Travel Guide: Warsaw, Indiana & Surrounding Areas
As I previously mentioned, Warsaw, Indiana is a gem of a town and I truly loved living there. I was first introduced to Warsaw through an internship I had with one of the town’s orthopedic companies, which I would end up going back to full-time. After moving to Los Angeles, I’ve had the opportunity to visit a couple times and it feels like a breath of fresh air. If you were to just use the main highway of this small northern Indiana town, you would completely miss everything it had to offer. So, please, if you’re anywhere near northern Indiana in the future, consider visiting this cute town and the surrounding areas.
Beyer Farm Trail by Pike Lake in the wetlands
Also, just a note — Warsaw is a little town, but it’s also a “gateway to the Midwest” and a fairly close drive to many areas including:
45 minutes from Fort Wayne
60 minutes from South Bend
2 hours from Indianapolis
2 hours from Lake Towns of Michigan
3 hours from Chicago, Columbus, and Detroit
4 hours from Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Louisville
Click the links below to go to the section you’d like to explore.
History
Things to Do
PLACES TO EAT
Surrounding Areas
Weekend Itinerary
Oakwood Cemetery where you can find Revra DePuy’s grave – a beautiful spot right next to Pike Lake.
HISTORY
Whenever I said anything about moving to Warsaw, the first assumption people had was Warsaw, Poland. Honestly, I had never heard of Warsaw, Indiana before my internship, nor did I know very much about Indiana other than the time I drove through from Chicago and got pulled over for speeding (luckily got off with a warning) — they are very strict about the speed limit.
However, this town has a significant history.
The community was named after the capital city of Poland as a tribute to Thaddeus Kosciusko, a Polish-Lithuanian general in the American Revolutionary War. This also explains why Warsaw is located in Kosciusko County.
If you’re driving around the area, you’ll see the signs that list Warsaw as “The Orthopaedic Capital of the World” (which is trademarked by the way — impressive). As far as I’ve researched, this is a self-proclaimed statement, but has validity in that Warsaw is where the world’s first modern orthopedic device company was founded in 1895 by Revra DePuy (you can even find his grave in the local cemetery!) (source). Additional orthopedic companies developed in the same area, including Zimmer (now Zimmer Biomet — two companies that merged) making much of the global market share of orthopedics based in Warsaw.
It is also somewhat of a college town – home to Grace College, founded in 1948, with an enrollment of ~1700 students.
THINGS TO DO
In Warsaw, there are three main lakes: Winona Lake, Pike Lake, and Center Lake.
Winona Lake is great to take the boat out and has restaurants to eat at and places to shop in Winona Village. It also has a bike/walking trail that includes mountain bike trails.
Pike Lake is named for some of the fish you can find there. You can also take a boat out, although it’s a smaller lake than some of the others in the area. There is also a campground and peaceful city park on its shores.
All lakes have a swim beach, but Center Lake is the best in my opinion, in part because there are rarely boats on Center. Center Lake is also next to Central Park, where the Summer Concert Series takes place – in the winter the park hosts a walk-through light show – and the Warsaw Biblical Gardens is right there as well.
Additional things to do are listed below, along with seasonal-specific activities.
Activities
Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts – I loved seeing such high quality plays and musicals here in this theatre-in-the-round style seating
Walking & Biking Trails by Winona Lake (you can talk to The Trailhouse about bike rentals or purchases)
Beyer Farm Trail by Pike Lake in the wetlands
Pottery Bayou – paint your own pottery here (located in Winona Village)
Create jewelry at The Beaded Peacock in Winona Village
Stroll through the Warsaw Biblical Gardens
Rent a boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard at The Lake House on Winona Lake or further out of Warsaw through Patona Bay
Bowling – there are somehow 3 bowling options in this small town
First Fridays in downtown Warsaw – they go from May through December
Old Jail Museum – not only is this the actual old jail (and where the jailer and his wife and family lived) but a lot of the town and county’s history is here
Winona History Center and Billy Sunday Home – although I didn’t get a chance to go, these were both on my list to visit
Ride the Dixie – although technically in North Webster, this is a fun way to get on a boat (from 1929!) on a lake without driving it
Oakwood Cemetery/Revra DePuy’s grave – if you’re interested in more of the town's history, you can go to this cemetery (which is actually very peaceful and beautiful especially in the fall with the leaves changing) and visit Revra DePuy’s grave
Shopping
Warsaw Cut Glass – I love this store! This is, as it sounds, a store that cuts glass – creating designs in the glass. It has such a rich history and the owners are so nice. It’s been here since 1911 and is one of the last businesses in the United States to practice the art of cutting glass. You can get custom designs or choose from a list.
