7 Best Lakeside Towns in Indiana

In the Midwestern state of Indiana, there are more than 160,000 acres of lakes (not counting Lake Michigan). Although many are small or privately owned, there are also plenty of vast natural lakes to visit, along with charming towns that cling to their shores or are situated just a few miles away.

In these lakeside communities, visitors can discover stunning views and welcoming communities. You can have a meal on the largest dinner boat in Indiana in Monticello, or climb atop the sand dunes above Lake Michigan for breathtaking panoramas. Alternatively, you can appreciate history with a visit to a lakeside cottage from the turn of the century that once belonged to a Hoosier author. For thrill seekers chasing adrenaline, visit the amusement park along the shores of Lake Shafer for sweeping views before plummeting down a roller coaster hill.

Plan a relaxing weekend or one filled with adventure at these 7 best lakeside towns that showcase some of the best of what Indiana has to offer.

Porter

Indiana has a small shoreline along Lake Michigan. But Porter doesn't just have shoreline beaches; it's also the center of the Indiana Dunes National Park. As Indiana's only national park, it contains large sand dunes just south of Lake Michigan, along with the ecologically diverse Cowles Bog Trail, which traverses ponds, marshes, savannas, and swamps.

Mount Baldy, the largest sand dune, is 126 feet tall and is known to move anywhere from five to ten feet annually. Conservation efforts restrict climbing on the dunes, but in-shape hikers can instead attempt the 1966 Hiking Challenge, which consists of 19 separate hikes totaling 66 miles throughout the park. Going further north, visitors can reach several different beaches on Lake Michigan, including Porter Beach and Dunbar Beach. Right outside of the dunes, there are plenty of hot spots to grab a bite to eat from Leroy's "Hot Stuff" Mexican cantina or the Village Tavern.

Monticello

Nestled in north central Indiana, Monticello is best known for Indiana Beach, an amusement and water park on Lake Shafer. The amusement park opened in 1926 and includes more than 45 rides, including the spine-tingling Steel Hawg roller coaster with a 111-degree drop overlooking the lake, and the Hoosier Hurricane with a S-curve from a 77-foot drop.

Outside of the amusement park, visitors to Monticello can easily access the lake from boat docks around town, or rent a boat to go fishing for bluegills or bass. You can also board the Madam Carroll, a 300-ton and 135-foot-long boat docked on the Tippecanoe River. It's the largest of its kind in Indiana and offers live music, dinner cruises, and event hosting.

Winona Lake

Winona Lake is one of the best shopping destinations in the state, as visitors can explore a historic neighborhood on a boardwalk right by the lake called the Village at Winona. The shopping center spans a few blocks and offers everything from crafts at The Beaded Peacock to kayaks at The Lake House.

Just a few blocks south of the shopping area is the Limitless Park & Splash Pad, a family-friendly park with playgrounds and a sandy beach. One of the best features of Winona Lake is how many different ways it can be explored. There are biking and hiking trails around the lake called the Heritage Trail, and along the trail are a series of intriguing sculptures representing the history of Winona Lake.

Rome City

This town's namesake, Italy's famous city, was built on seven hills. Rome City, on the other hand, was built near the extensive Sylvan Lake. Founded in 1839, the town's railroad spurred significant growth and tourism.

The city is also home to one of Indiana's most well-known female authors, Gene Stratton-Porter, who wrote "The Song of the Cardinal." She was also a photographer and took many photos from her beautiful lakeside home, which is today maintained as Gene Stratton-Porter's Cabin just off of Sylvan Lake. There are many ways to access the lake, including Lakeside Park. By taking a boat, you can reach the small Gem Island, Bishop Island, and Cook Island. Travelers can also enjoy a cup of tea in a picturesque historic home via the Sower Houses Shoppe and Tea Room.

Angola

Angola is situated in Steuben County, which has more than 100 lakes within its borders. From the center of Angola, there are many lakes within reach, from the public beaches at Crooked Lake and Hamilton Lake to Lake James within Pokagon State Park.

The state park is the most popular destination in Angola for several reasons. Fishers can find bass, bluegill, catfish, and northern pike in the lake. Hikers can go up through hardwood forests to an overlook at Hell's Point via the trails, and winter sports enthusiasts can go for a wild ride in the state's only refrigerated toboggan trail, which can reach top speeds of up to 35 to 40 miles per hour. For eating options, Angola has plenty of restaurants around its historic town square, including Sutton's Deli and the Buck Lake Bar & Grill.

Culver

Culver sits in north-central Indiana, next to Lake Maxinkuckee, the second-largest natural lake in Indiana, covering more than 1,800 acres. Known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, Culver hugs the western shore of the lake and offers delicious seafood and outdoor adventures. Bikers can take the 10-mile loop that follows the lake's shore through maple forests. From downtown Culver, boaters explore the lake via a public access point.

The Culver Park Department is home to the main beach on Lake Maxinkuckee and also rents out kayaks and paddleboards. Guests can enjoy lakeside views while dining at The Lakeside Grille or at the gourmet Italian restaurant, Lucrezia Trattoria.

Syracuse

Syracuse, Indiana, stands out among other lakeside towns in Indiana for its direct access to two lakes: Syracuse Lake, right in its downtown area, and Lake Wawasee, the largest natural lake in Indiana. From downtown Syracuse, residents and visitors can swim at Lakeside Park & Beach, play beach volleyball, or relax under the gazebo. Syracuse's waterfront on Lake Wawasee is accessible from the Levinson-Labrosse Lakes and Wetlands Education Center, which also has 40 acres of wetlands, forests, and shoreline.

Summer visitors can enjoy a cruise and a meal via the SS Lillypad, a 110-passenger boat that roams Lake Wawasee. A short walk from Lakeside Park is the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, containing old artifacts such as vintage vehicles. One interesting spot in town is the Down Under Bar & Restaurant, an underground establishment serving pizza, steak, Mexican food, and more.

The Cape Cod of the Midwest

Although Culver claims the title of Cape Cod of the Midwest, all of these towns could compete for that reputation with their lakeside restaurants, dinner cruises, and scenic views. Porter's sand dunes and bogs offer miles and miles of trails tracing the former coastline of Lake Michigan. It's worth coming to Angola in the winter for a heart-racing toboggan ride. From this list of towns, travelers can find the lake(s) and activities that suit their skills and interests.