Home › Indiana › Elkhart › Boot Lake Nature Preserve
Boot Lake Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 277 Google reviews · Running trail in Elkhart, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Boot Lake Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Peaceful lake and preserve with groomed trails, wide walkways, observation piers and wildlife.
What runners say about Boot Lake Nature Preserve
“At this point in time there is no fee to walk this trail and there is a super clean bathroom at the parking area.”
“Boot Lake has been a staple hiking location for half of my life and it's been a beautifully scenic journey the entire time.”
“Great place for a peaceful nature walk!”
“Pretty easy trails not many hills or obstacles, so hardcore hikers will breeze through and may be bored.”
The Boot Lake Nature Preserve is a truly lovely 300 acre combined habitat preserve featuring forest, prairie, wetland, and Boot Lake—a small lake that attracts waterfowl.
Boot Lake Nature Preserve is a hidden gem in northern Elkhart County. A great place to take the family for a scenic afternoon stroll through the several miles of scenic trails.
Very nice place, cant see any water here but its beautiful walk. Only complaint I have is theres not more places with water, like a water fountain by the shelters or bathrooms would be nice. Also got a little lost on some trails off the prairie that weren't listed on the map, but it was still a fun time.
Love the sounds of the birds chirping high in the trees the moment you exit your vehicle. Boot Lake has been a staple hiking location for half of my life and it's been a beautifully scenic journey the entire time.
Trail conditions & character
“The preserve offers two observation platforms, one that extends into boot lake providing an excellent view with about 270° of visibility.”
“Only complaint I have is theres not more places with water, like a water fountain by the shelters or bathrooms would be nice.”
“Has a wonderful mix of wooded, Tall Prairie Grass, and Boot Lake/Marsh trails.”
“At this point in time there is no fee to walk this trail and there is a super clean bathroom at the parking area.”
“A lot of people walking dogs around the grassy fields and in some woods.”
“There is a wheelchair accessible trail and longer trails for hikers.”
“Only complaint I have is theres not more places with water, like a water fountain by the shelters or bathrooms would be nice.”
Plan your run at Boot Lake Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteelkhartcountyparks.org
- Phone+1 574-535-6458
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–7 pm |
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