Fidler Pond Park in Goshen — Online Webcam

Park History: From Quarry to Oasis

Fidler Pond Park in Goshen is a place where industrial past has transformed into a green oasis. In 1946, Lewis Fidler founded a sand and gravel mining business on this site. Decades of open-pit mining left behind a deep quarry that eventually filled with water, forming a picturesque pond. The city of Goshen saw potential in this abandoned area and purchased the land for $550,000, turning the former industrial site into a public space. The park officially opened on Labor Day 2013 and has since become one of the city's favorite recreation spots.

The Name with a Secret: Why "Fiddler's" and Not "Fidler's"

The spelling "Fiddler's Pond" — with a double "d" and an ending reminiscent of the word "fiddler" — is a common mistake that has become entrenched in everyday use. In reality, the pond is named after the Fidler family, specifically Lewis Fidler, the owner of the gravel business. There are no legends about fiddlers in the history of this place — it's simply a distortion of the surname that has become familiar to locals and tourists over time. Official Goshen city documents more often use the spelling "Fidler Pond," but both versions refer to the same location.

What You Can Do in the Park

Fidler Pond is not just a viewpoint but a full-fledged destination for active recreation. The pond covers about 80 acres, making it spacious enough for water activities. The park offers kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals — available by the hour from the red boathouse on the shore. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy catch-and-release fishing from the bank. A crushed limestone trail runs around the pond, and a leisurely walk takes about 15 minutes. Rocking benches are placed along the trail — you can swing while watching the water.

Fidler Pond Garden: A Tribute to Memory

In spring 2024, a new attraction appeared in the park — Fidler Pond Garden. This garden became a tribute to Lois Fidler, who passed away in August 2024. It was her vision, planning, and personal investments that made the project possible. The garden adorns the shoreline and adds a new dimension to the park — now visitors can not only admire the water but also enjoy well-maintained flower beds and greenery.

Wildlife of the Pond

Fiddler Pond is home to numerous species of waterfowl. Ducks and other wildlife feel at ease here, and on the live webcam you can often see them swimming on the calm water or resting on the shore. The pond also attracts migratory birds, making it an interesting spot for birdwatching. Walking along the trail, you can spot turtles, frogs, and other wetland inhabitants.

How to Get There and When to Watch

The park is located at 1424 Lincolnway E, Goshen, IN 46526, across from the Holiday Inn hotel. This is a popular spot for watching sunsets and sunrises — when the sun dips behind the trees on the far shore, the pond water turns golden and pink. The online webcam allows you to see these moments even if you're thousands of kilometers away. The broadcast runs around the clock, so you can watch the park at any time — from morning mist over the water to evening sunset.

What You Can See on the Camera

The webcam is positioned to capture the full beauty of Fidler Pond Park. In the foreground is a gravel walking path running along the green lawn. Beyond the lawn stretches a calm lake with a smooth water surface reflecting clouds and trees. On the far shore, a dense line of trees and shrubs forms a natural green wall. On the left side of the frame, a small boat can often be seen on the water. Tree branches with foliage enter the frame from the top right, while bare branches appear on the left, creating a picturesque frame for the entire scene. The online camera conveys the atmosphere of tranquility and seclusion that makes this place so special to Goshen residents.