Coffee Creek Preserve
  • Home
  • Visit "The Preserve"
    • Trail Map & Guidelines
    • Getting Here
    • Nature >
      • Osprey Nesting Platform
      • Sick or Injured Wildlife at Coffee Creek?
    • Points of Interest >
      • Weir Bridge
      • The Pavilion
      • Wetland Cell
      • Osprey Nesting Platform
      • Phillips Pond
      • The Amphitheater
      • Creek Overlook
      • Boardwalk
      • Trellis Overlook
      • Hiking Trails
  • Facility Reservations
    • General Information
    • The Amphitheater Venue
    • The Pavilion Venue
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Information
    • FAQ
  • Jobs/Volunteering

Frequently Asked Questions

WEDDINGS/RENTALS
How can I host my wedding/event at Coffee Creek?
  • Review the rental information found here and submit a rental request.
Can I have my wedding pictures taken at Coffee Creek without holding my wedding there?
  • Absolutely! Every weekend we see several bridal parties taking advantage of the scenic views the preserve provides. Please note, that the Amphitheater and the Pavilion are the only places that are reservable. All spaces are open to the public.
How many people does the Pavilion hold?
  • We have twenty 5' picnic tables (typically accommodating 6 persons each). Most picnics are somewhat casual however with people coming and going.
How many people does the Amphitheater hold?
  • The brick platform area can hold 200 people comfortably with the raised grassy seating area holding an additional 300 people comfortably. The platform area can hold a 35 piece orchestra comfortably.
What kinds of restrictions are there on rentals?
  • Please see our rental guide for restrictions.
What kinds of events can I host at Coffee Creek?
  • Coffee Creek regularly hosts weddings, family reunions, concerts, hiking events, fun runs/walks, photography clubs, etc. If you can dream it up, we can probably make it happen. Inquire here.
Where can my guests park?
  • There is street parking near the Amphitheater on the western side of the preserve. Additionally, there is a small parking lot on the north side, a short walk from the Pavilion.
TRAILS/AMENITIES
How long are the trails?
  • We have a 3 mile loop and many connectors.
Are the trails handicap accessible?
  • The brick-paved trails and boardwalks are the most accessible and are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The crushed granite trail that meanders through the forest gets a bit bumpier.
Are the trails suitable for small children?
  • We love to see families on the trails. Please mind that your children stay on the path both for their safety and for the protection of our plant and animal residents.
What trail amenities are available?
  • Restrooms and drinking fountains are located in the preserve. There are no other support services provided such as food, beverage, first aid, or vendor shop.
Are there modern accessible restrooms?
  • The restrooms are both modern and fully handicap accessible.
Is there food/beverage available in the preserve?
  • There are no food/beverage services in the preserve. You are welcome to bring your own picnic to the preserve, provided you do not bring in alcohol.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
What is Coffee Creek doing to improve the environment?
  • Coffee Creek employs a variety of best management practices to restore, maintain, and preserve the native plant and animal life found here. In addition, it uses modern green technologies to clean and reuse the water throughout the preserve. 
What practices are used to maintain the preserve?
  • We are working on the trails. In an enhancement program eight locations have been identified to have improvements and area currently being addressed.
I saw fire. Why are they burning the preserve?
  • Prescribed burns are an important part of maintaining the natural ecosystem. They are managed by trained firefighters. During prescribed burns, certain parts of the preserve will be closed to the public.
What is Coffee Creek doing about the Emerald Ash Borer disease?
  • Unfortunately, not much can be done for the dead and dying trees in the preserve. We have identified over 1600 ash trees in the 157-Acre preserve. In 2014 we planted over 1000 new trees to help reestablish the forest and riparian corridor.
GENERAL/MISCELLANEOUS
What are the hours of the preserve?
  • The preserve is open dawn to dusk every day of the year.
What is the admission?
  • There is no admission charge to the preserve. Some events however may charge an admission.
Where is the best place to park?
  • If you plan to use the Amphitheater or the paved trails, park along the streets found on the western side of the preserve. If you plan to use the Pavilion or the non-paved trails, park in the lot along the northern side of the preserve.
Can I bring my dog?
  • Furry friends love the outdoors. We welcome your pup, on a leash to enjoy the trails with you. Please clean up after your pup and place your doggie-doo bags in the trash receptacles.
What other rules are there?
  • There is to be no camping, alcohol use, or hiking off the trails. Please clean up after yourself and respect the quiet nature of the preserve. Don't feed the critters you encounter and don't put anything in the water.
How can I volunteer?
  • Check out our Facebook page for opportunities or contact us here.
Coffee Creek Preserve 
(the place)
Northeast corner of I-80/90 and IN 49
Chesterton Amphitheater
2401 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304
The Pavilion
178 E Sidewalk Rd, Chesterton, IN 46304
Picture
Coffee Creek Watershed Conservancy, Inc
(the governing organization)
PO Box 802
Chesterton, IN 46304
219-926-1842 or
info@coffeecreekpreserve.org
  • Home
  • Visit "The Preserve"
    • Trail Map & Guidelines
    • Getting Here
    • Nature >
      • Osprey Nesting Platform
      • Sick or Injured Wildlife at Coffee Creek?
    • Points of Interest >
      • Weir Bridge
      • The Pavilion
      • Wetland Cell
      • Osprey Nesting Platform
      • Phillips Pond
      • The Amphitheater
      • Creek Overlook
      • Boardwalk
      • Trellis Overlook
      • Hiking Trails
  • Facility Reservations
    • General Information
    • The Amphitheater Venue
    • The Pavilion Venue
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Information
    • FAQ
  • Jobs/Volunteering