 © Brent M. Lacy
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Facilities and Activities:
| Day-Use | Fishing | yes | | | Hiking Trail, miles | yes | | | Picnicking | yes | | | Swimming Beach, feet | yes | | | Nature Center | yes | | | Nature Programs | yes | | Boating | Boat Rental | yes | | Camping | Electric Sites, # | 273 | | | Flush Toilets | yes | | | Dumpstation | yes | | | Showers | yes | | | Camp Commissary | yes | | | Camper Cabins, # | yes | | | Youth Group Camp, capacity | yes | | Winter | Sledding | yes | | | Cross-Country Skiing | yes | | | Ice Fishing | yes | | Accommodations | Lodge Rooms, # | 134 | | | Game Room | yes | | | Restaurant | yes |
State Park Location Maps:
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State Park Link:
Pokagon State Park
Nearby Parks:
Marsh Lake Wetlands State Fish and Wildlife Area
Cedar Lake Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area
Gene Stratton Porter State Memorial
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| State Park Contact Information: |
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Pokagon State Park
450 Lane 100 Lake James
Angola, Indiana 46703
Phone: 260-833-2012
Toll Free: 800-457-8283
Reservations: 866-622-6746
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Area Accommodations
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Photography: add your photos
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| State Park Reservations: |
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Reservations: 
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| State Park Overview: |
| Pokagon State Park is located near Angola off I-69. Natural lakes abound in this area and the park borders on Lake James and Snow Lake which offer abundant opportunities for boating, swimming and fishing.
What a thrill! That's what you'll say once you've experienced the quarter mile toboggan track at speeds of 35-40 miles per hour! The toboggan operates weekends from the Friday after Thanksgiving through February, with extended holiday hours. The toboggan is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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camping is great here!
our family has camped here for the past ten years.now our small grandchildren come too.we all love POKAGON!!!!!!!
Written by NANCY
4-May-2008
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camping is fun
our family comes here every year. great food, swimmng, horseback riding, hiking, & relaxing
Written by JIM
7-May-2008
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Favorite place
Been camping here for at least 20 years, my parents used to bring us here, now I bring my children. We never get bored here.
(name not given)
15-May-2008
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GREAT PLACE!!!
My grandparents, all my aunts, uncles, and cousins come here for three days around Christmastime. Christmas of 2007 was our 16th year here, including my entire life. SO MUCH FUN!!! I look forward to it every year! :)
Written by K. Sternberg
19-May-2008
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Alot of fun!!!!
I went to Pokagon as a young boy. I remember the fishing most. Now as an adult and father myself, we went last year to the park and we had a great time. This year, we are planning a camping/pontoon boat trip.
Written by John Campos
25-May-2008
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So much to offer
Pokagon State Park has so much to offer... scenic hiking trails, bike trails, a WONDERFUL Nature Center with very knowledgeable and friendly staff, two beaches, fast/fun toboggan (winter of course), great camping, cabins,and an Inn.
Written by Been there
19-Jun-2008
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Family Oriented
This is one of my favorite state parks. It ranks up there with Meramec state park in Missouri. Plenty to see and do for all ages.
Written by Stacey
25-Jun-2008
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Families favorite
We have been camping here for 5 years now. The kids have so many things to do that they never get bored. The patch program keeps them buisy.
Written by Brewer2_2000
20-Jul-2008
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best place to just have fun
our family has ben coming here for over 25 years and have been enjoying every bit of it
(name not given)
21-Jul-2008
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Family Favorite
wow! fabulous park year round. We did the winter camping and tobaggan run in dec. And last summer we did camping, biking and canoeing. i love it!
Written by chrisbusto
3-Jan-2009
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fishing
(name not given)
24-Jan-2009
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AWESOME PLACE!
Our family took a Saturday to come up and go on the toboggan run. What a blast! It was a great time. My husband and I also came to the restaraunt at the Inn for our anniversary and it was wonderful as well. A great treasure for everyone!
Written by Heather from Fort Wayne
2-Feb-2009
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Long Time Family Vacation Spot
My family has visited Pokagon State Park since I was a child. I now share the experience with my own family. We visit several times every summer also in spring. Hope to visit in winter as well. Beautiful!! Priceless!! Historic!!
