Despite the cold, rejuvenation is found in Noble County in January and February! Winter sports and leisure opportunities are not to be missed. Cross-country skiing, ice skating, sledding, ice fishing, disc golf, and wandering the winter wonderland are among the many ways you can rejuvenate this winter in Noble!
Prepare for your own safety and comfort
For your safety and comfort:
Dress in layers.
Bring a friend.
Drink plenty of water.
Follow these tips by planning accordingly to enjoy the outdoors like a pro! We also suggest you bring a camera! You will find many birds, landscapes, and memories in the making worthy of photographing this winter.
Ice Safety Tips
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources offers important safety tips for anyone planning to venture out onto local lakes and waterways this winter.
Cross-Country Skiing
Topping our list of winter fun is the chance to cross-county ski! Take a trip to Chain O’ Lakes State Park and explore 30+ miles of trails in a whole new way - on skis! Bring your own skis and follow both groomed and ungroomed trails across the terrain. The park staff recommends Trail 10.
Ice Skating
Chain O’Lakes State Park is a top choice, where access to ice skate is free at Sand Lake! Follow the signs to the "Beach" to enjoy an extensive area with direct and easy access. You'll need to bring your own skates and a snow shovel. Staff at the park does clear an area for skating, however the weather can change quickly so it's best to be prepared. Be sure to review the safety tips above before you venture out.
Sledding & Snowmen
Flying fast down a hill covered in snow brings the child out in everyone! While in Noble, try the epic sledding hills at Hidden Diamonds Park in Albion. The Central Noble School campus located on State Road 8 (Main Street) in Albion also has a great sledding hill, located on the east edge of the school campus.
Try sledding at the Kendallville Golf Course . Proceed cautiously, enjoy this snowy tradition, and bring enthusiasm for an adrenaline-filled adventure!
Slower slopes are available to enjoy at Bixler Park, There, you can sled, build a snowman, and take photos of the winter wonderland! The beautiful lodge-style Kendallville Public Library is nearby. Stop by to use the restroom, warm up, and enjoy any of the many reading materials and other activities they offer.
Ice Fishing
With 117 lakes, Noble County is a great place for a winter catch! Ice fishing is so popular here that we suggest you explore this dedicated blog post to learn more!
Insider Tip: “Once SAFE ice is on the lake, fishermen can unload at our back parking lot and use Ice Angler’s Express to get to some of the best ice fishing in Noble County. Since some of the best fishing happens during early morning/evening hours, we allow fishermen to be on the lake after dark. Fishermen must have a valid Indiana-issued fishing license.” - from the staff at Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site located on the shores of Sylvan Lake in Rome City.
Find licensing information and more provided by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:
Walks & Parks
Take a wintery walk with your favorite person! Noble Trails glisten in winter!
Winter in Indiana is a true transformation from what is seen during the other seasons. When covered in snow, the landscape has a special charm, especially while enjoying a quiet winter walk on the Fishing Line Trail. The Fishing Line connects Kendallville to Rome City, stretching through the countryside in between. Bundle up and take a stroll along this beautiful route! You'll find parking available at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site.
Along the way, enjoy the grounds of a gem, the Cabin at Wildflower Woods at the Gene Stratton-Porter Site. Venture a little west and enjoy the restored wetlands and historic red barn. The barn provides the perfect backdrop for a new family photo!
Need more ideas? Explore the many complimentary amenities Noble County’s public parks have to offer.