Fox Island Nature Preserve – Fort Wayne, Indiana - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

Fox Island Nature Preserve

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Discover a beautiful natural paradise, minutes away from a thriving city.  

View all photos
Fall Colors at Fox Island boyertom (Atlas Obscura User)
Fall Colors at Fox Island boyertom (Atlas Obscura User)
Wetlands at Fox Island boyertom (Atlas Obscura User)
Woods at Fox Island boyertom (Atlas Obscura User)
70
325
Top Places in Fort Wayne
John Chapmnan's gravestone
Grave of Johnny Appleseed
Fort Wayne, Indiana
The Fun Farm
Fort Wayne, Indiana
 See All

Nearly 300 acres of forest and wetlands make up this peaceful nature preserve on the outskirts of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The calm forests and open meadows are perfect for a fun family hike or picnic.

Marshes and swamps border a dune that developed more than 10,000 years ago after the retreat of the Wisconsin Glacier. As the glacier moved and melted away, winter winds picked up tiny bits of sand that piled into large drifts known as sluice dunes. Though most of these drifts are gone now,  but Fox Island is home to an impressive sluice dune. It extends the length of the park, and stands 40 feet above the marsh at its highest point.

Summer weather brings with it the chance to enjoy swimming at Bowman Lake. Fall is when the colors come alive, with trees ablaze in every hue. Snowy winters offer lots of chances for cross-country skiing. Spring brings new flowers and the return of wildlife, and a chance to rediscover the miles of trails with wildflowers in bloom. Check out the nature center, bird observatory, and geogarden.

Know Before You Go

The park offers picnic shelters with grills, restrooms, fishing, boat rental, playgrounds, and a doggie beach. Pets are not allowed in the state nature preserve, but are welcome in the park's picnic areas.

nature preserves hiking nature
Nearby
Grave of Johnny Appleseed
8.63 miles
The Fun Farm
10.22 miles
Huntington Sunken Gardens
17.28 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
John Chapmnan's gravestone
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Grave of Johnny Appleseed

This grave marks the final resting place of pioneer John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed.
The Fun Farm
Fort Wayne, Indiana

The Fun Farm

The Fun Farm weaves fairy tales, myths, and magic into a magnificent collection for visitors to explore.
Huntington, Indiana

Huntington Sunken Gardens

A former limestone quarry has found a new life as a flourishing community garden.
Grabill, Indiana

Grabill Country Sales

A bakery and variety store filled with an extensive taxidermy collection.
Related Places
A wall of sandstone with a small opening
Covington, Indiana

Portland Arch

One of Indiana's only natural sandstone arches is nestled between resort ruins and an old Boy Scouts camp.
Monteverde, Costa Rica

Reserva Curi Cancha

This wildlife refuge is home to more than 200 species of birds, as well as monkeys, lizards, and other wildlife.
Green arch in Fragas do Eume.
Cabanas, Spain

Fragas do Eume

This enchanting natural park is a magical example of a temperate rainforest in Europe.
Dana Village.
Bsaira District, Jordan

Dana Village

A ghost village sits atop a mountain within Jordan’s largest biosphere reserve.
Appears in 1 List
West portal of the east tunnel.
List

A Dozen Accessible Fall Hikes to Delight and Inspire

For nature lovers of all stripes.
Jonathan Carey November 4, 2022
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web