Metea County Park

Natural Landscape

Situated in north-central Allen County near Leo-Cedarville, Indiana, Metea County Park spreads across 250 acres of stunning natural terrain. It's a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and families.

At the heart of the park lies the 120-acre Meno-aki State Nature Preserve, a dedicated space where native plants and animals thrive undisturbed. One of the most captivating features has to be Cedar Creek, a state-designated scenic river that gently winds through the park, naturally dividing it into northern and southern sections.

The park features abundant wildflowers, lush greenery, and wildlife throughout. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles that have been spotted soaring above the trails - definitely worth bringing binoculars for!

Historical Significance

The grounds have deep historical roots. The park bears the name of Chief Metea, a respected Potawatomi leader whose historic village once stood near where you'll be hiking. This connection to Potawatomi heritage adds historical context to the natural setting.

Park Layout

If you're entering from Union Chapel Road, you'll discover yourself in the southern portion of the park, where well-maintained trails guide you through woodlands, wetlands, and prairie landscapes. For the more adventurous souls, the northern section (accessible via Hursh Road) remains relatively undeveloped, offering a more rugged hiking experience.

The perimeter trail is perfect if you want to see a bit of everything - it takes you through all the diverse ecosystems the park has to offer. The paths are clearly marked, making navigation straightforward even for first-time visitors.

Trails and Recreation

With over five miles of trails ranging from easy paved paths to more challenging terrain, there's something for every hiking level. The trails are well-maintained with minimal litter or signs of heavy human impact.

The park offers guided full moon hikes. These organized night walks allow you to see how the landscape and local ecology change after sunset.

Facilities and Amenities

The Gloria Goeglein Nature Center represents the park's hub, housing educational exhibits, classrooms, a gift shop, clean restrooms, and a cozy indoor bird-watching area where you can observe local species without braving the elements.

Need to cool off? The park features a 1.5-acre lake with a swimming beach. Just note that swimming is unsupervised, so you'll want to keep a close eye on the little ones. If fishing is more your style, Cedar Creek has designated spots where you might just reel in a catfish.

The park is well-equipped for gatherings with picnic shelters, grills, and a spacious playfield. The pavilion particularly stands out as a clean, spacious option for family reunions or birthday celebrations. There's also a small playground to keep younger children entertained.

Clean restrooms are conveniently located around the grounds, and if you visit during winter when there's enough snow, you can even try your hand at cross-country skiing along the trails.

Visitor Information

Admission to this natural haven will cost you $2 per person or $7 per car - quite reasonable for the experience you'll get. Your four-legged friends are welcome too, as long as they stay leashed during your visit.

Beyond casual visits, the park offers a day camp during summer months, giving kids structured activities to connect with nature. Whether you're coming for a quick hike, a family picnic, or to immerse yourself in local ecology, Metea County Park offers a genuine connection to nature that's increasingly hard to find.