Corn Maze, in Indiana?

It's true, Indiana is known for it's corn fields. What the farmers do after the harvest is something that can equal fun for the whole family.
Take a ride on any rural road in Indiana and there is bound to be a cornfield or two. Every fall, I look forward to the mazes that many become. These corn mazes are hardly corny at all...they are serious fun and a great learning activity. I visited a farm that offered two different routes; a one mile trip and a two mile. Upon entering the towering rows of corn there is a sense of excitement and wonder. Some wonder...how will I find my way out. But the worry leaves you as the cool autumn air flushes your cheeks. Ahead of you are other families smiling, running and playing.
If your little one is complaining about the walk, remind them of the tasty treats that will be waiting for them...just forget to mention that they are healthy as well! Most of these farmers offer locally harvested apple cider, pies and butter. Yum!
Please tell us of any mazes you have visited.

Lakes Galore

If you love to go fishing, boating or swimming...you are in the right place. Many of us from Northern Indiana are aware of our close proximity to Lake Michigan; one of the Great Lakes. However, there is a vast choice of smaller inland lakes located in rural South West Michigan that can provide tons of summer fun.
I pride myself on being a "fisherwoman" or angler. Fishing is a fantastic way to spend the day and there is so much that can be learned from spending the day on the lake. You can pick up a fishing license at Lunker's in Edwardsburg, Michigan. While you are there, ask for a brochure listing all of the area lakes, you will be amazed at your selection. Whether you like to reel in a pile of pan fish such as BlueGill or like the excitement of catching a big Northern Pike, you will find the right lake for you. If you have a friend in from a large city, than this is just thing for them. Once your feet hit the water, the stress from traffic, congestion and work just fade out with the waves.
If you are a parent, then taking them swimming at the lake is like a social event. Kids and parents a like can stand knee-deep in the water at the sandbar having a good time and soaking up the sun. Some prefer the leisure activity of floating on a raft while the warm gentle wind carries you about. Others enjoy racing around on jet-skis.
If you have any stories to tell...even if they are "fish tales" please let us know, and happy fishing!

Winter Activities-Urban Settings

Wintertime in a bigger city, or urban-type setting can be more restrained than in a rural environment, but nonetheless "fun." I know of several places in South Bend that has ice skating rinks, and woods and hills used exclusively for sledding and tubing. There are fees for such activities, but it is generally not much to enjoy an afternoon of skating or sledding. The environments are controlled and maintained by the specific park department, and add up to an afternoon of family fun. One drawback may be that it very well could be crowded that day, but the overall experiences I have had have been pleasant ones.

Traveling to and from these activities may be difficult at times, as many roads will be congested from the work of snowplows and the traffic of busy shoppers. You need to be aware of your surroundings, and share the roads, rinks, and parks with sometimes many other families out and about. There are many fun activities to do inside as well, such as visiting art museums like the Snite at Notre Dame, which is free admission. There are usually plays at the Morris Civic to enjoy, which many times may be quite costly. The scenery isn't as breathtaking as in the more rural areas, as many roads are slushy and can be hectic to travel at times.

Many people frequent the shopping malls for gifts and restaraunts, and this may very well be an all day activity. Even with the struggling economy, the malls and shops generally do fairly decent in revenue this time of year. No one totally rejects the Christmas season, as the city seems to thrive all night long.

Winter Activities-Rural Settings

Wintertime in a rural setting can be quite isolated at times. For the most, many of our "back roads" seem to rarely get plowed, and there is much maintenance to do by yourself: i.e. shoveling, cleaning vehicles, letting them warm up, snow blowing, etc. But many times, the view can be spectacular..the roads aren't as slushy and dirty looking because there is less traveling done on these hidden paths. Wilderness flourishes in these parts, and wildlife such as deer, and many small mammals can be frequently seen "out on the prowl" for food. Winter fun can be enjoyed almost anywhere.

There are many hills and valleys to go sledding and tubing for free. Many are within walking distance. It may be a chore to get "bundled up" at first, but many of these hills, etc. are right outside your door. You can even get snowshoes and go for a romp right down the road and not have to worry much about passing traffic. Even just a brisk walk outside can be exhilarating, soaking in the bright sights of snow covered trees, and the sounds of the many birds out on a search for food. Birdwatching has become a favorite past time of mine, and I try to keep my feeders full in winter. Cardinals are frequent, as are many other small finches, and even woodpeckers. Many people also take out their four wheelers with chains on the tires sometimes and race around the frozen tundra that seems to go on forever. The biggest mode of transportation and fun for many people is the snowmobile. I currently live in Lakeville, which is mostly cornfields and soybean fields, so there are many snowmobiles passing by house for several months.

The small amount of traffic encourages this activity, as well as sledding, and the aforementioned tubing all around the fields and valleys surrounding this small community.