Spring: March to May in DeKalb County
Spring in DeKalb County heralds the arrival of new life and community events. As nature awakens with birdsong and budding trees, the county comes alive with farmer’s markets, car shows, and more.
Explore the great outdoors by walking our scenic trails or biking through the countryside. And don’t miss out on the vibrant atmosphere of our local farmer’s markets and exciting car shows.
Join us in celebrating the season and connecting with our community. There’s something for everyone to enjoy as we embrace the spirit of spring in DeKalb County.
Adventures
With a variety of parks, canoe launch sites, and trails, DeKalb County is a great place to stay active. If you’re looking for an energetic way to pass the time, our waters and trails offer exercise and relaxation for all ages!
https://www.facebook.com/AuburnWaterlooTrail/
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Auburn to Waterloo
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Enjoy 4 miles of paved trail that extends from Morning Star Rd. at Greenhurst Country Club (Auburn) and Wayne St. at Cedar St. (Waterloo City Limits).
The path follows alongside County Road 427, linking the two towns and skirting past the Middle School and High School. Make sure to pause at the pavilion nearby to admire the exquisite sculpture.
The trail extends between two towns within DeKalb County with a beautiful rest area with a covered pavilion and benches.
- Dog Friendly- Yes, must be leashed
- Bike Friendly-Yes
- Motorized Vehicles- No
- Trail Length- 4 miles
http://www.bridgewatergc.com/
visit website
get directions (260) 925-8184
Always open to the public.
Monday:
CLOSED
Tuesday:
CLOSED
Wednesday:
Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday:
Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday:
Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday:
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday:
CLOSED
Visit Bridgewater, Northeast Indiana’s premier public golfing facility featuring 18 championship holes and the region’s finest practice facility. Five sets of tees allows players to choose yardage that best suits their playing ability. Memberships are available and the Pro Shop is open daily with two PGA golf professionals on site who are available for group or individual instruction.
Experience one of the best restaurants in Northeast Indiana. Bridgewater Golf Club has been recognized as a top restaurant in the area with exceptional reviews from area newspapers. The head chef has developed a menu that includes succulent cuisine such as hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and featured specials. They also offer the best wine list in Northeast Indiana and an outstanding martini list.
The Bridgewater Grille (ages 21+) offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere for your lunch and dinner needs. Situated next to the 18th hole, guests will enjoy a beautiful view of the pond and fountains while enjoying their meal. There are four large screen TVs with seating for up to 40 people including the bar seating. A full bar is located in the Grille serving all of your favorite alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages.
The Water’s Edge is their traditional dining room that is open to everyone. It offers more of a quiet and intimate experience than the Grille. The dining room is connected to the patio area to take advantage of the warm summer nights with outside dining. Banquet facilities accommodate up to 175 guests.
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/BridgewaterGolfClub
Website: http://www.bridgewatergc.com
https://neiwatertrails.com/map/detail/cedar-creek-cr-35-north-of-auburn
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Intersection of County Road 36 and 35, Auburn, IN 46706
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A canoe/kayak launch site in DeKalb County, IN that, features a pavilion with picnic tables.
The Doc Colman Launch is Auburn’s newest feature for outdoor lovers! It features a covered pavilion, picnic tables, and an easy access area to launch your kayak. It’s roughly a 2-mile stretch where you end at Eckhart Park. For more detailed information, visit the Northeast Indiana Water Trails site here.
- Hand Carry- Yes
- Parking-Yes
- Public Restrooms-No
- Length-2 Miles
https://www.ci.auburn.in.us/parks-recreation/visit-auburn-parks/
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1500 South Cedar Street, Auburn
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- Enclosed Pavilion (Group rentals 300+)
- 2 Picnic Shelters
- Picnic Areas
- Playground
- 2 Sand Volleyball Courts
- Nature Trail (.36 mile loop)
- Disc Golf Course (9-hole course)
- Restrooms
- Enjoy the views of Cedar Creek
Known as of Auburn’s oldest parks, Eckhart Park is a very family-friendly place full of luscious flora and fauna. There’s a nine-hole disc golf course, playground equipment, benches, and swings! As you walk your way around the trail, you can also enjoy the views of Cedar Creek as it flows through the park.
- Dog Friendly- Yes, must be leashed
- Bike Friendly-Yes
- Motorized Vehicles- No
- Trail Length- 0.36-mile loop
https://www.facebook.com/greenhurstcommons/
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1740 North Main Street Auburn, IN 46706
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The park occupies the grounds of the former Greenhurst Country Club. Features of the golf course have been removed, and a system of paved trails has been installed.
This park occupies a former golf course, with the golf features removed and replaced with paved trails. This makes it a fun and curvy cruise for bike enthusiasts!
