Paynetown SRA
Bloomington, IN
This park is located on the north shores of Lake Monroe comprising woodland and open woodland habitat.
Specialty Species:
Waterfowl: Scan the lake for a chance at many species of waterfowl. Check the boat ramp, campground, and nature center area.
Warblers: Look for warblers in the trees on the tip of the peninsula in the spring and fall.
Where to Bird:
- Boat Ramp
- Campground
- Nature Center Area
- Blue Bird Trail
Boat Ramp: Check this area for waterfowl on the lake. Watch the trees around the area for migrant passerines during the spring and fall and look for many species of woodpeckers.
Campground: Scan the lake from this vantage point for a chance at many species of waterfowl. Watch for many species of sparrows throughout the campground in the winter.
Nature Center Area: Waterfowl on the lake can be seen from this area. Bird the trees at the point for many migrant passerines in the spring and fall including warblers and thrushes.
Blue Bird Trail: Take this trail from spring-fall. Look for all the common residents. During the summer, look for species such as Wood Thrush and Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
After passing the gatehouse take the first left and drive through this the primitive campground. Take your next left and follow this road to the tip of the peninsula. Park at the end and scan the lake and search the trees for birds. Go back up toward the campground, but instead of turning back right and driving back from where you came from, keep going straight into the modern campground. Scan the lake from where the road ends and bird the trees around the campground for other birds. Drive back to the main road and turn left. Follow this road to the boat ramp and scan the lake from this vantage point.Hours:
None
Fees:
$4 from Monday-Thursday
$5 from Friday-Sunday
Accessiblity:
Much of the area is able to be birded by car and most of the other areas are paved making the area very handicap accessible.
Trails:
There are only a couple miles of trails.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
Half or full day visit is recommended
Map:
- Indiana DNR - Lake Monroe
Website:
Directions:
From the North: From the intersection of SR-46 and SR-446, travel south on SR-446 from Bloomington. After 6.3 miles, turn left (west) into Paynetown SRA.
From the South: From the intersection of US-50 and SR-446, travel north on SR-446. After crossing over the causeway, go 1 mile and turn left (west) into Paynetown SRA.
Address:
4850 South State Road 446
Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 837-9546
Nearby Birding: