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By Leah Heim (BA 27)

There’s something magical about summer in Winona Lake, Indiana. As the days grow longer, the community comes alive with outdoor concerts, local events, mornings at the farmers market, and evenings spent on the water. Whether you’re a weekend visitor or a longtime local, there’s always something new to experience in what is easily one of the best college towns in the Midwest. However you choose to spend your summer days, you’ll quickly discover that the best memories are made right here in Winona Lake.

Enjoy the Outdoors

If you’re someone who loves the outdoors, you’ll feel right at home in Winona Lake. The hard part isn’t finding something to do, it’s deciding where to start.

• Winona Lake Limitless Park: When the weather heats up, it’s easy to spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach, playing sand volleyball, cooling off in the splash pad, or enjoying the accessible playground. Be sure to grab one of the free hot dogs offered every Friday during the summer at 12:30!

• Lakeside Courts: If you’re looking for a little competition, challenge friends to a game of pickleball, tennis, or basketball before heading out on the water.

• The Heritage Trail: This scenic, paved pathway winds through The Village at Winona, follows the beautiful shoreline, and stretches into the wooded areas leading to the ������ campus. It’s perfect for walking, running, or biking.

• Speedboat Rides: Reserve a ride on ������’s speedboat, where a ������Marketing Intern serves as your captain while you cruise the lake, go tubing, or anchor for a swim.
• The Boathouse Rentals: Experience the lake firsthand by renting a pontoon, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. As the day comes to an end, there’s no better place to watch the sunset than on the lake.
• Winona Lake Trails: This trail system is a local favorite, with nearly nine miles of mountain biking and hiking trails that weave through the woods and over Cherry Creek. These winding single-track trails offer everything from gentle sections to challenging climbs.

“One of my favorite things about mountain biking is being able to enjoy the outdoors while staying active. The Winona Lake trails are welcoming for riders of all skill levels, and thanks to the people that encouraged me to give it a try, I discovered a hobby I never expected to love.” — Kassidee Nicodemus, ������ Marketing Intern

The shared love for the outdoors is part of what makes summers here so memorable. These activities are more than just a way to pass the time, they’re at the heart of the Winona Lake community, bringing neighbors, families, and visitors together.

Spend an Afternoon in The Village

Winona Lakes’ charming village is lined with locally owned shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the lake. It offers the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon exploring. Dining options range from sit down restaurants to quick, on-the-go snacks. Some local favorites and top-rated Winona Lake restaurants include:

• The River Coffeehouse – Start your morning with a delicious coffee and breakfast at the River Coffeehouse. It’s a year round favorite for locals.

• Social Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop – Stop by the Social for a sweet treat and light meal. You can enjoy your ice cream on the wrap around porch or seating in the lawn while you listen to live music and play cornhole.
• Boathouse Restaurant – Enjoy a lakeside meal at The Boathouse, where upscale casual dining meets beautiful views of Winona Lake. With a menu featuring steaks, seafood, pasta, and more, it’s the perfect spot for a memorable meal by the water.
• Cerulean – This is a Mediterranean-Asian restaurant that specializes in sushi. You can dine indoors or on the garden patio with a great view of the canal and local action right by the village shops. 

The Village reflects the welcoming spirit of the community, where store owners greet the locals by name and visitors are met with friendly smiles. This small-town hospitality makes Winona Lake a place that so many love and call home. 

Mark Your Calendar for Winona Lake Events

Summer in Winona Lake is known for its traditions that bring the community together. Be sure to add these community favorites to your itinerary:

• Winona Lake Farmers Market (Saturday mornings): Local vendors offer fresh produce, baked goods, handmade products, flowers, and more, giving the community a chance to support local, small businesses while mingling with neighbors and friends.
• Village Art Fair (Early Summer): One of the community’s signature events. Artists from across the country line the streets with original artwork while families enjoy food vendors, live entertainment, and kids’ activities.
• Fat & Skinny Tire Fest: This is a huge Winona Lake tradition bringing together cyclists and families. Alongside road races and mountain bike competitions, visitors can enjoy live music, food vendors, cycling demonstrations, and countryside rides.
• Canal Days (Late Summer): Celebrate the end of the season with artisan vendors, family activities, and the community-favorite cardboard boat race along the canal.
• NEW! Lake Days (Hosted by ������): A brand-new tradition designed entirely to pour back into the Winona Lake community. ������ is hosting two Lake Days this summer, providing free boat rides and tubing all day long, along with outdoor games, exciting prizes, and a free hot dog lunch. They’ve also partnered with local shops to host an interactive scavenger hunt throughout The Village, making it the perfect way to explore local businesses while enjoying a day of sun and fun.

These Winona Lake events are just a few of the traditions that make summer here so memorable. There is something for everyone here, whether it’s the art fair or the biking, this community comes together in a way that makes everyone feel like they belong.

A Summer Home for ������Students

While most ������ students head home after the spring semester, some stay behind for local internships, summer classes, athletics, and seasonal jobs. 

������ offers summer housing to help students stay connected, giving them the chance to experience Winona Lake during one of its most vibrant seasons. When the workday ends, you’ll often find students exploring The Village, Jet skiing on the lake, grabbing dinner with friends, or enjoying one of the many weekend events. It’s all part of what makes ������ one of the best college towns, where campus life and a welcoming community come together.

“While I lived in Winona Lake over the summer during an internship, some of my favorite things to do were taking walks, watching the sun set at the lake, and getting to know the community here. Winona is truly different over the summer. It’s beautiful, charming, and full of kind, welcoming people.” — Lizzy West, ������ Marketing Intern

A Season Worth Experiencing

Summer in Winona Lake, Indiana, isn’t just about its attractions and events, it’s the community that makes the season memorable. If you are visiting for a few days or you call this place your home, Winona Lake is a place to slow down, explore, and experience the kind of community that keeps people coming back year after year.