Come with me to beautiful Chain O' Lakes State Park in Albion, Indiana! This park is absolutely a small boater's paradise thanks to the 5-mile, 9-lake paddling challenge. But it's also a hiker's haven with almost 30 miles of trails and home to Indiana's only 100-mile trail race, the Indiana Trail 100.
The sky was cloudy, the air calm, and the water smooth and still, reflecting the trees that towered over me as I sat in my kayak. On a June morning, my friend Jenna and I pushed off from the shore of Sand Lake and began paddling toward the channel across the water. We ducked our heads as we floated under a low walking bridge and wound our way towards Bowen Lake. It was peaceful and serene, with only the sounds of birds chirping and our paddles splashing into the water.
Sometimes the channels took us sliding under oak, hickory, maple, or beech trees. Other times, we had to slow down for technical turns through expansive water lilies. In one truly stunning section, we paddled under a beautiful bridge near the canoe campsite and slipped past absolutely stunning cypress trees out to Rivir Lake. It didn't take much time for Chain O’ Lakes and its 9-Lake Challenge to permanently etch itself into my memories!
IN the Podcast Episode
You’ll discover why Chain O’ Lakes is a small boater’s paradise and a hiker’s haven. I also learned about their campground and charming family cabins. The park’s staff gave me a history of the property, explained what kettle lakes are, and introduced me to some new geological terms: eskers and kames. I also learned about the historic one-room Stanley Schoolhouse and the preschool programs they offer here.
Listen to Chain O’ Lakes State Park: A Small Boater’s Paradise & A Hiker’s Haven on Apple or Spotify.