Steuben County Tourism Bureau

07/18/2024

The Lake James Antique and Classic Boat and Car Show features more than 60 antique boats in the water plus a variety of antique cars and motors on land Saturday, July 27. The free event is at the Old Boat House on County Road 300 West, near the Lake James/Jimmerson Lake bridge between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Enjoy a variety of food and entertainment throughout the day. Kids will have an opportunity to paint a homemade vintage boat while the Steuben Arts Scene will have a tent full of fine art for sale.

07/17/2024

Tickets for the Rolling Victory Weekend in Pleasant Lake Aug. 30-Sept. 1 are now on sale. The weekend features train rides, a World War II living history event, a 1940s dance, battle re-enactments, vintage vehicles and military exhibits.

Take a three-hour ride on a historic steam locomotive train Friday, Aug. 30. Shorter rides are available Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1 during the event.

Report to 1469 W. Main St., Pleasant Lake, at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 for the 80th birthday of Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765 during a special 1940s-themed tent pole dinner and dance at the Pleasant Lake railroad campus. Featuring a big-band orchestra, historic automobiles, World War II reenactors, and vintage trains, this will be a night to remember.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the weekend events, visit https://fortwaynerailroad.ticketspice.com/rolling-victory

07/09/2024

Here's a wonderful opportunity to see a Douglas C-54 Skymaster that was part of the 1948 Berlin Airlift. The "Spirit of Freedom" is a flying exhibit commemorating the event. Take a tour of the 94-foot plane for free; donations are accepted and will benefit The Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation. See the plane Monday, July 15 from noon to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, July 16-Thursday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, July 19 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Tri-State Steuben County Airport, 5220 W. U.S. Highway 20, Angola.

07/08/2024

Celebrate Music Fest in Fremont with a parade, great food and a fun musical lineup Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13. Friday's musical lineup includes Mason Dixon Line from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and REXT from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on the covered, lighted stage.

On Saturday, enjoy the parade at 11 a.m. followed by an expanded children's area all afternoon. Musical acts on the main stage include Jim Weber and John Day from noon to 2 p.m.; Bel and the Bad Wolves from 2 to 4:30 p.m.; The Haggens between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. and Itchy Coo Park closes out the festival from 7 to 9:30 p.m. There will be food and craft vendors throughout the downtown. Come out to Fremont and enjoy the 29th annual Music Fest this weekend! Following the event, the Fremont Moose Lodge hosts fireworks at approximately 10:15 p.m. at 2051 W. Toledo St. (Photo courtesy Jim Weber Acoustic)

07/03/2024

Here's your chance to pick your own lavender at Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve in Fremont. Thursday, July 4-Saturday, July 6, bring your shears and your sun hat to harvest from the preserve's 2,000 lavender plants. The cost is $10 per closed-fist bunch and $15 per two bunches. Show up any time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the preserve, 6975 N. Ray Rd. The dried lavender smells wonderful all winter! After you harvest the lavender, take a guided tour out into the buffalo herd. The last tour leaves at 3 p.m. The cost is $14 for adults, $10 for children under 10 and children 2 and younger are free.

07/03/2024

The Wednesday Steuben County Farmers Market is now open through the end of October from 8 a.m. to noon. You’ll find corn, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers and other fresh vegetables plus honey, plants, baked goods and crafts. The market is on Gilmore Street, one block north of the public square in downtown Angola. The Saturday market is open the same hours at the Steuben County Community Center, 317 S. Wayne St., Angola, with expanded selections.

07/02/2024

Angola Balloons Aloft, Indiana's premier hot air balloon competition, returns to Angola High School Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14.

Competition flights are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13 and 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14. There's also a media flight scheduled for 7 a.m. Friday, July 12. This flight will feature 15 of the 33 balloons appearing at Angola Balloons Aloft. Illuminations are set for both Friday and Saturday nights at dusk.

Other activities include paid helicopter rides, a kids fun zone with inflatables, free archery tag, food vendors, meet and greet for the balloon pilots, a classic car show, strongman Jon Bruney, a juggler, kite show and more. The only activity taking place Sunday, July 14 is the morning balloon flight. Visit www.angolaballoonsaloft.com for a schedule of events. Admission and parking are FREE!

06/28/2024

The 47th annual Music Americana, a patriotic salute to our city, county and country, is set for Wednesday, July 3 at the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts, 500 W. Maumee St., Angola. The night begins with a slideshow featuring more than 150 veterans, which will play continuously between 6 and 7 p.m.

Sponsored by the 101 Lakes Kiwanis Club of Angola, this popular event showcases local talent and offers a wide variety of patriotic music, both past and present. A Ca****la Magic Chorus, the Steuben County Community Chorus and Pokagon Pitchpipers are just a few of the groups performing. Angola's Got Talent adult division winners Jennifer and Autumn Love will sing "America The Beautiful." In total, more than a dozen individuals and groups will take to the stage to share their talents. The free program begins at 7 p.m.

06/28/2024

Celebrate Independence Day with parades and fireworks throughout Steuben County.

Hamilton celebrates Saturday, June 29 with a noon parade and fireworks at dusk over the north end of Hamilton Lake. Thursday's Fourth of July celebration in Angola includes an 11 a.m. parade, a full day of activities at Commons Park and fireworks at dusk. On Saturday, July 6, enjoy fireworks at Lake James, Crooked Lake, Clear Lake and Lake George. For information on more area events: https://visitsteubencounty.com/events/
(Photo courtesy Travis Wenzel)

06/27/2024

Hamilton kicks off Steuben County's Fourth of July festivities with a full day of exciting events Saturday, June 29. From the health walk and 5K to the parade and fireworks, it promises to be a great celebration!

06/25/2024

Cheers to 23 years! Satek Winery in Fremont marks their anniversary with a 10-days celebration Friday, June 28-Sunday, July 7. On Saturday, June 29 and July 6, enjoy live music as well as food trucks between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you purchase two bottles of wine, you'll receive a free commemorative glass during the event. Satek Winery, 6208 N. VanGuilder Rd., is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Photo courtesy Satek Winery.)

06/24/2024

The sound of patriotic music will fill Pokagon State Park Wednesday, June 26 as the Fort Wayne Philharmonic presents their annual Patriotic Pops concert. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the night on the Potawatomi Inn front lawn. The music line-up includes "The Star Spangled Banner," "Sing Out America" and 11 other selections. Admission is free and the normal gate fee of $7 per Indiana vehicle and $9 per out-of-state vehicle will be charged. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. (In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to Angola High School.)

Arrive early and feast on the fried chicken buffet at the Potawatomi Inn or stop by the Courtyard Cafe for pizza and ice cream. Red, white and blue lemonade plus adult cocktails are available for purchase.

06/20/2024

Four new sculptures were added to the downtown Angola arts scene over the weekend.

"Resplendent Ardor" by Gregory Mendez graces the northwest corner of the public square. The steel sculpture was inspired by a painting of a matador that was in his grandparents' home. "I had the thought of a ballet dancer dancing with a bull instead of fighting it," he said. In the northeast quadrant you'll find "Owl" by Lynn Lehrman. It was created from an old farm disc, barn siding, sign post and car parts. Lerhman has been creating metal projects for more than 35 years.

Another Maureen Gray sculpture returns to the southeast quadrant. "Is there anything more beautiful than the phases of the moon," she asks. "Simple, elegant, ever-changing and wonderful to look upon. This sculpture is simple and quiet like a meditation of the moon," she said, referring to "Phases of the Moon." In the southwest corner a metal sculpture featuring roses and a firefly was created by Sunday Mahaja and is named "Blue Sisters."

The Steuben County Tourism Bureau has been a sponsor of an individual sculpture since the inception of Sculptures Angola in 2019.

06/18/2024

Stay cool in Steuben County by renting a boat, taking the kids to the free splash pad or spending the day at one of our public beaches.

The splash pad in Fremont, 305 W. Albion St., is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day and is perfect for families with young children. The public beaches at Hamilton Lake, Pleasant Lake, Crooked Lake, Clear Lake and Pokagon State Park are open daily with no life guards on duty. Entrance to all the beaches is free, with the exception of Pokagon State Park. The gate admission is $7 per Indiana vehicle and $9 per out-of-state vehicle.

Rent a pontoon, personal watercraft, fishing boat, kayak or paddle boat to cool off during these hot days. For a complete list of rentals, visit https://visitsteubencounty.com/outdoors/lakes/boat-rentals/

To explore an area lake by paddle board, contact SUP 101 Lakes at (260) 624-2878. With 101 lakes, Steuben County is the perfect place to beat the heat!

06/14/2024

Make your reservations today for the Father's Day brunch at The 6 on James. Call (260) 624-3644 to reserve your spot at this awesome place to celebrate!

