The nature center will be open 10am-5pm Wed-Sun. Trails are open sunrise to sunset. Parking fee is $3 for Berrien county residents and $5 for out of county residents on the weekend. Or buy a yearly parks permit for only $35. We will have mountain bike rentals for $10 an hour, helmets are required and available for rentals.
Dogs on leashes are allowed on the trails.
Social distancing and masks are required while in the nature center, also the number of people allowed in at one time will be limited.
We have a few fall events lined up.
Fall is one of the best hiking seasons in Southwest Michigan and Berrien County Parks has several scenic trails that burst with fall colors. Enjoy our trails on your own or join us for one of the weekday morning group walks scheduled below. On these Naturalist lead hikes we’ll explore the nature of fall and get some exercise along the way. Each hike will last approximately 60-90 minutes and cover 2 to 2 1/2 miles. (We will practice Covid-19 recommendations)
Saturday, October 3, 3:00 p.m. Snakes, Turtles & Such
Meet at the nature center at Love Creek for an up close look at several of the reptiles and amphibians that live in SW Michigan. We’ll offer feeding demonstration too, as well as a chance to touch for those who want! This program will take place outside, weather permitting. "Reserve your spot today by calling the Love Creek Nature Center (269) 471-2617 ($3 per car or free with parks permit)
Wednesday, October 7 – 10:30 a.m. Paw Paw River County Park.
Come and discover Berrien County’s newest park along the Paw Paw River in Watervliet. A half mile hard surface trail circles the interior of an island along the Paw Paw River. Meet at the bridge entrance. (Free)
Wednesday, October 14 – 10:30 a.m. Galien River County
Meet at the parking lot trailhead to begin a fall exploration of this gorgeous park in New Buffalo. Our walk will include the Canopy Walkway and Marsh Boardwalk, as well as the Ridge Trail. Good fall color and great views can be expected! (Free)
Sunday, October 18, 7:00 p.m. October Night Hike at Galien River County Park.
Join us for a casual night hike on the boardwalk trails and canopy walkway at Galien River County Park. A unique opportunity as the park typically closes at dark! Meet in the parking area. Hike will last approximately 60-90 minutes. (Free). Call Love Creek nature center to reserve your spot: 269-471-2617
Wednesday, October 21 – 10:30 a.m. Madeline Bertrand County Park.
Meet at the visitor center to begin this hike on trails along the St. Joseph River to the northern parts of the park. Bertrand is well-known as a great location for a group picnic or a round of Disc Golf, but it also has significant natural beauty, especially at this time of year and we’ll show you our favorite trails and locations. ($3 per car or free with parks permit)
Wednesday, October 28 – 10:30 a.m. Love Creek County Park.
We’ll return to Love Creek for our final fall walk, as the Beech-Maple forest along the Love Creek valley is often at its color peak in late fall. Meet at the nature center. ($3 per car or free with parks permit)
Saturday, October 24th, 6:30 p.m. The weekend before Halloween Love Creek Night Hike.
Join us for an after dark exploration of the trails at Love Creek County Park. We’ll be on the lookout for some after dark entertainment by our Love Creek critter residents. At dusk we may see a bat and later, hear an owl. ($3 per car or free with parks permit) Call the nature center to reserve your spot: 269-471-2617.