Winona Village – some of my favorite shops are:
BELOVE – is such a great spot to find gifts that also give back
Letterwood Paper Company – Matt gifted me custom stationery from here and it’s one of my favorite presents
MudLOVE – a ceramics studio with a store in Winona Village and in downtown. You can buy one of their mugs or get a custom one
The Olive Branch – an olive oil and vinegar store
Seasonal Activities
Winter
Ice Fishing — I watched ice fishers on Pike Lake from the warm comfort of our condo, which is personally how I prefer it
Ice Skating in South Bend @ Howard Park
Ice Rink in Winona Lake area to open — you can see updates on the Facebook page
Spring
Lake life begins this season! Either get a boat, make friends with someone who has a boat or rent one from The Lake House (Winona Lake) or Patona Bay (further out than Warsaw proper, but a great boating lake!)
Farmers Market in Downtown Warsaw — begins in the spring and includes local food and craft vendors
Summer
Elkhart County 4-H Fair — usually includes a great concert on one of the nights with a famous headliner; there are also 4-H fairs in other cities during the summer as well but are smaller
Three Rivers Festival in Fort Wayne
Kosciusko County Fair (located in Warsaw)
Summer Concerts in the Park — hosted in Central Park
Fall
Kercher’s Sunrise Orchards — in Goshen, Indiana — pick apples, take a hayride and stop at the local market for apple cider doughnuts (and then get dinner at Venturi!)
Corn mazes — the one we went to was just north of Fort Wayne primarily because the maze was in the shape of baby Yoda, but if you look up corn mazes near Warsaw you’ll be able to find one!
For upcoming Warsaw-specific events, you can always check on their Community Events page. Winona Lake also features great seasonal events.
PLACES TO EAT
For a little town, this place has a good number of high-quality places to eat and enjoy. Just make sure to check their hours before you plan to go.
*indicates my go-to/favorites
Breakfast
*Creighton’s Crazy Egg — food is incredible, such a great brunch place! It can be crowded on the weekend
Cozy Cottage Restaurant — check hours, but this diner made me feel like a local right away. Come as strangers, leave as family
Rise’n Roll — Amish style doughnuts, known for the “crack doughnut,” a doughnut covered in caramel sauce and dusted with cinnamon sugar
*Wabash Donut Shoppe — if you love cake doughnuts like me, this is going to be your favorite place! Known for the sour creme cake donut
Lunch/Dinner
26th Street Mexican Grill or Taqueria El Comal— great Mexican food!
American Table — honestly good for breakfast, lunch or dinner, just a nice diner
Biryani Kitchen — located in the downtown area, loved their Indian food
Boathouse Restaurant — this is located in Winona Village, so you’re close to the shops, but can also request a view of the lake
*Cerulean — this is great for lunch because you can get the Bento boxes, but also a great dinner option as well; plus the atmosphere is always really nice
Hogs R Wild BBQ — Smoker is outside so you know it’s good, outdoor eating is available
*Light Rail Village Cafe — they have great breakfast buns and chocolate chip cookies (ask for it warm!) plus their smoked apple pizza is too good to pass up
Noa Noa Wood Grill and Sushi Bar + Spikes Beach Grill — Noa Noa is great, and even better it’s right next to Spikes Beach Grill which has sand volleyball courts
*Oak and Alley — burger place with unique options like “The Peanut Farmer” (peanut butter, fernet/plum reduction, bacon, and rocket) and PBJ fries; changing menu, always good options
Oku Roji — in the basement of a building in downtown Warsaw, feels like an exclusive environment with limited seating and really good ramen
*One Ten Craft Meatery — a bit on the more expensive side, but oh so good, farm to table dining
*Peking Restaurant — a great Chinese to-go place, and you get lots of food for the $
Port Winona – a wine store that also creates excellent charcuteries boards and grilled cheese sandwiches (one of my favorite memories was eating through a charcuterie board here while sitting and watching the rain pass-through from their front porch)
Thai House Restaurant — great Thai food
Yamato’s Steakhouse of Japan — mostly love it here because if you pay in cash, you can get fried Oreos for free, but also good food
Dessert
Anthology Whiskey Room — not necessarily a “dessert” place, but if you’re into whiskey after dinner, this is the place for you: whiskey bar with more than 1000 labels, feels like you entered into a speakeasy or another world
Dairy Queen — a chain, but a classic
*Kelainey’s Sweet Dreams — this is a seasonal ice cream shop that also serves meals, located in Winona Village and a nice spot
Ritter’s Frozen Custard — a chain, but very good
Rocket Fizz – a place for all the candy and soda you can dream of
The Chief — ice cream place in Granger and Goshen (unfortunately I haven’t been but it was recommended to me)
Outside of Warsaw
There are two places that I put on my favorites list outside of Warsaw and wouldn’t mind the extra trip just to go. That includes:
*Oh Mama’s on the Avenue — located in South Bend, this place was recommended to me by a Notre Dame student and it is my favorite sandwich place I’ve ever been to; from freshly cut meat and cheese to hand-made toppings, everything is so fresh
*Venturi — is located in Goshen, Indiana ~40 minutes from Warsaw and completely worth it for one of the very best Neapolitan-style pizzas (including their dessert Nutella pizza) among other favorites. You can’t go wrong with anything you get here (plus they’re certified by the Vera Pizza Napoletana!)