Written by Tricia
23-Apr-2009
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Love the Place
We camp (tent & pop-up) here 2 to 3 times a year in the newer section. We recommend it to all of our friends & family. We love the horses, the hiking, swimming and just hanging out at the campfire!
Written by Indiana Family
28-Apr-2009
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I love this place
I have been going to Pokagon State Park since i was a kid every year it is a great place to go on vacation
Written by Karen
31-May-2009
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One of my favorite parks
it is so fun to go to the nature center. everyone that works there is so helpfull
Written by jonathan stauffer
20-Jun-2009
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Great park, but
The bathrooms are horrible. Mildew on the shower curtains, no bench to put your stuff, and the shower heads have so much iron build up that the water barely comes out. Also no soap on the sinks. Otherwise I loved the park.
(name not given)
15-Jul-2009
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woooh!
fun. i guess. lol. haha.
Written by nicoleee. im amazing.
4-Sep-2009
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Family Tradition
Both my parents and their parents came here when they were young. My siblings and I were taken here every summer when we were young. Now my children will be coming here every summer as I have. There is so much to do and it is awesome.
(name not given)
8-Sep-2009
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I very much enjoyed my time in the park. We had a company management retreat. Great setting and was fun. Beautiful country.
Written by Gene Barnes, Springfield, MO
9-Oct-2009
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Perfect Fall Weekend
Pokagon was beautiful this weekend. The trails were perfect for walks with the dogs and getting in a bit of trail-running. Most enjoyable were all the terrific people I met. Special thanks to all the park staff, everyone was so helpful and had great attittudes. Spent some time kayaking on Lake James and enjoyed the swans and ducks. Perfect time of the year to get out on the lake for us paddlers... and the lake is so clean.
Plan to make another trip over the winter to enjoy the toboggan run.
Written by Leslie A. Wilson
16-Nov-2009
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Where Memories are Made
I have been going to this park since I was a little girl. Now, my husband and I go camping with our son. I love everything about this park. There is something for all ages!!
Written by Kristy
30-Jan-2010
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| Camping: |
| Campground equipped with flush toilets, hot water and showers. Sites also have picnic tables and fire ring. Electricity also available
* Electric / 200 sites * Non-Electric / 73 sites * Camp, Group * Youth Tent Areas * Dumping Station * Camp Store |
| Trails: |
| Nine walking trails throughout the park ranging from easy to moderate with the longest trail at 2.2 miles in length. Eleven miles of total walking pleasure (Handicapped vehicle available for use at the Nature Center). Two trails are accessible with a handicapped scooter |
| Swimming: |
| Large swimming area with a bathhouse and concession area. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing - Bass, bluegill, walleye, crappie, northern pike and catfish just to name a few. Licenses are available at the Park Office. |
| History of the Area: |
| Legend says that Leopold Pokagon was the son of a Chippawa father and Ottawa mother, born around the year 1775. He was abducted from his Chippawa village by a Potawatomi chief and given to Chief Topenebee of the Potawatomi. He was given the name Pokagon because he was wearing a headdress which contained a human rib. The word Pokagon means "rib". However, books later written by his son, Simon, tend to refute this legend.
Simon Pokagon, son of Leopold, was born in an old Potawatomi village. When Simon was eleven years old, his father died and area settlers took the task of educating him. He eventually attended four years at Notre Dame, one year at Oberlin, and two years at Twinsburg College in Ohio. During his college career, Simon met and married a Potawatomi Indian girl name Lonidaw. They built a wigwam home of bark and poles in a stately wood near a crystal lake somewhere in Northern Indiana. Lake Lonidaw, in Pokagon State Park, got its name because it is said to resemble this legendary lake.
In treaties of 1826 and 1830, the Potawatomi tribe sold all their land which made up a large part of Northern Indiana and included the present site of Chicago. They were compensated with three cents an acre, which even at that time was considered an extremely small amount. It would be 70 years before they would be fully paid for the land. Following the treaty of 1830, the Potawatomi were evicted from the area and were relocated west of the Mississippi River to what is now Kansas. Leopold's band moved on their own to an area north of South Bend near Dowagiac, Michigan. In 1893, Simon Pokagon and his family attended the World's Fair in Chicago. It was there that Chief Pokagon transferred the deeds for the land. The occasion was a formality that was long overdue.
