Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Kosciusko County, IN

  • Published 2023/03/17

Would you like to spend time outdoors, soak up the sun, and explore winding pathways, lakes with clear waters, and beaches?

Why not start planning your upcoming weekend trip or vacation in a place with all that and more?

For families of outdoor enthusiasts seeking a destination, look no further than Kosciusko County, Indiana.

You can choose from a plethora of outdoor areas and outdoor leisure possibilities.

Enjoy accommodations, arts and entertainment opportunities, local dining, and shopping alternatives.

Here are the best things to do in Kosciusko County, Indiana.

Drop by Oakwood Resort for a Relaxing Moonlit Adventure

Exterior of Oakwood Resort

Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you looking for a great escape from the daily grind while still feeling at home away from home?

Located in Syracuse, you can take advantage of the opulent Oakwood Resort on the banks of Lake Wawasee.

At Oakwood Resort, you can unwind on a vast 27-acre property around Indiana’s largest natural lake while finding peace within the lovely scenery.

Prepare to splurge and indulge in its opulent spa and other things you can do.

You can enjoy a full-service dining experience at its floating restaurant known as Pier & Back Porch.

They serve fresh seafood and steaks prepared to perfection by their skilled chefs, which can be paired with artisan beers and drinks.

Whether you want to savor the beauty of a lakeside night or take in the cultural history of lake life, there is something for everyone at this bar.

Indoor and outdoor seating allows visitors to find respite from the sun before marveling at its magnificent sunset views!

The breathtaking scenery will stay etched in your memory forever.

Visit the Historic Old Jail Museum

You can tour the 150-year-old Warsaw jail, which Richard Epperson built from Indiana limestone.

For 112 years, the Old Jail Museum was one of the best prisons in the state.

Because the sheriff had to live in the jail then, the structure was divided into a jail section and a resident section.

It now houses tens of thousands of Kosciusko County artifacts from the past.

The two floors of the jail are where you can see the cells and bullpens.

You can also embark on a paranormal journey at the Old Jail Museum, one of Kosciusko’s most haunted locations.

If the Old Jail Museum’s paranormal lore isn’t enough to spook you, you can browse the other exhibits in the eight rooms spread across the three floors of the sheriff’s mansion.

Tempt your gang to enter the solitary jail cell and experience what confinement would feel like.

Among the numerous objects you will see are the Drummer Boy of Shiloh in the Civil War collection, a copper bathtub in the sheriff’s bedroom, and military displays.

More than the spooky tales, you will be enthralled by the exhibits and information.

Sip Wine Slushies at Tippy Creek Winery

Do you want a comfortable space for decoupling?

Visit Leesburg and take advantage of Tippy Creek Winery, Kosciusko County’s first winery.

With a selection of wines to suit different preferences, it’s a great location to relax and enjoy a glass of wine.

You can enjoy a slushy, a blueberry or blackberry cider, and a flight of drinks while relaxing next to the lovely fireplace on a couch.

Don’t forget to order a portion of delicious Calabrese and Genovese salami, pretzels and beer cheese, and other bites.

Numerous tables could be found in the central area near the bar, while a few yurt-like dining areas are outside.

In addition to the 14 wines, which range from sweet to dry, you can also enjoy a corn hole board-friendly game at the patio’s outdoor area with great live music.

Enjoy yourself at Tippy Creek Winery!

Explore the Woods with Deka-di Riding Stable

Deka-Di Riding Stable in Pierceton offers year-round family fun.

As you ride your horse through the serene woodland trails, soak in the rustic stunning fall foliage and clear blue skies.

You will discover tranquility while trekking across the fields and the woods.

Your family will enjoy this outdoor escape with various terrain options and activities catering to all skill sets.

If you want a more adventurous journey, you can explore the hills, woods, and fields for an easy yet exquisite experience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ride a horse through the serene wooded riding trails.

Put on your boots, button your flannel, and get ready to explore the scenic trails at Deka-Di Stable.

Create Personal Souvenirs at Pottery Bayou

In Winona Lake, Pottery Bayou allows you to express your creativity and make something of your own.