- Dog Friendly- Yes, must be leashed
- Bike Friendly-Yes
- Motorized Vehicles- No
https://acreslandtrust.org/preserve/heinzerling-family-five-points-nature-preserve/
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6800 CR 7A, Garrett
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The Heinzerling Family Five Points Nature Preserve, now protected forever, has vibrant wetlands, agriculture acreage, an oxbow stream, and a small forested wetland system. This ACRES land preserve has a considerable local history where an interurban rail line and the Five Points School once existed on the property. Carl Heinzerling’s, who purchased the property in the 1920s, grandchildren protected this land. Mr. Heinzerling was also a co-founder of the famed Creek Chub Bait Co.
Take a walk back in time past the homes of Auburn’s pioneers and visionaries…
Included along this self-guided walking tour are the DeKalb County Courthouse; the E. L. Cord Estate who was president of the Auburn Automobile Company that designed and built the famous Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg automobiles; the home of Morris Eckhart whose family started the Eckhart Carriage Company in 1896; U.S. Congressman James T. Farley’s estate and the historic Eckhart Library to name a few. Each of the 44 locations was built during the first 30 years of the 20th Century and reflects the prosperity of the “Golden Age” of Auburn’s transportation heritage.
This walking tour will surely enhance your visit to DeKalb County’s museums as you are transported to a time when Auburns, Cords, and Duesenbergs rolled down Auburn streets.
Walking Tour Guide
Link to more interesting historical sites found in DeKalb County.
http://www.indianspringsoutdoors.com/
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981 County Road 64 Garrett
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A beautiful scenic getaway with full hook-up 20/30/50 amp sites, pull-through sites, and rental units available including The Lodge, rustic cabins, travel trailers, and park units.
Just minutes off of Interstate 69 Exit 326 for County Road 11A, the campground offers you a beautiful camp store/office/pavilion which is located adjacent to three fishing lakes and features a new Recreation Hall with a huge deck overlooking the lake that will accommodate over 250 people. Fully ADA accessible, this facility is ideal for family reunions, company outings, wedding receptions, and more!
They also have a beautiful sandy beach with a waterpark slide and swim raft, a large playground, a basketball court, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, and a bathhouse! Planned activities, bingo, hayrides, paddle boats, fishing boats, and canoe rentals are sure to keep you entertained and their warm and welcoming staff will always be happy to greet you and make you feel at home.
https://acreslandtrust.org/preserve/james-p-covell-nature-preserve/
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Approximately 2727 County Road 52, Auburn
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The James P. Covell Nature Preserve protects 2,700 feet of the west bank of Cedar Creek. Six miles downstream from the preserve, a 14-mile segment of Cedar Creek is one of only three streams designated under the 1973 Indiana Natural, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act.
The preserve safeguards 40 acres currently in agriculture production, 33 acres of emerging upland forest, and 23 acres of mature forested floodplain. Several trees in the preserve are estimated to be more than 150 years old.
ACRES will eventually reforest a portion of the farmland, planting a variety of native hardwoods and restoring part of it to a wetland with a mix of tall grasses.
Trail length: .57 mile
Rated not difficult
https://www.ci.auburn.in.us/parks-recreation/visit-auburn-parks/
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1800 N. Indiana Ave, Auburn
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Open to both bikes and foot traffic, this 1.15 mile stretch of trail follows the footprint of an abandoned New York Central Railroad line.
The paved trail is shaded for most of its route, although it passes into open fields near the north end. Connections to North St. and N. Van Buren Street offer access to residents of the neighborhoods adjoining the trail to the east.
The popular Rieke Park is located near the trail’s midpoint. The park offers a playground, basketball court, picnic pavilions, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, horseshoe courts and restrooms.
Parking is available at Rieke Park on Indiana Avenue. Continue from the parking lot on foot or bike between the baseball diamonds to the Rieke Park Trail just beyond the outfield fences.
Rieke Lodge is available for rental for events and has a capacity of 80. Click for the rental form.
This trail will make you feel like you are walking in a forest wonderland as it winds around a large fishing pond and woods. There is a huge variety of playground equipment, basketball courts, picnic pavilions, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, horseshoe courts, and restrooms.
- Dog Friendly- Yes
- Bike Friendly-Yes
- Motorized Vehicles- No
- Trail Length- 1.15 miles
https://neiwatertrails.com/map/detail/st-joseph-spencerville-at-mill-rd
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Address Directions Here
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Spencerville to Leo-Cedarville
Entry is river right at 5700-5784 Co Rd 68 Spencerville, IN (41.280968, -84.918183)
The exit is river left at IN DNR Public Access Site ramp
Distance is approximately 9 miles and will take the average paddler 4 hours to complete.
The put-in location is gravel with an easy-to-use launch area. Parking is available but no other amenities at the launch site. The paddle takes you under the historic wooden Spencerville-covered bridge, through woods and farmland, and ends in the town of Leo-Cedarville.
Located in Spencerville, Indiana, this route weaves you under the historic Spencerville Covered Bridge, woods, and lush farmland. The journey ends in the town of Leo-Cedarville.