In 1925, after careful planning and negotiating, the residents of Steuben County purchased 580 acres along the shores of Lake James and Snow Lake. The land was tendered as a Christmas gift from the residents of Steuben County to the State of Indiana. Another additional 127 acres were added by the State to make a total of 707 acres.
1926 was the actual starting point of park construction. The park at that time consisted of 707 acres and was the third largest park in the state. After approximately two years, the twenty unit hotel (Potawatomi Inn) was completed, costing $3500.00 per unit. On February 23, 1927, Colonel Richard Lieber, State Conservation Commissioner suggested the name Pokagon after the Chief. By unanimous agreement, the park was officially named Pokagon State Park.
Most of the park construction was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps. (CCC) between 1934 and 1942. They constructed the roads, trails, camping units, walks, gate house, cabins, beach house, shelter house, Spring Shelter, Saddle Barn, and the first toboggan slide. In addition, they planted thousands of young trees.
The park presently has 1,203 acres of woods and shoreline. People come from all over the Midwest to enjoy the park and recreational activities offered all four seasons of the year. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| Hotels/Motels | |  | Suburban Extended Stay Hotel - South Bend, IN
The newly built Suburban Extended Stay? Hotel provides easy access to a number of local points of interest. This extended stay hotel offers features and amenities like: Well-equipped kitchens, Weekly housekeeping services, Free premium cable television with movie channels,On-site guest laundry facilities, Free wireless high-speed Internet access, Free local calls. Guests can also enjoy the indoor pool and fitness center. Give us a visit on the website or call us for reservations.
Web Site: http://www.suburbanhotels.com/hotel-south_bend-indiana-IN305?sid=Mhwci |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
| Our Hoosier State beneath us: Geomorphology: Pokagon State Park: Ice Age Legacy - Pokagon State Park: Ice Age Legacy (GM-30) On the shores of ... Lake James and Snow Lake in Indiana's lake country lies Pokagon State Park, named for a famous Potawatomi chief. Pokagon State Park is. | | Pokagon State Park, IN - Pokagon State Park, Angola. Directions: Right on I69 Trail Information: Many trails leading all over this wonderful Park. You can run on hills, or flat grounds. There are many 5 mile loops too.... | | Sycamore Hill -- Area attractions -- Duesenberg Museum, Pokagon State Park - Pokagon State Park Hiking trails, swimming, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, Mushroom Hunting (10 min.) Pidgeon River Wildlife Area Hiking trails, hunting,... | | Pokagon State Park - Pokagon State Park Located in Steuben County 450 Lane 100 Lake James - Angola, IN 46703 219-833-2012. Pokagon State Park is located near Angola off I-69. Natural lakes abound in this area and... | | Pokagon State Park - Indiana Birding Guide - A birders' guide to visiting Indiana's Pokagon State Park. This page is part of a comprehensive guide to Indiana birding. |
| Nature Programs: |
| Nature Center - Exhibits on park?s natural and cultural history. Staffed by an interpretive naturalist to help with your discovery of nature at its best. |
| Area Attractions: |
| Toboggan Run at Pokagon State Park
What a thrill! That?s what you?ll say once you?ve experienced the quarter mile toboggan track at speeds of 35-40 miles per hour! The toboggan operates weekends from the Friday after Thanksgiving through February, with extended holiday hours.
Cross-country Skiing on groomed trails available only with a six inch base of snow (equipment rental available). Ice Skating, Ice Fishing available on Lake James weather permitting (at your own risk).
* Cross Country Skiing * Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Services * Picnicking/Shelters (Shelter Reservations) * Meeting & Conference Facilities * Picnicking * Playground Equipment * Rental - Paddleboat, Rowboat and Pontoon * Rental - Recreation Building * Saddle Barn with escorted rides (260) 833-6007 * Sand Volley Ball Court * Swimming / Beach (Policy) * Toboggan Run (seasonal)
Within two minutes from the Inn:
* Every shopper?s dream - Outlet Shoppes of Fremont - featuring such brand names as Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger and Jockey. * Pokagon Falls Miniature Golf - Fun for young and old. * Country Meadows Golf Course - 18-hole par 71 course, snack bar and bar.
