Take a Winter Road Trip with ACRES

Thanks to member and volunteer support, ACRES offers many places to explore throughout our region. Each preserve is unique, featuring diverse landscapes. If you’re looking for some new-to-you trails, why not make a day of it?

In this winter edition of our road trip series, we’re sending you to Steuben County to enjoy some cold weather fun.

1. Start at Robb Hidden Canyon

Located 10 miles south of Angola, Robb Hidden Canyon’s trails are a great place for a winter hike or cross-country skiing. With the contour of its steep ravine unobstructed by foliage, the preserve’s natural beauty is laid bare this time of year. The 87-acre property features 1.7 miles of trails. A meadow above the ravine provides a panoramic view of Ball Lake.

2. Hop over to Marion’s Woods

Enjoy a walk among towering trees at Marion’s Woods in the city of Angola. The 19-acre preserve protects mature woods dominated by oak, hickory and cherry. As you walk the half-mile trail, keep an eye out for critter tracks on the snow-covered path.

3. Third Stop: Wing Haven

Travel four miles north, and you will arrive at Wing Haven. This 254-acre preserve surrounds glacially carved kettle-hole lakes. The 1.9-mile trail system climbs a deep ravine and winds through woodland covered in oak, hickory and red maple trees.

This land, now protected by ACRES, was owned by Helen and Ben Swenson, who managed nearby Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park from 1937 to 1948. Helen Swenson was an artist who found inspiration in this natural setting. Near the trailhead, you can see the log cabin she used as an art studio.

Nearby Points of Interest

Here are a couple fun stops to make while you’re in the area:

Toboggan Run at Pokagon State Park
450 Ln 100 Lake James
Angola, IN 46703

Open November – February, the refrigerated toboggan run is a 20-second thrill ride with a total vertical drop of 90 feet over a quarter mile. Check park website for hours and COVID precautions.

Cahoots Coffee Café
218 W. Maumee St.
Angola, IN 46703

Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm Saturday, closed Sunday – Monday

Warm up with a hot drink at this cozy local spot in downtown Angola. The café offers a billiards table, board games and a cabinet of art supplies free for use.

Never miss a story!

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2021 ACRES Quarterly, mailed to members each season. The 20-page Quarterly features ACRES news, stories and events. You can subscribe by becoming an ACRES member with a donation of $20 or more. Click here to learn more!