Outdoor Activities
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Fidler Pond’s Fantastic Fishing Derby
Calling all fishers! Bring your families, fishing poles and bait to Fidler Pond Park to join us for our annual Fantastic Fishing Derby. Awards will be given to participants ages 3–17 for the first fish caught, the smallest fish caught, the largest fish caught and whatever else we can think of to award! No fishing license is required for this event.
When: 2025 TBD
Location: Fidler Pond Park, 1424 Lincolnway East
Fee: $3 per person
Ages: 3–17
Register: Now through June 2nd at Goshen Park Office, 524 East Jackson Street, or online
Contact: Kim Stephens 574-534-3003 or email kimberleestephens@goshencity.com
Storybook Trail
Build literacy skills while walking! Storybook Trail is designed in partnership with the Goshen Public Library. The Storybook Trail is intended to combine the pleasures of reading with the benefits of walking together outdoors. The story begins on the south end of Rieth Interpretive Center at the arch on the trail connecting to the Classified Forest. Storybook Trail is open year around and is free of charge! For more information, contact Kim Stephens at 534-2901.
Elkhart River Canoe and Fidler Pond Boat Rentals
Take a canoe trip on the Elkhart River or enjoy Fidler Pond with a canoe, kayak or pedal boat. Life jackets are provided for ages 4 and up (not recommended for children ages 3 and under). An adult must accompany children under age 18.
River Canoe Season: April 15–October 15
Maximum capacity per canoe: two adults and two children or three adults.
- Plan accordingly! Please take note of the water currents, obstructions and weather.
- Glass containers are prohibited.
- Please do not litter. Pack it in, pack it out!
Fidler Pond Boat Rental Season May 31-July 26 weekends only through August
Visit the red barn at Fidler Pond Park, 1424 Lincolnway East, for your boat rentals.
- One- or 2-hour boat rentals.
- Rentals offered daily beginning at 8 am; all boat returns are 1 hour prior to dusk, so please plan accordingly.
Fidler Pond Boat Rental Fees
- Canoe, kayak and pedal boat rental fees are $10 (tax included) per hour per boat.
- Fishing pole rental (for bank fishing) is $2/2 hours.
- Life jackets are mandatory while on Fidler Pond; if you bring your own canoe or kayak and need a life jacket, rental is $2/2 hours.
Elkhart River Canoe Trip
- Shanklin Park on West Plymouth Avenue to Ox Bow County Park.
- Trip length is approximately 4 hours.
- Canoe trip is offered Saturdays ONLY 11am departure, 3pm pick up.
- No shuttle service is provided.
- Visit the Goshen Park Department Administration Office 96 hours in advance to make your Elkhart River canoeing reservations.
Elkhart River Canoe Rental Fees
- Rental fee is $40 + tax per canoe.
Mullet Park Disc Golf Course
Location: 505 South Indiana Avenue
Cost: Free
NO onsite parking. Please park at the north end of Shanklin Park. A big thank you to Kevin Hinkle and Stuart Meade for the
nine-hole course’s vision, design and setup.
Sprocket Dog Park
Location: 109 South 9th Street
Features: Large/small dog areas, doggie drinking fountain and fun play features; the park is conveniently located at the north end of the Ninth Street Trail. We thank the East Lincoln Crossroads Neighborhood Association for leading the effort to create Goshen’s new dog park.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skis are available to rent at the Goshen Parks & Recreation Office, 524 East Jackson Street. Neither Abshire Cabin nor the tubing hill is staffed. Season begins in December and ends in late March (when there is sufficient snow cover).
Ski Rental Fees
- Daily Ski: $10 plus tax
To view current programs and activities, please consult the 2024 Activity Guide.
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