided the inspiration for many of the writings of this beloved author/naturalist/photographer. Guided tours of Gene's "Cabin in Wildflower Woods" will enlighten your group about this remarkable woman and her writings. Restored gardens; DNR Naturalist can give guided nature walks on well-groomed, shady paths. Carriage House Visitors Center; rest rooms; gift shop; admission.
www.indianamuseum.org/genestratton-portercabin
260.854.3790
LeCount's Strawberry Farm, Wawaka
A true day in the country! This rural Noble County farm provides acres of neatly-maintained rows of strawberries for picking. On-site farm stand has ready-picked berries for those who don't want to pick their own. Ample coach parking. Call ahead for projected strawberry ripening dates, and call again at tour time for specific open and closed schedule. Fields are carefully controlled so as not to over-pick, so hours open vary from day to day during season. A perfect "add-on" rather than a published destination.
Nelson LeCount, Owner
260-761-3155
Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, Wolf Lake
Part of Goshen College, this Environmental Learning Center will be glad to customize visits for your groups. Platinum award-winning, their new Reith Village is a nationally-recognized model for green technology.
Merry Lea provides educational, scientific, and re-creating opportunities, including nature walks, photography workshops, research, ecology, and native flora and fauna sessions. Something very unique and special for your groups in a 1,150-acre preserve setting.
Jennifer Schrock, Director of Public Programs www.goshen.edu/merrylea
260-799-5869
Mid-America Windmill Museum, Kendallville
The largest of only two such museums in the nation, this unique venue tells the story of wind power in the growth of our nation. Listen to the song of the wind through the blades of more than 50 authentic windmills along paved paths. Interactive displays in 1800's barn; video; gift shop; rest rooms.
1.5 hours. $
Closed Monday except by special arrangement.
732 S. Allen Chapel Road, Kendallville, IN 46755 www.midamericawindmillmuseum.org
Sara Hobson, Group Tour Coordinator
260-347-2334
Noble County Fair, Kendallville
Rated one of the top ten county fairs in the state, Noble County's annual 4-H fair is reminiscent of rural country life at its best. Join us for a full week of activities including animals, textiles, food preparation, equestrian events, and special events every evening. Midway, food, and much, much more! Each July. Ample coach parking.
Noble County Extension Office
www.noblecountyfair.org
800-601-5826
Orchard Hill Farms, Kendallville
With more than 10,000 trees and 26 varieties of apples, Orchard Hill Farms operates a wholesale peach and apple operation and ships fruit throughout the nation.
Tours of the orchard include grafting techniques, the apple grading line, and cider room are available during the season for groups of10 or more. 
Orchard Hill is a working farm and the focus of their tours is education, not entertainment, although tours are quite enjoyable!
Barn-side market with apples and peaches in season, apple butter, apple syrup, locally tapped maple syrup, cider, gift baskets, and more!
Hertha and Rick Meyer, Owners
www.orchardhillfarms.com
260-347-3682 |
