Where the Buffalo Roam

Where the Buffalo Roam is a two day trip to the Mongo area in Indiana. Paddle the scenic Pigeon River on Saturday and then on Sunday, hop on the back of a pickup and go into the middle of a buffalo herd!

Saturday

Plan to leave the Chicago-land area on Saturday at 7 am and arrive at 11 am EST. Saturday will be spent on the water canoeing or kayaking. Please indicate your preference in your RSVP (there are a limited number of kayaks). We will be paddling our way down the Pigeon River Kayak/canoe (website: http://www.pigeonrive...)

Trips are from 1 1/2 hours to all day but we have the all day trip booked. Please contact Jill if you prefer a shorter trip.
If you bring your own boat, expect a $15/boat fee from the outfitter to bring back your boat.

The outfitter has primitive campsites along the river.

Pigeon River Camp site: primitive camp site (fire pits, pit toilets)
8310 E. 300 N. Box 71
Mongo, IN 46771
(260) 367-2164
Office hours M-F, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

http://www.in.gov/dnr...

* The campground has 44 primitive sites. All camp sites have fire rings. Camping is open all year on a first come, first serve basis. The maximum stay is 14 days.
* Water fountains and pit toilets are available in the campground.

A less primitive option is: the Circle B Camground located on Hogback Lake in Angola, IN.
http://www.circlebpar...
http://www.circlebpar... (rates)

* Over 300 Lakefront, Wooded & Pull-Thru Lots
* 30 & 50 Amp Service
* Full Hookup, Water & Electric, or Tent Sites (camping $25-34/night)
* Log Cabin Rentals ($95 toliet/sink only)
* Deluxe Cabin Rentals ($110 full bath/kitchen)
* Lodge Rentals ($125 full bath, kitchen, private bedroom, 2 pullout couches, loft space)
* Lake Cottage Rentals
* 2 Pavilions for Group Activities & Parties
* Volleyball Court, 2 Basketball Courts, Horseshoe Pit, Fish Cleaning Station
* Private Sandy Beach
* Boat Launch & Dock Facilities, Access to 5 Fishing Lakes On Pigeon Creek
* Boat Rentals (Canoes, Kayaks, Pontoons, etc)
* 2 Bath & Shower Houses With Flush Toilets
* Camp Store With Groceries

• The single campsites are: primitive, water/electric on the water, or water/electric away from the water. They also have campsites that hold 2 tents (same amenity options just listed but $15 extra for the second tent).

FYI: There is no single night camping at nearby Pokagon State Park and the lodge is currently full.

Saturday night we will eat at the Pokagon Lodge.
http://www.in.gov/dnr...

Sunday

Buffalo Tour (see power point slide show)
• The buffalo tour is a "hoot" for only $8. It was pretty laid-back and lasts about 45 minutes.The preserve is home to 200 bison migrating across 400 acres.
• Our tour will begin at 11 am. They can accommodate large groups. If we want, they can can also cook a special buffalo and noodle lunch an additional estimated $8/head. They have an enclosed gazebo where the group could eat mosquito-free.

They offer food: “Sugar” will cook up a buffalo Rueben, buffalo burger, buffalo wraps, etc. (think meat). The male buffalo will be rutting in August, which means they will be move active and will be making noise. Be warned, it's mating season so we also may see some buffalo "romance".

On the way home, Sunday could also include one of the activities listed below:
• Auburn Cord Dussenberg Museum (35 minutes south of the In tollroad in Auburn, IN) http://www.automobile...
• Warren Dunes (in Michigan) or the Indiana Dunes state park could be an easy destination for those more inclined to hike or play at the beach.
• East Race Waterway white water rafting course. http://sbpark.org/par...
• There is also a winery on the road home from the buffalo preserve. http://www.satekwiner...
• Shipshewana is about 35 minutes away (towards home) but is CLOSED on Sunday's, but you can still drive and see the quilt gardens scattered through the area, and/or visit the Hudson Auto museum (http://www.hostetlers....

Recap of potential costs

All day canoe/kayak trip = $35/kayak. Canoe cost = $27 for tours 4.5 hrs and under ($35 for the 6.5 hr tour-min 4 boat rentals). A canoe holds a max of 3 people so cut the cost, bring some friends.

Camping $15-34/person depending on the location and number of people sharing the site.

Sunday:
Costs to get into activity of choice
Buffalo + a Buffalo lunch = $16/person

Total cost: $76 (based on primitive camping at Circle B, all day kayak rental, buffalo tour and buffalo lunch.)

Meals you will have to cover: Meals all day on Saturday, Breakfast and lunch on Sunday. You will also have to cover any upgrades in lodging.