Luhr County Park
Just south of downtown La Porte, Luhr County Park spans 89 acres of woodlands, prairie, wetlands, and a scenic fishing pond. Originally donated to the county in 1987 and expanded in 2014, it’s now one of the most popular spots in the La Porte County Parks system.
Luhr offers a little bit of everything - walking trails, a Nature Center, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a fishing pier, a fenced dog area and community events hosted through the Nature Center.
With its peaceful trails, accessible design, and active calendar of programs, Luhr County Park has become a favorite destination for both locals and visitors looking to spend some time in nature.
Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Admission is free
Ample parking near the Nature Center and shelter areas
Dogs are welcome on a leash, and there’s also a fenced off-leash Bark Park (see below)
Services and Amenities
Facilities
Restrooms are available near the main shelter and trailhead area.
Information Center
Luhr Park has a Nature Center featuring hands-on exhibits, live animals, and educational programming.
The Nature Center hosts hands-on displays, live animals, an indoor bird viewing room, and exhibits about the park’s ecosystems.
It also runs environmental education and guided nature events throughout the year.
See events below!
Picnic Areas
Luhr has several picnic areas, including the Morgan Shelter and Shagbark Shelter (see below for more info)
Nature Center
Playground
There are several playgrounds throughout the park
Accessibility
There are paved walking trails and level paths throughout the main areas. Most facilities, including the Nature Center, shelters, and playground, are wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Morgan & Shagbark Shelters
There are 2 rentable shelters at Luhr. Both have electricity and grills and are near parking areas and restrooms.
Morgan Shelter seats ~ 100 Shagbark Shelter seats ~ 120
Rental info here.
Trail Loop / Walking & Birding
The Luhr County Park trail is a 1.5-mile loop, rated easy.
It winds through forest, prairie, wetlands, and boardwalks, offering plenty of opportunities for bird watching, seasonal wildflowers, and quiet nature strolls.
Fishing
Fishing in Luhr is catch-and-release only for bluegill, bass, and catfish.
The park pond is stocked and visitors can rent a fishing pole at the Nature Center, though a valid Indiana fishing license is required.
Bark Park
Ecosystems & Wildlife
Luhr County Park is home to a fenced 3-acre off-leash Bark Park, where dogs can run, play, and socialize safely.
Daily or annual permits are required and can be obtained through La Porte County Parks’ Dog Park Permit page.
Luhr Park encompasses four ecosystems: upland forest, wetland, prairie, and the pond.
This variety supports a rich mix of wildlife - expect songbirds, pollinators, amphibians near wetlands, and insects and grasses in the prairie zones.
Park Rules:
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
All pets must be on a leash (except when in the fenced no-leash facility)
Do not release any wildlife.
No fireworks allowed.
No ice fishing or cross country skiing on bodies of water.
Vehicles are allowed in parking areas only; no off-road vehicles permitted.
Bicycles must yield to pedestrians.
Do not collect or destroy any plant or animal life.
Picnicking is only permitted in designated areas.
Charcoal fires allowed only in grills; wood fires are not permitted.
No overnight camping.
Boating and swimming are not allowed.