Boot Lake Nature Preserve

Boot Lake Nature Preserve’s sprawling 300 acres encompass wetland, forest, and prairie habitat. A portion of the site has a unique story–having been reclaimed from the City of Elkhart’s sludge farm.

The transformed site is now a state-dedicated nature preserve protecting Indiana’s rare and endangered wetland plants and animals.

The preserve is recognized by National Audubon as an Important Bird Area with over 200 species documented, including sensitive grassland-nesting birds found in the 80 acres of restored prairie.

Visitors can enjoy a small picnic pavilion, wetland and prairie overlooks, and four miles of trails intertwined with the variety of habitat.