Manitou Island Wetlands

Why You Should Visit
Located on the southeastern end of Lake Manitou, the wetlands is an extensive marsh surrounded by numerous wooded islands which offer critical habitats for both terrestrial and wetland, migratory and resident species.

Location
Fulton County

Ecoregion
North Central Tillplain

Size
643 Acres

Owned & Managed By
Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife, Division of Nature Preserves and The Nature Conservancy

Partners
Indiana Heritage Trust & Indiana Natural Heritage Protection Campaign

How to Prepare for Your Visit
Visitation access is by boat only via the Public Fishing Access on the east shore of the lake. Visitors should use caution as hunting is allowed in the area during season. It is suggested that one does not leave the vessel as there are no existing trails.

Directions
From Rochester, travel south on U.S. 31 until it turns slightly southeast (near Wagoner and C.r. 300 S). Turn left (east) on Wabash Road and travel past the railroad tracks. A lane and parking lot (look for a sign reading Judy Barton Nature Preserve) is on the right side of the road just before it splits.

What to See: Plants and Animals
The islands of Lake Manitou offer oak-hickory forests, tall stands of tamaracks and nearly 200 psecies of vascular plants including purple-flowerd pickered weed, yellow & white water lily, hibiscus and wild rice among the cattails and tall grasses. Waterfowl, shorebirds, small mammals and whitetail deer. Shovelers, canvasbacks, less scaups, ringnecks and Canada geese are just a few of the bird species oberved during their spring and fall migrations.

For More Information
Division of Fish & Wildlife
Division of Nature Preserves