Lakes, trails and nature center

Pokagon State Park

About 12.3 road miles · roughly 31 minutes

Pokagon State Park offers Lake James, wooded trails, CCC history and seasonal recreation about 12.3 road miles from Pleasant Lake Station.

The place

About Pokagon State Park

Pokagon State Park is one of Indiana's original state parks, framed by Lake James and Snow Lake near Angola.

Trails cross hardwood forest, wetlands, meadows and CCC-era landscapes; the park also offers fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, camping and seasonal winter recreation.

Indiana DNR currently posts a year-round blue-green-algae warning for park lakes: do not drink the water and shower after swimming.

The selected images date from 2006-2013 and do not establish current water, ice, trail, road, building or access conditions.

What stands out

Walk a marked woodland trail

Choose from routes through forest, wetland, meadow and CCC landscapes.

Visit the nature center

Explore regional natural and cultural exhibits after confirming the conflicting live hours.

See Lake James

Plan boating, fishing or swimming around current water and weather alerts.

Find CCC history

Look for stone and log structures built during the 1934-1942 camp era.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in an Indiana Rail Experience trip

Public-road routing from Pleasant Lake Station measured 19,864 meters, about 12.3 miles or 31 minutes. It ranks first by the repository's distance-aware local ordering; Auburn remains the more direct thematic connection to the September Hoosier Tour.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Vehicle entryThe 2026 guide lists $7 daily for Indiana-plated noncommercial vehicles and $15 for nonresident vehicles; fees can change.
  • Nature centerThe seasonal page says daily 10-5 Memorial Day-Labor Day and Wed-Sun 10-5 off-season, while a second current page lists Wed-Fri noon-5 and Sat-Sun 10-5. Confirm before travel.
  • Lake alertBlue-green algae can occur year-round. Do not drink lake water and shower after swimming.
  • TrailsThe official page lists easy, moderate and moderately rugged routes; stay on marked trails and choose by current conditions.
  • Mobility deviceA motorized wheelchair can be used on trails and around facilities; contact the park for availability, fit and route suitability.
  • PetsThe 2026 state guide requires pets on a leash no longer than six feet and attended at all times.
  • WinterThe refrigerated toboggan run is seasonal; its separate schedule and rental fees do not describe general park hours.

Add transportation history

Add Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum

Choose Auburn for a landmark Art Deco showroom and more than 120 automobiles.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

How much is vehicle entry?

The 2026 guide lists $7 for Indiana-plated noncommercial vehicles and $15 for nonresident vehicles.

What are the nature-center hours?

Two current DNR pages conflict. One lists daily 10-5 Memorial Day-Labor Day and Wed-Sun 10-5 off-season; another lists Wed-Fri noon-5 and Sat-Sun 10-5. Confirm first.

Is there a current lake warning?

Yes. Indiana DNR says blue-green algae is found year-round; do not drink the water and shower after swimming.

Are the trails wheelchair accessible?

The park offers a motorized trail wheelchair, but it does not publish one complete universally accessible route. Contact staff for current suitability and availability.

Are pets allowed?

The 2026 state guide requires pets to remain attended on a leash no longer than six feet.

Is the toboggan run open year-round?

No. It is a seasonal winter attraction with a separate schedule and rental fee.

What else can I do?

Official activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, camping, nature programs and seasonal winter recreation.

Do the photos show current conditions?

No. The images date from 2006-2013 and do not prove current water, ice, trails, roads, structures or access.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-17. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.