Winona Lake is a small town in Indiana nestled on the shore of its namesake, sitting a few hours between the major cities of Detroit and Chicago. With more than 100 natural lakes in the surrounding area, this is a wonderland of water, where people come to sail, swim, and relax on the shore. Anglers are in their element here — the lake’s calm waters are home to over 30 species, including longear sunfish and bluegill.

Winona Lake is a popular spot for kayaking and mountain biking on the Winona Lake Trail, which winds its way through dense woodland and over twisting purpose-built bridges. There’s also a splash pad right at Limitless Park on the shore of the lake, where locals come to cool off during baking Indiana summers. The restored Village at Winona offers plenty of pretty waterfront spots to linger over a coffee, indulge in ice cream, and pick up some nautical-themed homeware.

During the summer, warm, sunny days attract visitors looking to get out on the lake with their paddleboards and kayaks. This also tends to be the busiest time of the year, with local events including the four-day Mermaid Festival held in the nearby town of North Webster. During fall, the trees that frame the lake burst into a kaleidoscope of red, yellow, and orange. The winter can get very cold, but this is a great time to cross-country ski or ice fish out on the frozen water. In the spring, the ice starts to thaw and the flowers begin to bloom. On Memorial Day weekend, the Northern Indiana Lakes Festival is held at Center Lake Park in the neighboring city of Warsaw, complete with adventure races, entertainment, and fireworks marking the beginning of summer.

The Village at Winona

Located on its own little island just off the shore of Winona Lake, the Village was in a state of decline in the 1970s. The community pulled together to restore many of the old wooden summer homes and transform them into boutiques selling artisanal foodstuffs and mom-and-pop eateries looking out over the water. Locals come out to watch the cardboard boat race on Canal Days in August.

Scenic lakes

Winona Lake is surrounded by more than 100 lakes, providing ample opportunities for water sports and even a ride on one of Indiana’s oldest sternwheel tour boats at Webster Lake. A 10-minute drive away, Indiana’s only competitive water ski team performs regularly throughout the summer on Hidden Lake. The state’s largest natural lake, Lake Wawasee, is home to wooden boats galore, which join together for a weekly parade called the Thunder Run.

Winona Lake Trails

Starting a few streets back from the water’s edge, the Winona Lake Trails started life in 1902 as the Chicago Boys Camp, which offered children from Chicago the chance to immerse themselves in nature. The camp is now a well-maintained park with undulating trails leading you through tranquil wilderness, from babbling creeks to rolling meadows. Look out for mountain bikers — this is a popular route for adventurous visitors on two wheels.