10 Gorgeous Hoosier lakes that sometimes get overlooked (Part 2)

Indiana is absolutely swimming in great lakes. But if you’ve spent enough weekends on Lake Michigan or Lake Monroe, the larger bodies of water may feel a little too familiar. For those who have Wawaseen it all, here are 10 gorgeous Hoosier lakes that sometimes get overlooked—and the best rental houses on their shores.

8. Lake Bass

WHAT THIS secluded body of water lacks in sophisticated shopping and dining, it makes up for with pristine wilderness. Surrounded by forests and cornields, Bass Lake is a 15-minute drive from the nearest small town. Unassuming as Knox is, you’ll ind doughnuts at Fingerhut Bakery (5060 E. County Rd. 210, 574- 772-7750, ingerhutbakery.biz) to get the weekend started right. Then head over to Bass Lake Beach and Campground (5837 S. State Rd. 10, 219-405-5322), where you can pick up a couple of bikes from Fit-n- Fun Rentals (574-806-5437). An 8-mile ride takes you around the lake, or pack a lunch and embark on the 18-mile Erie Trail winding through the countryside all the way to North Judson.

On the water, it’s not uncommon to see bald eagles that hunt and nest in the area. Bass Lake Marina (5095 E. County Rd. 210, 574-772- 5084) can set you up with a boat for bird watching. And for those hoping to hook the lake’s namesake ish, Bass Lake Bait and Tackle (5067 E. County Rd. 210, 574-772-0229) stocks all the gear, snacks, and booze you’ll need. If you fail to catch your lunch on the lake, join the locals who lock to Bass Lake Pub and Ristorante (2869 S. County Rd. 210, 574-772-6668), a dive known for its pizza and sandwiches. Just a stone’s throw from the shore, the Melody Drive-In Theatre (7055 U.S. Hwy. 35, 574-772-2045, melodydrivein.com) screens ilms every weekend. It’s what passes for nightlife in sleepy Starke County. Which suits most visitors just ine. Ater all, you don’t come to this hideaway for the crowds.

9. Lake Webster

SEVERAL SMALLER lakes were looded in the 1830s to create Webster, a favorite of serious ishermen. The 640-acre lake ranks as one of the best in the state for muskie, but it’s home to perch, bluegill, and crappie as well. Rent a kayak from Socks Marina (60 EMS W17 Ln., North Webster, 574-834-2894, socksmarina.com) or a pontoon boat from Fisherman Cove (340 E. Huntington St., 574-834-2518, isherman cove.com). On certain Saturdays, the best thing to catch is the free water-ski performance by the Ski- Bees (websterskibees.com), a spectacle since 1953. No visit to Webster would be complete without a trip on Dixie (888-803-4943, ridethedixie.com). The 89-year-old paddleboat’s days as the mail carrier are gone, but you can tour the lake on it by boarding at North Webster Town Park (401 S. Dixie Dr.).

The town itself is almost as sweet. The Mermaid Festival (mermaid-festival.com)—less a celebration of mermaids and more of a county fair—gathers the community in late June. And the Dixie Day Festival (visitkosciuskocounty.com) on July 28 ofers a juried artisan show, antiques tent, tractor pull, and 5K. Even if you manage not to spill festival food on your shirt, it’s worth a trip to Hardy’s Laundromat & Mini Golf (624 N. Main St., 574-834-1382) for a quirky round of putput. North Webster also hosts some great antiques and consignment shops, including the Heart of the Lakes Antique Mall (132 N. Main St., 574-834-3000) and Judy’s Deja Vu (106 W. Huntington St., 574-518-0826). Dining options are limited, but Maria’s House of Pancakes (104 E. Esterbrook Dr., 574-834-4400) is a solid greasy spoon and Hepler’s Farm Market (612 N. Main St., 574-834-1222) is a great place for fresh produce to prepare your own meals. If you’re up for a day trip, the Pisgah Marsh Area (C.R. 350 N., Pierceton, in.gov/dnr/ishwild/3085.htm) is a 445-acre nature preserve just 10 minutes north. A boardwalk winds into the wetland, home to sandhill cranes, beavers, and deer. It all feels far away from the motorboats of Webster—yet it’s close enough that you’ll be back for an evening cruise.

10. Lake Winona

THIS SLEEPY POND became a destination in 1887 when farmers built a resort hotel, roller coaster, and racetrack nearby. Those atractions are long gone, but tourists still lock to its shores. For weekenders interested in heading straight to the water, The Lake House (720 E. Canal St., 574-265-6945, lakehousesurf.com) rents pontoons, paddleboards, and kayaks. Limitless Park (facebook.com/wi nonalakelimitlesspark) ofers public beach access and a playground, including an impressive splash pad.

Those who intend to stay dry can rent a bike from Trailhouse Village Bicycles (1001 E. Canal St., 574-267- 2223) and hit the hilly 9 miles of Winona Lake Trails (winonalake trails.com), doted with sculptures. Aterward, why not reward yourself with a treat from Kelainey’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop (904 Park Ave., 574-269-5724, kelaineys.com) before heading into the Village of Winona to shop? LeterWood Paper Co. (802 Park Ave., 260-615-5893) carries hand-painted cards and gits, while Spice Merchants (903 E. Canal St., 574-292-0598) sells hundreds of seasonings, herbs, and tea. Potery Bayou (806 Park Ave., 574-267-2655, potery bayou.com) and The Beaded Peacock (805 E. Canal St., 574-371-2777, thebeaded peacock.com) ofer crating classes for those who like to make souvenirs themselves. Winona Lake surprises many irsttime visitors with the quality of its ine dining. The original Cerulean (1101 E. Canal St., 574-269-1226) serves Asianthemed bento boxes for lunch and modern spins on Midwestern classics for dinner. The BoatHouse Restaurant (700 Park Ave., 574-268-2179) also prepares elegant entrées such as pretzelcrusted walleye, with year-round lakeside dining available. The nearby town of Warsaw ofers even more options. But the most desirable table may be the one on your back deck with a cocktail at sunset.

sources:

Indianapolis Monthly, July 2018