Swan Lake Iris Garden Walk.

822 West Liberty Street. ¾ Miles.

Enter the Swan Lake parking lot from the main gate on West Liberty Street. Across from the Visitor’s Center, is a gate entrance to the lakes shore. From this entrance, go left to follow the trail around the lake.

Lakeside visitors will be greeted by the honking of the geese and maybe some swans on a stroll. At this point you may want to sit on the park’s numerous benches and feed the swans and perhaps some of the turtles. The elevator leading up to the bridge that crosses Liberty Street will be on the left (for those who want to add more distance and scenery to their walk) just past the elevator is a small wooden bridge that provides a great side for pictures. Continuing the walk, the “sensory garden” will be on the left. About half way around the lake is another bridge crossing that leads to a picnic shelter and water facilities. From there, the path stays close to the water’s edge, meanders through the large Japanese iris planting ground and returns the lake’s visitor to the entrance gate. From this point there is access to restrooms, water, picnic tables, shelters with fans, a playground, trash receptacles, and the iris Market Restaurant.  Portions of the trail around the lake are hard sand and gravel and are easily accessible by motorized wheel chair or strollers. However, during periods of excess rain or long term dry weather, parts of the trail may be difficult to traverse

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