- Hand Carry- Yes
- Parking-Yes
- Public Restrooms-At the Exit Ramp Only
- Length-9 miles
https://www.traillink.com/trail/st-joseph-river-greenway/
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6127 State Road 1, St. Joe
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Enjoy this beautiful nature walk along the banks of the St. Joseph River. The 1.3-mile walk takes you through sunny and shaded sections plus plenty of wildlife. The Civil War monument in the cemetery adjacent to the northern end of the trail is well worth a visit.
Parking is available at Riverdale Elementary School (6127 State Route 1) at the northern end of the trail.
Click here to learn how this beautiful trail came about.
The St. Joe River Greenway is a beautiful trail that curves around the banks of the St. Joseph River with complimentary benches along the way. It’s a partially paved trail with many scenic views!
- Dog Friendly- Yes, must be leashed
- Bike Friendly-Yes, but the trail is not paved
- Motorized Vehicles- No
- Trail Length- 1.3 miles
Entertainment
Midwest’s essence with its lively entertainment scene. Home to the DeKalb Outdoor Theater, Double H Farms, James Cultural Plaza, and many more, this area showcases a wealth of cultural experiences suited to diverse preferences. Whether it’s magical open-air performances, the rustic allure of agritourism, or vibrant community events, DeKalb County exemplifies the region’s commitment to fostering art, culture, and community in harmony.
https://www.dekalboutdoortheater.org/
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301 Center St, Auburn
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Fun for all ages! Popular DeKalb County Attraction!
The DeKalb Outdoor Theater hosts a Friday Night Performance Series that runs from June to mid-August with FREE admission to the public and is host to live music concerts each season. Bring your own seating. Handicap accessible restrooms are available.
The DeKalb Outdoor Theater is a cultural center in DeKalb County for the performing arts and is located near downtown Auburn adjacent to the DeKalb County Fairgrounds.
The entrance is located at the intersection of Center and 15th Streets in Auburn.
https://www.doublehfarmshamilton.com
7100 S St Rd 1, PO Box 302, Hamilton, IN 46742
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At Double H Farms they have a large area that they host many different events such as concerts, weddings, receptions, private parties/events, and a petting zoo. We also offer walking trails, sledding, and many different activities all year long.
Contact Email: [email protected]
http://garrettcc.com
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401 North Walsh St., Garrett
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Garrett Country Club’s 18-hole course is open to the public and memberships are available.
The clubhouse also boasts an event room with seating up to 85 and a large deck area for outings and events.
http://www.stjoevalleytrapandskeet.com/
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5871 County Road 60 St. Joe
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Established in 1957 on 150 acres in rural DeKalb County, the St. Joe Valley Conservation Club is one of the largest shotgun shooting facilities in the Midwest. The site includes 9 Trap Fields, 10 Skeet Fields, a large Five Stand Field, and several lighted fields. Open to the public, we offer practice, league, and registered trap and skeet shooting. Instruction and safety training are also available. The club is the site of the annual Kolar Mid-America Open in May as well as other shoots throughout the year.
https://www.gardengate-nursery.com/
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1701 N Main St, Auburn, IN 46706
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For over 15 years, The Garden Gate Nursery has been providing an authentic greenhouse experience in Auburn, Indiana.
https://www.thejamesfoundation.org/the-james-cultural-plaza
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208 W 7th St, Auburn, IN 46706
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The James Cultural Plaza was created to not only help beautify downtown Auburn, Indiana, but also to be a space for meetings, events, and special happenings.
https://www.facebook.com/TriStateMCButler/
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3343 Country Road 63 Butler, IN 46721
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Tri-State Motorcycle Club maintains a safe and family-friendly off-road motorsports facility in Butler, Indiana.
Visit their Facebook page for more information or call (937) 408-8053
Car Shows
Discover a world of automobile excitement in DeKalb County! From car shows and trucks shows to cars and coffee gatherings and beyond, we’re gearing up for an exceptional year of automotive events as soon as the warm weather makes its appearance. Look forward to a packed schedule featuring car auctions, cruise-ins, rallies, monster truck showcases, festivals, radio-controlled car events, and classic car tours all happening right here in DeKalb County. Think we’ve overlooked something? We’d love to hear from you!
May 8th
111 Touring Dr, Auburn, IN 46706
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
May 16th, 2024
DeKalb County Courthouse Square | 100 Main St, Auburn, IN 46706
5 - 8PM
May 18th, 2024
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum | 1600 Wayne St, Auburn, IN 46706
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
May 18th, 2024
International Monster Truck Museum and Hall of Fame | 541 W Main St, Butler, IN 46721
May 18th, 2024
DeKalb Outdoor Theater | 301 Center St, Auburn In.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
May 25th, 2024
DeKalb Outdoor Theater | 301 Center St, Auburn In.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
