Enjoy Outdoor Fun this Winter!
As the temperatures drop during the winter months, it’s easy for many of us to fall prey to spending our weekends binge-watching shows on the couch and missing out on all the simple joys of the outdoors. Say YES this winter to getting outdoors in Huntington County. Here’s a list of our favorite winter activities to keep you outside and moving even during our coldest months.
Salamonie Reservoir (DNR Property)
Don’t miss out on the many wintertime activities that you can do right here at Salamonie Reservoir. Did you know that gate fees are waived during the winter months so you can visit as often as you like. Bring your gear and do a little fishing; ice fishing is allowed but please monitor ice conditions as this activity is at your own risk. Take advantage of their extensive trail network and go out on a hike or enjoy cross country skiing when conditions are right. For our adrenaline junkies, the property has open snowmobile trails when we receive at least 4+ inches of snow.
There’s plenty of bird watching at Salamonie as the property is on the Indiana Birding Trail. Bird lovers should also check out the bird watching area at the Intrepretive Center where you can enjoy close up views in the warmth of the indoors and don’t miss their outdoor raptor center with live birds-of-prey. Bring the kids out for Trail Tails and follow the nature story that is posted along the trail. Stop in at the Interpretive Center to report your adventure.
Camping is available during winter months and you can schedule online, but the restroom facilities are closed; modern sites offer electricity only. 9214 Lost Bridge Rd W, Andrews; Interpretive Center hours Daily 11-4 and closed Tuesday.
Please note: Water levels on the lake are lowered during the winter so boating activities are not allowed.
Winter Walks and Hikes
There’s something special about an outdoor walk in the winter. Enjoy fresh air and solitude as you head out on one Huntington County’s many trails. Some of our favorites include the 2.5 mile Forks of the Wabash Trail in Huntington. The trailhead parking lot is located just off of State Road 9 on West Park Drive; the trail follows the Wabash River so you’ll love the awesome views. Make sure you cross the bridge to the island and take in the sites from there! Another of our favorites is Evergreen Park at 1370 Evergreen Rd in Huntington. This is a one mile paved trail that boasts gorgeous overhead views of the Wabash River from several overlook points. There’s benches if you just want to stop and relax with the sites.
ACRES Land Trust has two properties in Huntington, Pehkokia Woods is 1.2 miles in length and is a moderate hike (1429 N. 300 W.). Tel-Hy is a .8 mile hike and also boast overhead river views (1429 N. 300 W., Huntington).
For a complete list of City of Huntington Parks and Recreation trails, go to their website for details.
LC Nature Park
Come see wild bison and elk herds at LC Nature Park just outside of Roanoke. Sign up online for a private 1.3 mile guided hike through the property to see the animals and explore the natural landscape or attend one of their monthly 3rd Saturday hikes. Small children will love their Nature Explorers programming.
See their website for visitor and program information. 9744 Aboite Rd, Roanoke
Huntington County Bike Routes
If your passion is cycling, there’s no reason to stop due to cooler temps. The Huntington Area Recreational Trails Association (HARTA) is your best source for bike routes throughout Huntington County. Within the City of Huntington, choose between several routes that vary in size from 4-10 miles or head out onto county roads for curated routes past scenic landscapes and points of interest that range from 26 to 80 miles in length.
Click here for a map of county routes. When the temps warm back up consider joining one of HARTA's Wed. night weekly group rides that leave from Schenkel Station in Downtown Huntington. 11 W State St, Huntington
JE Roush Fish and Wildlife Property
Avid outdoorsmen will appreciate the amenities and activities at the JE Roush Fish and Wildlife Property just outside of Huntington. Enjoy fishing, hunting and their state-of-the-art outdoor shooting range for archery, handguns, rifles, and shotguns as well as trap and skeet range. Roush is also a wonderful place for bird watching. Additional details can be found on their website. 517 N Warren Road, Huntington
Hillside Shooting Sport
Huntington County is home to Hillside Shooting Sport, one of Indiana’s premier shooting complexes, whose action continues right on through the winter. Enthusiasts come from across the state to enjoy some time on their outdoor range, 3D archery range or shotgun range featuring trap and skeet and 5 stand field. There’s plenty of action inside on their 12 lane indoor pistol range and indoor archery range for those interested. It’s safety first, so sign up for one of Hillside’s instructional courses – details are all listed online. Ask about their Upland Game Hunting. 7870 N. Mayne Road, Roanoke