One of the most heartfelt keepsake gifts is a handcrafted item for your loved ones or spending quality time crafting with them.

You can make your distinctive works of art in a joyful, creative environment at this “paint-your-own-pottery” studio.

You can also create your fused glass jewelry with your handcrafted souvenirs.

Allow yourself to be invigorated by inventive paints with dazzling crystals and an array of sponges and stamps that will ignite your creativity!

Don’t forget to create some unique family heirlooms at Pottery Bayou.

Bring Your Family to Nauti Mule and Nauti Mare

Are you craving a short getaway with family or friends?

Located in Syracuse, you can pick a floating boat from Nauti Mule and Nauti Mare which can bring up to 14 people for some fun in Lake Wawasee.

Take the squad out for fun under the sun while you cruise the lake and enjoy food, drinks, water sports, and other activities.

Don’t forget to pack a cooler for refreshing beverages and cocktails, a great BBQ cooked over a fire pit, and many other delights.

Lake Wawasee offers a beautiful outdoor pastime for the entire group.

Enjoy the day at Nauti Mule and Nauti Mare!

Learn New Things at Wildwood Nature Preserve Park

Go to Silver Lake and experience a perfect wildlife experience at Wildwood Nature Preserve Park.

Take your special someone on a unique outdoor excursion at Wildwood Nature Preserve Park.

You can explore the nature center, wander along the boardwalks and pathways, or go for an exciting bike ride together as you enjoy the picturesque views!

With seven different walking paths varying from easy wooden trails to more intense routes with hills.

The Wildwood Way Trail is also a great place to go if you want to see a variety of highland songbirds while passing through meadows and forests.

Townpath, East Shore, Tall Timbers, Fox Run Trail, and Delta and North Boardwalk are all available for your leg stretch.

You can view interpretive displays and even take advantage of the bird viewing area and a deck at the Nature Center Exhibit Hall.

A children’s discovery area and a children’s library are available for everyone’s enjoyment.

It’s a go-to area for peace and rejuvenation!

Indulge in the Old World Atmosphere of Old Train Depot

Visit Pierceton’s Old Train Depot and discover a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience in Kosciusko County.

Relish in the delicious meal combined with its enthralling history.

Consider how elegant and beautiful it would be to dine in the post-civil war era.

While gazing at some railroad artifacts, you can enjoy a cozy fireside seat.

It features a fantastic menu with many different cocktail and martini options.

Free beer samples, special steak and salmon courses, fresh soups, entree salads, wraps, and sandwiches will be available.

Your appetites for wine will be satiated by craft martinis and cocktails with unique names, like Runaway Train and Sidecar, inspired by railroads.

The terrace on the second floor and the lower-level seating offer views over the train.

The Old Train Depot’s warm atmosphere will put you at ease and let you enjoy yourself.

Your demands for top-notch cuisine and cultural history will undoubtedly be satiated.

See a Show at the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts

Are you looking for some exciting entertainment options?

For over 52 years in Warsaw, the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts has created a rich history of providing audiences with unique ways of entertainment.

In its one-of-a-kind circularly constructed theater, you can enjoy a spectacular live professional musical theater performance in the round, close to the center stage.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable theatrical experience as you witness the best performances in the state at Wagon Wheel Theatre.

Catch Broadway-level shows and immerse yourself in 360 degrees of action on a rotating stage, with artists moving around the aisles!

Experience a captivating performance you’ll cherish forever.

Plan a night out immediately and pick from one of the upcoming shows at the Wagon Wheel Center for the

Take a Quick Break at B & K

Are you looking for a quick bite for the road?

After a lengthy, scenic ride through Kosciusko County, stop by Mentone to dine at the B & K drive-in restaurant.

You can drive into this drive-in restaurant park, place an order, and then have your food delivered.

Your visit here will be delightful whether you decide to stop by briefly or linger for a while.

In the convenience of your car, relish tasty menu items like their renowned Coney dog and hand-breaded tenderloin while sipping root beer from frosted mugs.

At B&K, you can enjoy a relaxing, rustic setting while savoring a quick lunch or dinner.

