Potato Creek State Park
North Liberty, IN
This state park offers a variety of habitats including a large lake, woodlands, and marsh areas.
Specialty Species:
Bald Eagle: This is a great place to find eagles throughout the fall and winter.
Osprey: Ospreys can be found nesting on platforms during the summer.
Northern Shrike: Northern Shrikes are found on this property during the winter months. They are typically found in the marshy areas in the southwest corner of the property.
Waterfowl: Many species of waterfowl have been observed on the lake from the late fall through the early spring.
Shorebirds: When the water level is low mudflats are exposed around the lake. This attracts many shorebirds during fall migration when the lake is drawn down. Also check Pierce Road to the west of North Liberty for shorebirds when there has been flooding in the area during the spring.
Warblers: This is a good place to find migrant warblers during spring and fall migration.
Where to Bird:
- Trail 4
- East End of the Lake
- Pierce Road
Trail 4: This trail is the best place to hike when looking for warblers and other passerines.
East End of the Lake: Check this area in the fall for shorebirds. It is known to attract large numbers of these birds when the lake has been drawn down exposing the mudflats.
Pierce Road: Check this area for shorebirds. It is typically best in the spring when there has been flooding.
Hours:
7am – 11pm
Fees:
$4 Monday -Thursday
$5 Friday - Sunday for Indiana plates
$7 Daily for non-Indiana plates
Accessiblity:
Many areas can be birded from your vehicle but the trails are not accessible.
Trails:
Over 9 miles of trails
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
2-3 Hours
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the North: From the intersection of US-20 and US-31 in South Bend, take US-31 South. After 6.25 miles, turn right (west) onto Pierce Road/SR-4. Go 4.65 miles and turn right (north) into Potato Creek State Park.
From the South: From the intersection of US-30 and US-31 in Plymouth, take US-31 North. Go 12.5 miles and turn left (west) onto Pierce Road/SR-4. Go 4.65 miles and turn right (north) into Potato Creek State Park.
From the West: From the intersection of SR-2 and SR-4 in La Porte, IN take SR-4 East. After 6.5 miles, turn right (east) to stay on SR-4. Go 7.7 miles and turn right (east) to stay on SR-4. After 6.5 miles, turn left (north) into the state park.
To get to Pierce Road: Return to SR-4 and turn right (west). After 6.5 miles, continue straight onto Pierce Road. The flooded areas typically begin just past the golf course that is located on the right (north) side of the road.
Address:
25601 St. Rd. 4
North Liberty, IN 46554
574-656-8186
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 908
North Liberty, IN 46554
Nearby Birding: