Noble County Birding & Kayaking Tour

Kimmell, IN 46760, USA

IB
IndiGo Birding Nature Tours
  • Email address verified
13 reviews
Jun 13 - 16, 2023
Group size: 6 - 8
Noble County Birding & Kayaking Tour
Kimmell, IN 46760, USA

IndiGo Birding Nature Tours
  • Email address verified
13 reviews

Jun 13 - 16, 2023
Group size: 6 - 8

About this trip

Explore the best natural areas of northeast Indiana with IndiGo Birding Nature Tours! Noble County is home to Chain O’Lakes State Park, a beautiful example of kettle lakes and forested glacial till terrain. The state park will be the focal point of our tour, but we will visit several other natural areas and birding hotspots. Our lodging will be at the historic Kimmell House Inn Bed and Breakfast, located within 15 minutes of most of our birding spots. 


We will kayak multiple times at Chain O’Lakes State Park, where we will weave through the narrow channels that connect the lakes and get close encounters with a variety of bird species.  On the first afternoon we will meet at the park for some birding and hiking before going to the nearby Kimmell House Inn B&B to check in. Each day will involve an early morning birding walk at a nearby nature preserve followed by a full breakfast at the Inn. We have day trips planned to two amazing environmental and historic sites: Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site and Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center. Each day will also include a “birding by kayak” trip on the connected lakes at the state park. I have purposely allowed for some flexibility in the schedule so that we can adjust plans as necessary based on the weather forecast; we want to take advantage of the best conditions to be out exploring! 

Itinerary

 We will meet at 3:00 p.m. at Chain O'Lakes State Park on the 13th. The tour ends around noon on the 16th. In between, here are the places we plan to visit:

  • Chain O’Lakes State Park: 2,718-acre park with nine small, interconnected lakes and 23 miles of forested trails.
  • Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site: The author’s 1913 home and gravesite sit on a 125-acre protected natural area.
  • Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center: This Goshen College property provides hiking trails through a variety of ecosystems on a 1,189-acre nature preserve.
  • Spear Lake Nature Trail: A trail on a state nature preserve in the Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area.
  • Lloyd Bender Memorial Forest: A 1.1 mile loop trail on this ACRES land trust property.

Birds We Hope To See

June is the time that many birds are nesting or raising young. We should see a variety of wetland, grassland, and forest species: Sandhill Crane, Wood Duck, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow and Least Flycatchers, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Yellow-breasted Chat, Indigo Bunting, and many warblers: Blue-winged, Prothonotary, Hooded, Cerulean, Chestnut-sided, American Redstart and Ovenbird. Considerable time will be spent on identifying and learning birdsongs.

Other Important Details

This is the first offering of an exciting new itinerary. Some prior kayaking experience is preferred, but none of the paddling trips we take will be very difficult or long. You are welcome to contact David before registering to find the best traveling and lodging package for you and your touring companions. A single supplement may be available if space allows, but priority will be given to those registering as double occupancy. There is one room that could sleep 3 or 4 people if that better fits your needs.

COVID-19

Because we are traveling as a group, we require that anyone participating in this tour is up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. 

What’s included

  • Lodging
    At the Kimmell House Inn Bed & Breakfast
  • Breakfast
    Full breakfast each morning at the Kimmell House Inn
  • Tours
    Birding & kayaking tours led by guide David Rupp

What’s not included

  • Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
    We will eat in restaurants. Not included in registration.
  • Transportation
    Additional cost ($100) to include transportation from Bloomington or to be picked up along the way.
  • Kayak Rental
    Not included unless you pay the $50 rental cost at checkout. If you don't rent a kayak from IndiGo Birding, it is assumed that you are bringing your own.
  • Entrance Fees?
    Bring your state parks pass. We will likely have enough passes to cover the entire group, but I can't guarantee it for those driving separately.

Available Packages

Double occupancy

You will share a room with spouse, partner, or friend. You will be able to enter your roommate's info later in the booking process. 

$450
Deposit:$200

Available options

Kayak Rental
$50
Sold Out

Rent a kayak, paddle, and PFD from IndiGo Birding for the duration of the trip. 

Transportation
$100

I would like to ride from Bloomington, IN with IndiGo Birding or get picked up along the way.

Single Supplement
$200

If a solo room is available, I am willing to pay extra to have a room to myself.

Your Organizer


IB
IndiGo Birding Nature Tours
13 reviews
IndiGo Birding Nature Tours is a birding & kayaking guide service for Indiana, the Great Lakes region, & Central America. David Rupp started the business in 2013 with the goal of connecting people with nature through birding. He welcomes all levels of nature enthusiasts for relaxed and personalized tours designed for creating memorable birding experiences.

Reviews

We saw so many beautiful birds, (203 species in 6 days) thanks to our 3 guides (Owner of Indigo Travel, local Belize guide and driver). We nicknamed the tour "Lifers Before Breakfast" because I saw as many as 5 Lifers before breakfast (and I've seen a lot of birds.) The guides were very patient in making sure that everyone got on the birds, and they had two scopes to get close-up views. I think going with an all-inclusive tour, with maximum 10 people, is definitely the way to go. I felt totally safe the entire time in Belize because we were always in our group together. All of the dining and lodging was well planned out and worked perfectly for our schedule. The group on the tour were all very fun and interesting people.
By Patricia M for Northern Belize Birding Tour on Jan 29, 2025
David Rupp organized a first rate birding trip to three diverse locations. The guides he chose, Roni and Hugo, were excellent. Lodgings were eco-friendly and comfortable. Food was reflective of the areas we were visiting and delicious. I would not hesitate to travel with David again.
By Lori A for Northern Belize Birding Tour on Jan 27, 2025
The trip was fantastic--terrific guides got us all on a wide variety of birds (over 200 species) in several different habitats. We also had great food at every meal, and all the logistics went very smoothly. A wonderful experience all around! HIghly recommended for anyone interested in experiencing the birds of various habitats in Northern Belize.
By Margaret B for Northern Belize Birding Tour on Jan 22, 2025
It was a fantastic trip. David is a very knowledgeable leader and shares so much information about not just the birds but all the aspects of appreciating being outdoors. He was such a good planner and could make quick changes when needed but always asking for our feedback . I did not know about that area of Indiana we visited but it was really a gem. Thank you.
By Linda G for Noble County Birding & Kayaking Tour on Jun 11, 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations in so many ways. David shared his knowledge as a naturalist beyond birds to include plants, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies! He knew where to go during each excursion to maximize the bird viewing, changed where weather dictated and was very patient and instructive in kayaking. We went to a couple of historic sites too that I didn’t expect. I have a new appreciation for Noble County wildlife and nature centers. David also made sure we went to interesting locations for meals out, not just fast food. The breakfast at the B and B was great. I will definitely book more trips with IndiGo Birding.
By Beth G for Noble County Birding & Kayaking Tour on Jun 09, 2024
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