06/12/2024

Tee it up in Steuben County at one of our five golf courses. Ranging from a resort-style par 63 to a 7,055-yard championship course, you'll find a variety of courses to fit your game.

Local courses include Cold Springs Resort with views of Hamilton Lake and the par 71 Hidden Valley Golf Course in rural Angola. Zollner Golf Course on the Trine University campus features hilly terrain and scenic views along with a driving range and pro shop. Glendarin Hills Golf Club offers a lush setting with a pro shop, driving range and restaurant while at the Lake James Golf Club, you'll find 6,600 challenging yards, with an open, flat front 9 and a hillier, wooded back 9.

For information on our golf courses, visit https://visitsteubencounty.com/outdoors/golf/

06/06/2024

Trine State Recreation Area is just minutes from Pokagon State Park. With nearly 200 acres of rolling wooded hills, open meadows, unique wetlands and a 23-acre kettle lake, the recreation area is a perfect spot for those looking to experience a relaxing day. Hike on the three trails or rent a paddleboat to explore beautiful Gentian Lake. The fishing pier is fully accessible and is a great place to catch bass and bluegill. No camping is allowed, but family cabins with small kitchenettes are available for rent. For information, visit https://bit.ly/45fzUzf

06/03/2024

With the temperatures climbing, you might be looking for a place to keep the kids cool. The splash pad in Fremont is open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day. It’s even free! Rocket Ship Park is located at 305 W. Albion St., just east of Fremont Elementary School.

05/30/2024

While kids 17 and younger never need a fishing license in Indiana, this weekend is a chance for adults to fish for free. During Free Fishing Weekend June 1 and 2, Indiana residents do not need a license to fish the state's public waters. With 101 lakes, Steuben County is a great place to introduce kids to the joys of fishing!

05/24/2024

Make it a sweet weekend in Steuben County! Celebrate the start of summer with a treat at one of our ice cream shops. With flavors ranging from mint chip to lemon cheesecake to cotton candy, you'll definitely find one to satisfy your cravings.

Capt'n Pete's Dairy Dock is located across from the Hamilton public beach and customers are welcome in beach gear. Enjoy soft-serve twist plus 20 varieties of hand-dipped ice cream. Head to Orland, where Sweet Summers serves up a large variety of Chocolate Shoppe flavors as well as freshly-baked desserts. Built in the 1950’s as an ice cream shop, DJ’s Tempting Treats & BBQ in downtown Fremont offers a variety of soft serve and hand-dipped ice cream as well as sundaes, shakes, malts and root beer floats.

Both the café at the Potawatomi Inn and the Pokagon State Park beach serve hand-dipped flavors such as birthday cake and mint chip. The café is tucked away inside the lakefront Potawatomi Inn at the state park. Enjoy a kid’s cone or cup as you relax beach-side.

In Angola, Yo Yo Yogurt On Your Own Angola is open again at Lake James Four Corners while The Backyard offers family fun with miniature golf plus a wide selection of ice cream treats. Zesto’s on State Road 127 has unique outdoor seating on “the deck” which gives guests a great place to hang out while eating a dipped butterscotch cone, lemon shakeup or banana split. Just down the road at Scoop you'll find shakes, malts, sundaes, floats and banana splits on the menu. Scoops serves their hand-dipped ice cream in homemade waffle cones as well as traditional sugar cones and cups. Enjoy the great weather and outdoor seating with a scoop at The Social Ice Cream Co. Besides regular cones, you can also get a dipped cone decorated with sprinkles or nuts. The Social also sells ice cream pies and sandwiches to go, as well as malts, shakes and sundaes. (Photo courtesy The Social Ice Cream Co.)

05/23/2024

We welcome Gage Side Café to the Steuben County scene! Opening this weekend, the cafe will serve a variety of food as well as beer, wine and wine slushies. Sit inside or relax on the porch to catch those lake breezes. They'll be spinning vinyl and serving chill vibes on Lake Gage Friday and Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday hours will be added later in June. Gage Side Cafe is located at 4370 W. 700 W. (Photos courtesy Gage Side Café)

05/20/2024

The lakefront Potawatomi Inn has special stay more-save more rates over Memorial Day weekend. Both inn rooms and cabins are available (new reservations only.) Call (877) LODGES1 or book online at www.indianainns.com

05/16/2024

Tom's Donuts is ready to take on Summer 2024! Head over by car or boat to Lake James Four Corners every Saturday this summer to enjoy live music as well as an outdoor wine and beer tent. The Donut Capital of the World is adding something new to the summer scene-Lake Life Traditions, a restaurant across the street from Tom's Donuts that will be open seven days a week serving wings, fries and their own Tom's Lake Lager. Whether you're a laker or local, you'll enjoy summer Saturdays at Tom's Donuts! The fun starts Memorial Day weekend and lasts all summer long. (Photos courtesy Tom's Donuts.)

