Since our summer weather is hanging on in Northern Indiana Sunny and I decided to take an adventure to Silver Lake, IN. We visited Wildwood Acres, another Acres Land Trust site. This location comprises a dense forest with a small pond, wetlands, and a prairie next to agricultural fields. The land was purchased from Bob and Alice Franz in 2002 with some additional land acquired in 2019. At the end of the trail near the parking area, is a memorial dedicated to the Franz’s. There is a plaque with the inscription “We came to Wildwood in 1973 and have attempted to live in harmony with it. We loved it all – the tranquility and the harshness. May its wildness survive us and many more generations.” That wish is certainly coming true now that it is an Acres Land Trust site.
Our Adventure
We arrived fairly early and were the only car in the parking area. In fact we did not encounter another person the entire time we explored the preserve. We started our adventure by entering the forest at the welcome sign near the trail head. Shortly after starting our hike we noticed a pond to our left. Thank goodness we did not get close enough for Sunny to put her toes in it since it was green with algae. As we continued hiking the trail progressed into the forest. Throughout the hike Sunny heard and smelled critters. From the sounds of the scurrying I would assume there were squirrels and chipmunks. We also saw several deer who ran through the woods before we got too close. Sunny was disappointed that she could not follow them into the woods.
After passing a wetlands area the trail wound its way next to a field of corn before reentering the forest. We hiked for awhile in the forest and then passed more wetlands before entering a field surrounded by wildflowers. Unfortunately most of the flowers were no longer blooming. I imagine it’s quite pretty in the spring and early summer. The trail continues to wind around the field until it comes to a dead end. At this point we turned around and retraced our steps back to the forest.
After entering the forest we took the trail to the right instead of continuing the way we had come. This continued through the forest. Eventually we crossed a bridge that was built by an Eagle Scout. A short distance later we found a floating dock with a picnic bench on it. Shortly after that the trail led to the memorial and the parking lot. Our total distance was just under 3 miles.
Sunny’s Perspective
This place has the best smells. I was constantly sniffing the ground and trying to find the critters that I could smell. There were also quite a few downed trees that I enjoyed climbing onto. I could see some green water in the distance, but didn’t get close enough to dip my toes in the water. I also saw some deer, one even stopped on the trail in front of us and watched us before running away. That was almost as exciting as the beavers we saw on the Pumpkinvine Trail. All in all this was a fun adventure.
Our Rating
Sunny and I rate Wildwood Acres 3 out of 4 paws up. It has several nice trails in the woods, but also some in a field. The trails are mostly flat, but a little difficult to follow. We were happy that we printed the trail map to figure out which trail to take. Although we enjoyed our adventure, we would prefer more trails in the woods. The trails in the woods were shaded, but those in the field were completely in the sun. All in all this is a nice place for a hike in the woods, especially if you are in the area. Like most Acres locations it is well maintained with no restroom. The parking area is nice and can accommodate several vehicles.
How Do I Get There?
The address for Wildwood Acres is 409 IN-14 in Silver Lake, IN. From the Fort Wayne area take I-69 South and take exit #305 to IN-14W. Normally you should be able to follow IN-14W to the location, however during our visit there was some construction on IN-14W so we had to loop around it and then get back on IN-14W. We turned left onto S 700 E, then right onto E 1150 S, then right onto S 600 E and then back onto IN-14W. Wildwood Acres was a little over 5 miles further on IN-14W.
As you approach you will see a dirt road that looks like a driveway. There is a mailbox and an acres land trust sign. Turn into the driveway and proceed until you see the parking area. Remember not to park in front of the home as this is private property and not part of the Acres Land Trust location.
Want more information about Wildwood Acres? Check out the Acres Land Trust website.