The best parks & outdoor spots in Auburn

With hiking trails dotted with exercise stations, a public beach and dock on Crooked Lake, campsites, The Cove for snacks and ice cream, and a 10,000-square-foot event center, Steuben County Event Center/ Parks is the all-in-one backyard locals use for quick walks, family days, and gatherings that keep growing.

From the Coldwater newsletter, October 23, 2026

Lonidaw Nature Preserve - ACRES Land Trust delivers rolling beech and maple woods that go full confetti in early May, with white, red and pink trilliums underfoot, bright marsh marigolds ringing Little Whitford Lake, and peak-migration birds filling the canopy for a quick, soul-clearing stroll.

From the Kendallville newsletter, October 27, 2026

4 mile paved loop where native habitat is steadily reclaiming the old fairways, Greenhurst Commons - ACRES Land Trust makes for a no-fuss after work reset without leaving Auburn.

From the Auburn newsletter, October 16, 2026

Mc Cormick Park packs a kid-pleasing playground, a legit splash pad, a basketball court for quick games, and a pavilion that basically begs for a picnic. Call it your low-planning hangout this week when you just need sunshine, laughs, and tired-out kids.

From the Huntington newsletter, October 17, 2026

Boys & Girls Club Park is taking root on the former Lutheran Hospital grounds, an 11-acre legacy gift growing into a welcoming space for local kids and families. Stroll by this week and watch the progress... a neighborhood green reminding us why Fort Wayne keeps getting better.

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, October 22, 2026

Franke Park packs a big playground, picnic-perfect pavilions, legit fishing, and is home to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo plus Foellinger Theatre for under-the-stars shows. When you need low-key plans that feel big, this is the spot to wander, cast a line, or catch a concert.

From the Allen County newsletter, October 29, 2026

Old Fort Park is your easy reminder that Fort Wayne’s roots are more than a trivia answer. A faithful 1815 fort replica run by local volunteers, it hosts reenactments and history programs that make the Old Northwest come alive, perfect for a low-effort, high-wow afternoon.

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, October 15, 2026

When the kids need to run and you need some fresh air, Eckhart Park has a disc golf course, playground, nature trail, two sand volleyball courts, and plenty of picnic spots and shelters. It’s an easy nearby escape in Auburn for low-key hangs, quick games, and kid energy burn-offs.

From the Kendallville newsletter, October 9, 2026