05/13/2024

If you're looking to try a new Mexican restaurant, you'll find four that recently opened in Steuben County! Fremont is home to Jalapenos Mexican Grill located at 655 W. State Road 120, Suite B11. Head over to Hamilton to check out the lakefront Costa Luna Restaurante Mexicano at 6665 State Road 1. In Angola, you'll find El Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant at 825 N. Wayne St. plus Taqueria El Guero inside the Ahi Chihuahua Mexican grocery story at 205 W. Maumee St. Celebrate Taco Tuesday tomorrow at one of these fun, new restaurants. 🌮 🌮 (Photo courtesy of Costa Luna.)

05/11/2024

Enjoy a round of miniature golf Sunday, May 12 for $5 for adults and $3 for kids as The Backyard opens for the season!

Update!
Weekly schedule:

-Sat/Sun, May 18th/19th: open 2-9 with one course, and ICE CREAM!

-Friday, May 24th: full opening day! We will be open 7 days a week, 2 to 9, weather-permitting, through Labor Day weekend.

Thank you for your patience in the spring! Midwest weather makes it so hard to nail down an opening date any earlier than Memorial Day and we appreciate all the excitement and support.

05/10/2024

The Steuben County Farmers Market opens for its 22nd season Saturday, May 11 at the Steuben County Community Center, 317 S. Wayne St., Angola. You'll find a variety of seasonal produce, plants, specialty breads, honey, jelly, goat milk soaps and lotions plus handmade items such as quilts and jewelry from approximately 60 vendors. The market is open 8 a.m. to noon. In July, the market also opens on Wednesdays at Monument Plaza, 206 N. Wayne St., from 8 a.m. to noon.

05/09/2024

Celebrate Mom in style in Steuben County. Between Mother's Day brunches and buffets at the Potawatomi Inn and Clay's Family Restaurant, a paint and sip at Satek Winery, a candle making class at Elemento and Mimosas for Mom at The BAAD Company, you'll find many ways to show your appreciation for Mom! Paint a potted strawberry plant at Jenny Lou’s Greenery or visit the plant bar at Roots Mercantile and take home a special keepsake. For a complete list of Mother's Day events, visit https://visitsteubencounty.com/events/ (Photo courtesy Jenny Lou's Greenery)

05/06/2024

Discover all Hamilton Indiana has to offer! The Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce recently installed this beautiful fountain/aerator near the public beach on Hamilton Lake. Enjoy the view of the fountain at night when it's lit up with a variety of colors. While you're in Hamilton, treat yourself to a traditional Mexican lunch or dinner at the new lakefront Costa Luna Restaurante Mexicano or savor a drink at Howie's on Hamilton or Lakers Landing Waterfront Casual Dining. Pick up a specialty coffee at Green Bean Coffee and Sweet Shop or a cold sub at the Upper Crust.

The first Healthy Hamilton Day is Saturday, May 11 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Join the yoga class on the patio at Howie's on Hamilton or get in your steps at the 5K walk. Come find resources designed to nurture your mental and physical health.

New this year is the Hamilton Marketplace at Double H Farms. Shop for produce, crafts and baked goods the third Saturday mornings of June, July and August. Mark your calendars for town-wide garage sales Saturday, June 8 as well as the Independence Day parade and fireworks Saturday, June 29. Check out Hamilton, the playground of northeast Indiana.

05/01/2024

The first bison calf of the season has arrived at Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve in Fremont! Take a tour out into the herd via open-air vehicle Wednesday-Sunday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

04/29/2024

Adventure backpacks are back at Pokagon State Park! Stop by the front desk at the Potawatomi Inn and check out one of four different backpacks to use as your kids explore the park. The backpacks will have tools and supplies, along with nature guides. The packs are free to use and a driver's license or photo id will be held as a deposit. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to ignite your child's sense of adventure while exploring the beauty of the park. (Photo courtesy Pokagon State Park)