Fulton County is home to many areas for public access. Whether you are looking for somewhere to kayak, canoe, fish or just hike you can find it here!

Tippecanoe River: The Tippecanoe River is considered the river of lakes. It is fed and nourished by eighty-eight natural lakes including some of the state’s largest.Follow the link provided to see a map of the Tippecanoe River’s public access points.

Germany Bridge: West of Rochester on Tippecanoe River. Located at 4213 N 375 W between Olson Road and 450 North. Canoe Landing, picnic tables. One acre. You can canoe or kayak from our campground directly down to Germany bridge. A couple of hours depending on the current. Great little day trip with lots of scenery to enjoy. Easy.

Aubbeenaubbee Landing: Aubbeenaubbee Landing is located at 7806 West Olson Road, along the Tippecanoe River. The park department has partnered with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to provide a public access site with a parking area, fishing site and canoe launch. Future plans include a pavillion, picnic area, and additional parking.

Lake Manitou: Lake Manitou is an oasis in the small city of Rochester. Surrounded by a park and nature preserves, the spring-fed lake covers 775 acres and provides recreation and relaxation for visitors and residents in the North Central part of the state. This charming lake, located 60 miles west of Fort Wayne, provides activities such as fishing, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and picnicking. There is a public boat ramp, pavilion, fishing piers and a picnic area near the Lake Manitou Dam at 9th Street and Ewing Road.

Ruth Kern Woodland Preserve: This Preserve, with the Tippecanoe river forming its southern boundary, is a wildlife sanctuary with interesting flora and fauna. Visitors can stroll through 70 acres of hardwood forests, 74 acres of pine woodlands, and 5 acres of wetlands, with the towering pine trees providing a dramatic contrast to the hardwood forest. The Preserve is to the public for hiking, bird-watching, and nature appreciation. Please be respectful and remain on the trails. Take nothing & leave nothing. Located at 3681 W. 450 N, Rochester, IN 46975

Judy Burton Nature Preserve: Judy Burton Nature Preserve is on the west side of Lake Manitou. With 130 acres, this preserve provides hiking & bird watching opportunities. You will find birds that nest in the marsh including marsh wren, sedge wren and Virginia rail.  Take US 31 north toward Rochester. Near the area of Wagoner and CR 300 S, US 31 turns slightly northwest. Look for Wabash Ave. on the right. Turn right onto Wabash Ave. Follow it over the old RR embankment (now the Nickel Plate Trail). Continue straight north (do not follow the split to the left). The parking lot will be on the right just after the split. There is a walking trail that connects the Nickel Plate Trail to the Judy Burton trails. Cyclists may also use the Burton parking lot, but cannot ride on the Burton trails. However, they can use the road to access the Nickel Plate trail.

Nickle Plate Trail: Popular for those who enjoy bicycling,  The Nickel Plate Trail is the 40+mile railtrail corridor running from Kokomo in Howard County to Rochester in Fulton County. The trail follows what was once the Nickel Plate Railroad, running alongside and in places crossing over, Little Pipe Creek. Visit the website to find out where you can access the trail from Rochester.

Prairie Edge Nature Park: Prairie Edge Nature Park is located at the intersection of West 3rd Street and U.S. Highway 31. It has a five acre fishing pond, a pavilion, a gazebo, a butterfly garden, picnic areas, restrooms, and walking trails through areas planted with native wild flowers, trees, and prairie grasses.

Manitou Islands Nature Preserve: Access to the Manitou Islands is by boat only; No trails. Boat ramp may be closed occasionally throughout the year due to Hydrilla infestations. This preserve is on the south end of Lake Manitou, which is just east of Rochester. Boats may be launched at the public fishing site on the east side of the lake.

Park Map of Fulton County, Indiana