A Quaint Lakeside Town in Indiana Promises a Cozy Escape with Picturesque Trails and Shops

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A Quaint Lakeside Town in Indiana Promises a Cozy Escape with Picturesque Trails and Shops

Good things come in small packages, and with a population of apprximately 3,000, Syracuse, Indiana, is jam-packed with many family-friendly vacation activities. A tiny, scenic town and home to two lakes, Syracuse is located in North Central Indiana. To get there, you can fly to South Bend and drive about 40 miles or fly to Fort Wayne where the drive is a little less than an hour.  Once you arrive in this quintessential lake town, you’ll be blown away by Lake Wawasee, the largest freshwater lake in the state, and Syracuse Lake, which is a tad smaller. 



Dotting the landscape are welcoming marinas with harbor-side restaurants and comfy accommodations. Go swimming, boating, fishing, sailing, tubing, and kayaking on Lake Wawasee. The Syracuse Wawasee Trails offer something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. Take a beautiful hike along the 11-mile network of trails situated along the lake. For an easy hike, check out the 5.2-mile loop, which is ideal for hiking, walking, or biking.  The best times to hit the trails are May through September. Visit Lakeside Park at Lake Syracuse, the city’s largest park, for the beach, to enjoy a picnic at the gazebo and play in the playground.

Things to do in Syracuse, Indiana

Golf course in Syracuse. Indiana



Love to hit the links? There are numerous public golf courses in Syracuse that offer challenging holes, set amid the lush Indiana landscape. One can’t-miss playing experience is the 9-hole Wawasee Golf Club on the lake, which is one of the oldest in the state, and it is also open all year long for those diehard golf enthusiasts who want to play anytime.

For a more casual vacation experience, the historic downtown feels like a step back in time with more than 20 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bustling streets are filled with plenty of Hoosier hospitality, restaurants, and shops. The historic Pickwick Theatre on Main Street shows first-run movies. Stroll through the art galleries and visit the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum and learn more about the settlement of the area. 

All the while, enjoy waterfront dining at Channel Marker restaurant. With boats that pull up alongside the restaurant, you’ll feel like you’re living the dream in Florida. Or try Chubbie’s Pub & Grub for some hearty bar food, delicious steaks, and more.

See also  Florida's Crandon Park Beach: Snorkelers' Paradise


Play and stay like a local in Syracuse, Indiana

picture of blueberries

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.