Exploring Kokiwannee: Angola's Natural Wonder Nearby

Angola, Indiana, is home to several nature preserves and parks, including the McClue Nature Preserve, Loon Lake Nature Preserve, and Wing Haven Nature Preserve. The Kokiwannee Nature Preserve is located in British Columbia, Canada, and is approximately 19 kilometres away from Nelson. The Kokiwannee Nature Preserve offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. It is known for its sandy beaches, adventure playground, and boat launch.

Driving directions to Kokiwannee Nature Preserve from Angola

Get on I-69 N from W Gale St and N Wayne St.

• Head north on N Public Sq toward W Gale St
• Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Gale St
• Turn right onto N Wayne St
• Turn left to merge onto I-69 N toward Lansing

Follow I-69 N to Steuben County. Take exit 348 from I-69 N.

Merge onto I-69 N

Take US-20 W/IN-5 to your destination in Pleasant Lake

• Take exit 348 from I-69 N
• Turn left onto US-20 W/IN-5 (signs for LaGrange/Angola)
• Turn right onto N Wayne St
• Turn left onto W Maumee St
• Turn right onto N Williams St
• Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Mill St
• Turn right onto N Council St
• Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Old US Highway 20 W
• Turn right
• Turn left

Alternative route

Get on I-69 N from W Gale St and N Wayne St.

• Head north on N Public Sq toward W Gale St
• Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Gale St
• Turn right onto N Wayne St
• Turn left to merge onto I-69 N toward Lansing

Follow I-69 N to US-20 W/IN-5 in Fremont. Take exit 348 from I-69 N

Merge onto I-69 N

Take US-20 W/IN-5 to your destination

• Take exit 348 from I-69 N
• Turn right onto US-20 W/IN-5 (signs for LaGrange/Angola)
• Turn left onto N Williams St
• Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Mill St
• Turn right onto N Council St
• Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Old US Highway 20 W
• Turn right
• Turn left

Activities at Kokiwannee Nature Preserve

The Kokiwannee Nature Preserve in Indiana offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here is a list of things to do and see:

Hiking, Walking, and Running

The 1.6-mile loop trail is a popular choice for hikers, walkers, and runners. It is considered moderately challenging and takes approximately 35 minutes to complete. The trail is open all year round, and dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash. The trail offers a pleasant escape, with multiple paths to make your adventure as long or as short as you like.

Waterfalls

The preserve is home to three waterfalls: Kissing Falls, Daisy Low Falls, and Frog Falls. The waterfalls vary in height, ranging from 6 feet to 20 feet. The amount of water flowing over the falls depends on the rainfall, so the more rain there has been, the more impressive the cascades will be. During cold months, the waterfalls freeze over, creating a majestic sight.

Nature Appreciation

The preserve boasts a diverse ecosystem with many species of trees, wildflowers, and birds. Visitors can spot wood ducks, bald eagles, and great blue herons wading in the shallow water. The Salamonie River, which runs alongside the trail, offers additional opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Photography

The waterfalls, river views, and vibrant Midwest forests provide ample opportunities for photographers to capture stunning natural landscapes.

Birdwatching

With a variety of bird species, including wood ducks, bald eagles, and great blue herons, the preserve is an ideal spot for birdwatchers.

Relaxation

The Kokiwannee Nature Preserve offers a peaceful and tranquil escape from everyday life. Visitors can enjoy the quiet solitude of nature, especially during the quieter times of the day and in the middle of the week when there are fewer crowds.

Wildlife at Kokiwannee Nature Preserve

Kokiwannee Nature Preserve is a treasure trove of ecological diversity. The preserve features bluffs along the Salamonie River, as well as streams and waterfalls that tumble into the river. The waterfalls include Kissing Falls, Daisy Low Falls, and Frog Falls. The area was purchased as farmland for the Girl Scouts in 1945 and operated as a camp from 1945 to 1996. The Girl Scouts turned the farmland back over to nature during this time.

Today, the preserve is home to many species of trees, wildflowers, and birds. Wildflowers include snow trillium, and birds range from wood ducks and bald eagles to great blue herons wading in the shallow water. The Salamonie River is also home to wood ducks and bald eagles.

The Kokiwannee Nature Preserve has approximately 140 acres of land and 4.6 miles of trails. The main loop is 1.6 miles long and family-friendly, except for a steep hill on one part of it. There are also many other offshoots, most of which are not marked.

Camping at Kokiwannee Nature Preserve

The Kokiwanee Nature Preserve in Lagro, Indiana, is a great place for camping and other outdoor activities. The preserve offers a range of trails for hikers of all levels, from easy to rugged, with a total of 4.6 miles of trails to explore. The main loop is 1.6 miles long and is suitable for families, except for a steep hill on one part of the trail. There are also several offshoots and smaller loops to discover, including the Three Falls Trail, which features several small waterfalls along the way.

The Kokiwanee Nature Preserve has a rich history. The land was originally purchased as farmland for the Girl Scouts in 1945, with the help of the Kokomo Kiwanis, and was named Kokiwanee. The Girl Scouts operated a camp on the property from 1945 to 1996, allowing nature to reclaim the land. Today, the preserve is a diverse ecological haven, with many species of trees, wildflowers, and birds.

When planning a camping trip to Kokiwanee Nature Preserve, it is important to note that the parking area is small, and the preserve can get quite busy, especially on weekends. The signage at the beginning of the trails is okay, but it becomes confusing once you venture off the main trail. It is recommended to bring a map, as the trail markings are not always clear.

The Kokiwanee Nature Preserve offers a peaceful and scenic camping experience, with nearby hotels and restaurants for additional convenience. The preserve is a great choice for those seeking to explore the beauty of nature while also enjoying the comforts of modern amenities.

History of Kokiwannee Nature Preserve

The Kokiwannee Nature Preserve in Lagro, Indiana, is a 132- or 140-acre nature reserve featuring bluffs, streams, and waterfalls along the Salamonie River. The land was originally purchased as farmland for the Girl Scouts in 1945 with the help of the Kokomo Kiwanis, hence the name Kokiwanee. The Girl Scouts operated a camp on the property from 1945 to 1996, turning the former farmland back over to nature.

In more recent years, the ACRES Land Trust has taken care of the land, buying it from the Girl Scouts and turning it into a nature preserve. The preserve is now a treasure trove of ecological diversity with many species of trees, wildflowers, and birds. The waterfalls in the preserve include Kissing Falls, Daisy Low Falls, and Frog Falls. The trail to the falls is about 0.2 to 0.3 miles long and is considered moderately difficult. The Salamonie River State Forest, located near the preserve, also features several waterfalls and is a popular spot for hiking and nature photography.

The Kokiwannee Nature Preserve trail is a loop trail that runs alongside the Salamonie River. It is accessible year-round and offers brilliant colours during autumn and a winter wonderland during the colder months. The trail is considered moderately difficult, and hikers can expect to see vibrant and beautiful forests of the Midwest. The preserve also offers stunning lake views and a private lake for those who spend the night in the Indiana cabin.

Frequently asked questions