Wherever your interests lie in outdoor and recreational life, chances are good that you'll find it in Kendallville!

The crown jewel of our park department is 527-acre Bixler Lake Park. Within the heart of the city, Bixler offers a 3.1-mile hiking/biking path through the nature area, which encompasses the beautiful 117-acre Bixler Lake. In the summer, the Lake is alive with swimmers from two sandy beaches, while kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and fishing are also popular sports. Boat ramp and pier are provided. During the winter months, it’s ice fishing, ice-skating, hockey, and bird watching that brings our residents and visitors to the park. Additionally, the park offers picnic areas, numerous playgrounds, and a plenitude of space for quiet reflection.

Bixler Lake Campground, located at the south end of the lake, offers the camper 90 modern sites including some with hookups. Clean restrooms and hot showers are available.

Sunset Park, with its open space layout, has soccer and football fields, four softball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds and covered picnic pavilions. This park also offers rental garden plots.

The Park Department's Youth Center features activities such as tumbling, gymnastics, craft projects and a variety of activities for preschoolers through senior citizens.

Expansion is on tap for both the Park Department and our active YMCA. Plans are well underway for the new $3 million dollar, 80-acre Kendallville Outdoor Sports and Recreation Complex. Located just east of Bixler Lake, this complex will connect with the existing park via a walking/biking path and will be the location of eight new ball fields, four soccer fields, basketball court, horseshoe pit, and playground. This central sports complex will be geared toward keeping families together who may have more than one child involved in various sports, thus eliminating the need for driving all over town to various ball fields and sporting events.

The 25,000-square-foot Cole Center Family YMCA is currently under construction with its $5.5 million dollar expansion. A hub of community activity, the Y will be adding a second indoor pool to the existing 42' x 75' heated pool. A second full-sized gymnasium will be added as well. Completion is targeted for fall of 2002.

There's great news if its golf that draws you out of doors! Kendallville's three public courses meet the needs of every golfer. The beautiful Steve Burns designed Cobblestone Golf Course offers 18 challenging holes in a scenic location. The golf shop, 19th hole grill, and banquet facilities that accommodate up to 250 make this the perfect place for golf groups and special events.

Noble Hawk Golf Links offers 18 championship holes in a seaside links atmosphere. This peacefully landscaped course is located just two miles south of town and offers a driving range, pro shop, clubhouse, outdoor barbecue and picnic areas.

The Elks Club nine-hole course is open to the public and features a scenic veranda for food or beverage between rounds. Lounge, dining facilities, and banquet facilities are also available.

Soar above Kendallville in an airplane or glider ride available by arrangement at the Kendallville Municipal Airport. A bird's eye view awaits you!

Our beautiful four-season climate offers something for everyone who wants to be out-of-doors. No matter what the season, you won't lack for something to do in Kendallville!

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