Within ten minutes from the Inn:
* Fun Spot Amusement Park - Featuring Roller Coasters, Water Slides and Petting Zoo * Yogi Bears Jellystone Park - Featuring several Water Slides and Camping * Rapid Raceway Go-Karts - Presenting the Thunder Dome, an indoor racing facility that offers group rates * Angola Motor Speedway - offering Stock Car racing on most Summer weekends * Piggy?s Play-A-Round - featuring an indoor golf range and outside miniature golf * Historical downtown Angola, featuring soldier?s monument, antique shopping, jewelry stores and dining * Buck Lake Ranch - an indoor and outdoor flea market, summer concerts and dances * Nature Preserves - Pokagon Nature Preserve, McClue Reserve, Ropchan Wildlife Preserve, and Beechwood Nature Reserve * The Strand Theater and the Brokaw 1 & 2 featuring new releases * State Line Golf Center featuring 36 holes of miniature golf, pro shop, driving range and grass tees * Golf Courses for every skill set. From easy to championship.
Within thirty minutes from the Inn:
* Auburn, IN - Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum featuring an exhibit of more than 100 unique classical automobiles, plus a small theater presentation * Also in Auburn a World War II museum, just off of I-69 - don?t miss Kruse auction Labor Day weekend * Mongo, IN - a town just west of Angola featuring Pigeon River Canoe Rental, Indiana State Fish and Wildlife area * La Grange, IN - visit Amish Country attractions * Shipshewana, IN - featuring the famous Shipshewana flea market and a quaint town with old time stores and shopping area * Satek Winery - featuring local award winning wines * Fort Wayne Children?s Zoo. Voted one of the top ten best children?s zoos in the United States. |
| Area Campgrounds | | Pentecostal Church of God Campgrounds
1251 W Camden Rd
Camden, MI
(517) 254-4549
| Camp Sack-In
8740 E 40 S
Angola, IN
(260) 665-5166
| Lime Lake Campground
9660 Reading Rd
Reading, MI
(517) 283-3602
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| | Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Ultimate Warrior Sporting Goods & More Inc
1385 N 200 W
Angola, IN
(260) 665-5522
| Corner Landing The
3945 N 300 W
Angola, IN
(260) 833-2112
| Long Lake Grocery
9651 Bankers Rd
Reading, MI
(517) 283-2932
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| | Area Resorts and Lodging | | Cold Springs Resort
260 Lane 120F Hamilton Lk
Hamilton, IN
(260) 488-2920
| Potawatomi Inn
6 Lane 100A Lake James
Angola, IN
(260) 833-1077
| Narrows Resort & Campgrounds
193 Narrows Rd
Coldwater, MI
(517) 279-7225
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| Directions: |
| * Chicago, IL:
(Approximately three hours and 160 miles) Take the Tri-State East 294, onto the Indiana toll road, I-80/90. Take the Indiana toll road east and merge onto I-69 south, exit 144. Follow I-69 to exit 154 and turn right off exit ramp. Continue straight, as this is the road into Pokagon State Park and Potawatomi Inn.
* Detroit, MI:
(Approximately two and a half hours and 150 miles) Take I-75 south toward Toledo. Merge onto the I-80/90 toll road west exit 144 to I-69 south. Follow I-69 to exit 154 and turn right off exit ramp. Continue Straight, as this is the road into Pokagon State Park and Potawatomi Inn.
* Ft. Wayne, IN:
(Approximately 45 minutes and 44 miles) Take I-69 to exit 154 and turn left off exit ramp onto 127 and turn left at stop light onto 727. Continue Straight, as this is the road into Pokagon State Park and Potawatomi Inn.
* Indianapolis, IN:
(Approximately three hours and 170 miles) Take I-465 north, merge onto I-69 North exit 37B toward Ft. Wayne. Follow I-69 to exit 154 and turn left off exit ramp onto 127 and turn left at stop light onto 727. Continue straight, as this is the road into Pokagon State Park and Potawatomi Inn.
* Lansing, MI:
(Approximately one and a half hours and 86 miles) Take I-69 south toward Ft. Wane, Indiana. Follow I-69 to exit 154 and turn right off exit ramp. Continue straight, as this is the road into Pokagon State Park and Potawatomi Inn.
* Toledo, OH:
(Approximately one and a half hours and 90 miles) Take I-80/90 toll road west exit 144 to I-69 south. Follow I-69 to exit 154 and turn right off exit ramp. Continue straight, as this is the road into Pokagon State Park and Potawatomi Inn. |
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