Get a Drink at Tipsy Turtle

For an unforgettable trip to Kosciusko, visit one of the stunning lakes.

The stunning Lake Tippecanoe is tucked away for your enjoyment in Leesburg.

Visit Lake Tippecanoe’s first floating bar, the Tipsy Turtle, and take a ride to explore the lake’s pristine waters.

Visitors can engage in various leisure activities at the deepest lake in Indiana, like swimming, fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, and jet skiing.

The highlights of your lake adventure include scenic bay sightings plus several locations for fun water activities.

You can listen to music while taking in the breathtaking sunset.

It provides a more tranquil and frequently romantic atmosphere.

Spend Time with Your Family at Winona Lake Limitless Park

Numerous outdoor activity options are available in Winona Lake Limitless Park.

A beach, tennis courts, numerous sporting facilities, expansive grassy areas, and other attractions allow people of all ages to enjoy themselves and interact with one another.

The entire family will enjoy the splash pad in the playground area.

Your kids will have fun with their new friends on the swings and slides.

Surrounded by many beautiful trees, the picnic pavilions with tables are perfect for your family outing.

Enjoy the lake’s designated swimming area and take in some rays.

You have the option of renting paddle boards, paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes.

Bring out other picnic necessities like a hammock and picnic items at Winona Lake Limitless Park.

Try a Unique Blend of Food at the Frog Tavern

Have you ever heard the saying “eat the frog”?

Syracuse’s Frog Tavern has a wide variety of different foods accessible.

Visit Wawasee Dockside in Indiana’s largest natural lake for a fantastic lunch or dinner.

The tavern has been open since 1932 as one of the state’s oldest and most well-known eateries on the lake.

Diners can travel to the lake bar for lunch, dinner, or late-night enjoyment via car, foot, boat, or seaplane.

Climb aboard a 70-foot dining houseboat, Lilypad, and enjoy superb food and dance to the pleasant atmosphere with a live music performance.

The “tadpole” options and the frog leg basket are the must-try things on their menu that you shouldn’t overlook.

It’s improbable, but if you haven’t tried it, you’re surely missing out on some beautiful stuff.

You won’t regret the delectable taste of such crispy meat.

The Frog Tavern serves a range of pizza and snacks, including nachos, fries, and many others, and a fully stocked bar with a broad collection of local and imported beers.

You’ll undoubtedly return to Syracuse for a delicious frog-leg basket!

Spend a Day Outdoors at Waubee Lake Park and Beach

The Waubee Lake Park and Beach in Milford provide the most magical and ideal setting for all-out fun.

Waubee Lake’s beach and park, situated on the lake’s northernmost point, provide a tranquil environment.

Locals residing around the area also turn into vacationers in this paradise.

It offers a playground where your kids can engage in various enjoyable activities and a clean lake where you can all swim and fish.

If you enjoy a day on the lake, you can launch your boat here!

As a bonus, Waubee Lake Park and Beach boasts towering trees blanketed in sandy brown soil and illuminated with vibrant foliage.

Enjoy a lush, leafy embrace over your usually hectic days, and seek solace and unwind at the park’s playground or elsewhere on the beach.

Learn Local History at Etna Green Museum

Visiting the Etna Green Museum, get a glimpse into the colorful past of Etna Green.

When you enter the Etna Green Historical Museum, nostalgia will fill your heart.

You’ll be amazed by all the artifacts from school alums and basketball teams that have been carefully preserved.

Don’t forget to take photos with the iconic bell out front and an old red caboose train vehicle nearby.

Both are over 89 years old!

Exploring this museum is an unforgettable experience for anyone who wants to learn more about the local history of Indiana.

Before you depart the town, take in Heritage Park’s tranquil surroundings, where the museum is located.

Enjoy some fantastic outdoor works of public art while relaxing in Etna Green, a charming rural community.

Final Thoughts

Kosciusko County is the ultimate location that provides entertaining activities for everyone.

You will undoubtedly appreciate your time in this homey county.

What are you waiting for?

Add the best things to do in Kosciusko County, Indiana, to your bucket list today!

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