Noble County: Lakes, Nature and History

117 lakes and stretches of the Elkhart River shape Noble County’s waterscape. The county has more than 30 public access points to lakes and waterways for activities on the water. They make kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and other water activities possible.

Lakes, Trails and Nature

At Chain O’ Lakes State Park, nine interconnected lakes are at the heart of things to do. Canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, and rowboats are available to rent there. Rental details may change seasonally. The different types of boats give you options for experiencing the lakes in different ways.

Trail details also vary considerably: Black Pine Animal Sanctuary has more than half a mile of paved trails and habitats for wolves, foxes, tigers, bobcats, and bears. Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center offers eight miles of hiking trails where you can explore different ecosystems. G. Martin Kenney Memorial Park in Ligonier has a lighted, one-mile walking trail.

At Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, 90-minute tours explain the stories and species of rescued animals, as well as how an animal sanctuary operates. Accessible tours are available for visitors who find it difficult to walk across the 18-acre grounds. Tour schedules may change seasonally; booking arrangements may also change. The Gene Stratton-Porter Carriage House Visitor Center covers other nature topics, including moths, wildflowers, woodpeckers, and carnivorous plants.

For a broader look at birds and their habitats: a 2024 article about birdwatching names Albion, Kendallville, and Rome City as Bird Towns in Noble County. The recognition reflects these communities’ efforts to protect birds and their natural habitats.

History and Special Places

The Mid-America Windmill Museum was founded in 1992 and displays 52 windmills. The Noble County Courthouse offers another perspective on regional history: it was built of brick and limestone in the Richardsonian Romanesque style from 1887 to 1889.

The Heritage Station Museum displays artifacts from Ligonier’s eventful history, including a restored original Mier carriage built in Ligonier. Ligonier’s historic downtown also has more than three dozen larger-than-life murals on themes from the city’s past. Together, the collection and murals offer different ways to engage with Ligonier and its history.

The cabin designed by Gene Stratton-Porter was completed in 1914 and sits on the shore of Sylvan Lake. The Old Jail Museum presents early Noble County history; in Ligonier, the Visitors Center is also housed in a 1920s gas station.

Plan Visiting Hours and Experiences

The Annie Oakley Perfumery offers public tours in Ligonier on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are not required. Check the hours before you arrive. The Old Jail Museum is open Saturdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend through the third weekend in September.

Ligonier Visitor Center & Heritage Museum has accessible parking, seating, and access for mobility aids. Confirm specific arrangements before your trip. If you’d like to include agricultural experiences in your plans, contact local producers in Noble County: they offer customized tours and experiences, including those focused on grapes and historic tomato varieties. Advance contact is required.

Discover more destinations: Churubusco, Kendallville, Montgomery County, Steuben County, Vanderburgh, Wells County, Orange County, Putnam County.

For the overarching travel guide: Indiana.