Cobus Creek County Park is right on the boundary between Elkhart and St. Joseph counties in Northern Indiana. Due to it’s proximity to so many local high schools, I find myself taking senior pictures there several times a year.

Why Cobus Creek for Senior Pictures?

It’s one of the best locations for senior pictures in the area because of its size, it’s extremely clean bathrooms for changing into multiple outfits, and the variety of looks you can get. The fields are glowing and always changing depending on which wildflowers are blooming. The crushed gravel paths provide great sight lines and lots of bright light reflecting back at your senior’s beautiful face. The creek provides a deep shadowy background and a fun photo spot for the more adventurous. It also has a more sculpted garden area with a foot bridge. You can get a lot of looks here. Some of my favorite shots from this session were taken in the overflow dirt parking lot! It really worked with her cowboy boots, am I right?

Know Before You Go: Cobus Creek County Park

When planning to have a session here, you should know a few things.

There are strict open/close hours at this park, and they change throughout the year. You’ll need to make sure your start and end time are in the window of their seasonal hours.

You’ll also need a permit to take any photographs here. The Elkhart County Parks department charges $10 for a day pass or $75 for an annual pass. I secure this for my sessions, but if you’re coming with another photographer, they will need to make sure to get one. The parks department is wonderful to work with, often alerting me of other activities that are going on or reminding me about seasonal hours before I’ve even thought about it.

The bathrooms are extremely clean for wardrobe changes. It’s a huge bonus. Compliments to the Elkhart County Parks!

There will be other photographers to work around. It’s a hot spot! Most of us are really great at working around one another. If you’re shooting here for the first time, plan to be courteous and work at the more frequently used areas quickly!