When you need a moment to slow down and breathe deeply, DeKalb County’s trails, preserves, and riverways offer the perfect reset. From restored prairies and woodlands to accessible paved trails, these spaces invite you to reconnect—with nature, with family, and with yourself.
Greenhurst Commons
Photo: Jarrid Spicer
Once a community golf course, Greenhurst Commons is now a peaceful urban preserve. When the property went up for sale in 2013, Abby and Mark Millett and Rick and Vicki James stepped in to ensure the land remained green space for generations to enjoy. They opened paved trails for public use, and in 2022, donated the property to ACRES Land Trust for permanent protection.
Here, native plants are reclaiming the fairways, Cedar Creek winds through the landscape, and wildlife thrives. The paved trails make this preserve accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and bicycles—a true community gem.
James P. Covell Nature Preserve
A walk through James P. Covell Nature Preserve feels like stepping into a living legacy. Donated by Dr. Jack Covell in honor of his late brother, the 96-acre preserve protects 2,700 feet of Cedar Creek’s west bank. Home to wild turkeys, great blue herons, and even otters, it features a mix of agricultural fields, emerging forests, and towering floodplain trees—some over 150 years old.
ACRES continues to restore this land, planting native hardwoods and restoring wetlands filled with tall grasses and songbirds.
Heinzerling Family Five Points Nature Preserve
Steeped in both history and natural beauty, Heinzerling Family Five Points Nature Preserve is where Black Creek winds through wetlands and woodlands before joining Little Cedar Creek. Nearly 40 acres of former farmland have been transformed into tallgrass prairie and young forest, bursting with color each spring and fall.
Visitors can find wildflowers like trillium and Dutchman’s breeches carpeting the ground—or imagine the days when an interurban rail line and a one-room school once stood here. The Heinzerling family, descendants of Carl Heinzerling, co-founder of Creek Chub Bait Company, preserved this special land for future generations.
St. Joseph River Greenway
Follow the St. Joseph River Greenway for a peaceful 1.3-mile stroll along one of northeast Indiana’s most scenic waterways. The trail features both sunny stretches and shaded paths perfect for birdwatching. Be sure to visit the nearby Civil War monument at the north end of the trail. Parking is available at Riverdale Elementary School, making it an easy outing for families.
St. Joseph River Canoe Launch
For a more adventurous reset, paddle the St. Joseph River from Spencerville to Leo-Cedarville—a nine-mile trip that takes about four hours. Launch from the gravel put-in near the historic Spencerville Covered Bridge and drift through wooded banks and open farmland before reaching Leo-Cedarville. With calm waters and scenic views, it’s a must for anyone who loves time on the water.
Doc Coleman Landing for Canoes and Kayaks
Prefer a shorter paddle? Doc Coleman Landing provides easy river access and a peaceful spot to picnic. The site includes a pavilion, picnic tables, and surrounding native plant habitats that make this an ideal stop for families or solo paddlers looking to soak up the sunshine.
Eckhart Park Trails
In the heart of Auburn, Eckhart Park offers a paved 0.36-mile loop for a quick walk or a leisurely bike ride. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors without leaving town—perfect for a mid-day reset or evening stroll after dinner downtown.
Plan Your Nature Reset
Whether you’re hiking, paddling, or simply pausing to listen to the birds, DeKalb County’s trails and preserves remind us that the best getaways don’t always require travel—they just require time to slow down.
