WELCOME TO POTAWATOMI WILDLIFE PARK

Welcome to Potawatomi Wildlife Park – Where Nature, History, and Community Come Together

Tucked away in the heart of northern Indiana, Potawatomi Wildlife Park is a unique sanctuary where more than 300 acres of prairie, woodland, and wetlands invite you to explore, relax, and reconnect—with nature, with our local heritage, and with one another. Whether you're walking our five miles of scenic trails, enjoying one of our free community events, or quietly observing wildlife in its natural setting, there's always something inspiring to experience here.

This special place began as the vision of Vernon Romine, a generous local landowner who believed that everyone—especially children and families with limited means—deserved free access to the outdoors. When Vernon passed away in 1979, he entrusted 151 acres to be developed into a park by five local service clubs. That seed of generosity has since flourished into a vibrant, 300-acre public space, nurtured by a dedicated board and a community of generous supporters.

Our mission is to connect people with nature, local history, and their community through low-impact recreation and educational programming. Our vision is to grow as a thriving community hub that fosters connections through nature, history and recreational opportunities for all.

We’re not a county or state park—we’re a privately run, community-powered haven that’s free and open to the public. Everything we offer, from educational programs to trail maintenance and field trips, is made possible through donations. It takes around $130,000 each year to keep the park thriving, and every gift makes a difference.

So whether you're here to hike, learn, reflect, or simply take a breath and enjoy the quiet—you belong here. Potawatomi Wildlife Park is your park. Come discover what makes it such a special place.