Preserve Description

Wing Haven has a rich diversity of plants, birds, mammals and aquatic species in three major ecosystems: glacially carved kettle-hole lakes bordered by a wetland fen system, upland forests and rolling grasslands/meadows. In spring, wildflowers, including white trillium, carpet deep ravines near hundred-year-old log buildings — one now used for ACRES events and another as the caretaker’s residence.

While managing Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park from 1937 to 1948, Helen and Ben Swenson purchased nearby land as their homestead. The couple built and operated Wing Haven Resort here. After Ben’s death in 1954, Helen continued to operate Wing Haven Resort for 15 years. She later bequeathed a portion of the land to ACRES for permanent protection.