Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery - Mishawaka, Indiana

The Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery: A Hub for Aquatic Education and Conservation

The Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery, situated at Address: 13200 Jefferson Blvd, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States, is a notable establishment dedicated to fish farming and conservation. This facility is not just a place where fish are bred, but also a significant educational resource for the community.

About the Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery

Established as a state fish hatchery, the facility is part of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Division of Fish & Wildlife. It specializes in the rearing of various fish species native to the region, with a primary focus on trout and salmon. The hatchery plays a crucial role in maintaining the state's aquatic ecosystems and providing recreational opportunities for its residents.

The hatchery is open to the public, offering guided tours and educational programs. These tours provide visitors with an inside look at the fish breeding process, from eggs to full-grown fish. The knowledgeable staff leads these tours, sharing their expertise on the fish species, their habitats, and the importance of conservation.

Visiting the Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery

Visitors can find a kiosk at the entrance, offering information about the hatchery and its operations. While the facility is not a traditional tourist attraction, it offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The hatchery is equipped with wheelchair-accessible car parks, making it accessible to all.

Visits typically take around 30 minutes, with the hatchery housing different tanks for various stages of fish growth. Despite its educational focus, the hatchery maintains a rustic charm, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work of fish farming.

Contacting the Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery

For more information about the hatchery, its tours, or educational programs, you can reach out to the facility using the following contact details:

• Phone: 5742554199
• Website: in.gov

What Visitors Have to Say

The Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery has received 16 reviews on Google My Business, with an average rating of 4.3/5. Visitors praise the knowledgeable staff, the educational value of the tours, and the unique insight into the fish breeding process. Many visitors, including those with young children, have found the experience enjoyable and informative.

Some visitors have noted that the hatchery is not a typical tourist attraction and may not appeal to those expecting a flashy, entertainment-focused experience. However, for those interested in learning about the region's aquatic ecosystems and the work involved in fish farming and conservation, the Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery is a must-visit.

Plan Your Visit Today

Whether you're a local resident, an educator looking for a field trip destination, or a visitor to the area, the Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery offers a unique and educational experience. Plan your visit today and discover the fascinating world of fish farming and conservation.

👍 Reviews of Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery

Lauren F.

5/5

Went on a school field trip and it was super informative! I learned just as much as the students did. They show you the fish from babies all the way to full grown and have very knowledgeable staff leading the tours.

loveross0716

4/5

There's a kiosk-like structure with a some info for visitors before you get to the actual fish tanks, and a very small inside display, but this is not a touristy place. It is an actual hatchery, where different tanks hold different size fish. Our young grandkids (age 4, 6 and 7) had a lot of fun. Only took about 1/2 hour and was enjoyable for us adults too. Nothing flashy.

Sariah M.

5/5

What an unexpected place! We visited here with friends a few months ago and the workers were so helpful (if nobody is around you can just knock on the door and someone will come talk to you). We set up a tool for a group of us with preschool-aged kids, and it was wonderful! It was free, they taught us about what they do, showed a video, and let us see fish eggs and let us feed the fishes.

Reed L.

1/5

Outside of a school group and as a local dad with a kid who wanted to see some "fish", the outing was a total bust. We had to find somebody to ask if there was anything to do, the "visitor center" was non-existent, and there were just a couple large tanks of tiny fish outside. I know I'm not the typical visitor, but it was definitely not for walk in visitor even though it was described as such.

Tanya K.

4/5

We showed up here unexpected to check it out, and was offered a free personal tour! We learned a lot about the Steelhead Trout and the Salmon they raise. Interesting stuff. The hatcheries are covered with huge nets, to keep the fish in and predators out. (Although a local otter helps himself from time to time) I observed a butterfly fly over one of the nets and the water came alive with 10 or more fish leaping out of the water to try to get a quick snack. It was fascinating, but maybe I just like things like this.

Sydney T.

5/5

Awesome tour !! Dress according to the weather because half of the tour is outside. Make sure you call first and schedule a tour so u can go inside too

Michelle I.

5/5

I enjoyed the wonderful lessons the DNR people taught the students today, they learned so much about replenishing fish supplies and boosting our ecosystem with fish in our local streams , Rivers, and lakes...

SAW A.

4/5

Cool place to visit welcome to public free tours great for homeschoolers.