other recommendations
There are a number of other restaurants that have been recommended to me but I, unfortunately, didn’t get a chance to try them. Feel free to let me know if you end up enjoying any of the following!
Bomy’s Authentic Indian Food & Groceries — located in Columbia City ~30 minutes from Warsaw
Mad Anthony’s — I’ve never eaten here, but they do have events like improv some nights! We did try their tap root beer, get a growler to go
Rua — always heard good things but unfortunately were closed during the time I was there; are now open!
The Pier and Back Porch – is supposed to be a great getaway spot, located in Syracuse
STAY
I highly recommend trying to book your stay at an Airbnb or a B&B, particularly near Winona Village or on one of the lakes. Below are ones that are located near Winona Lake or in downtown (ideal for walking to shops and restaurants):
Lakewood Cottage on Winona Lake (includes 2 kayaks and a paddle board)
There are also hotels in the area that can accommodate you.
TRANSPORTATION
You’ll need a car unless you plan on only staying in one part of Warsaw (probably Winona Lake area — but even then, it would be more expensive to get around town than just having your own vehicle).
SURROUNDING AREAS
Wildwood Nature Preserve – personally I haven’t been here, but looks like a beautiful place to take time in, and is still located within Kosciusko County
Chain o’ Lakes State Park – rent a kayak or canoe and prepare to be amazed at this beautiful area where you connect to various lakes through channels
Columbia City
Downtown Columbia City – also hosts First Fridays and Farmers Markets, has a cute coffee shop, and is generally nice to walk around
Paige’s Crossing – it’s a little worn down, but a fun place to go for mini-golfing, go-karts, and an arcade
Huntington Drive-in Theater – Matt and I loved seeing a movie here, and a good place to go after getting dessert at Antiqology
Check out the Mentone Egg – cited as the World’s Largest Egg by Roadside America – and the yearly Mentone Egg Festival
Tippy Creek Winery – has ongoing events and tastings
Fort Wayne – I didn’t spend too much time in Fort Wayne unfortunately, but my favorite things were going to a Tincaps baseball game, riding scooters around town, and exploring the downtown area
South Bend – this is a very brief list of things you could do in South Bend based on what we did, but there is so much more!
Home of Notre Dame University – meaning you can walk the campus and visit the Basilica, take time at the Grotto, and enjoy the thrill of the athletic events
Studebaker National Museum – I learned a lot from this museum about the development of cars, very cool
Tour the South Bend Chocolate Company (honestly I’m always up for a tour on chocolate)
Don’t miss getting a sandwich at Oh Mama’s on the Avenue!
Indiana Dunes – this is on Lake Michigan, so a bit of a drive from Warsaw, and honestly I’d rather visit the Michigan lake towns because it tends to get crowded in the summer but worth checking out, especially for hiking and other outdoor activities
In addition to northern Indiana, I’ve written about our time in Bloomington (best to see when the leaves are changing), but there is so much more. Indiana’s travel website is honestly one of the best resources I’ve seen for identifying different things to do all over Indiana (you can also see through the road trips guides by area of Indiana what to explore).
As I mentioned, the Lake Towns of Michigan are only a few hours away and perfect for a weekend away from Warsaw, or to add to your trip itinerary in exploring this area of the country. In addition to visiting Holland, MI, I had the opportunity to visit Saugatauk and it was just as charming.
WEEKEND ITINERARY
Note that many stores might be closed on Sundays, so double-check beforehand
Saturday
Start the day at the downtown Farmer’s Market
Enjoy a delicious brunch at Creighton’s Crazy Egg
Head to The Village at Winona to check out their shops, and spend some time painting pottery at Pottery Bayou
Rent a bike and take the Heritage Lake Trail around Winona Lake
Get a snack at Light Rail Village Cafe (like a warm chocolate chip cookie – or split one of their delicious pizzas)
Visit Warsaw Cut Glass
Enjoy a pontoon rental on Winona Lake for sunset
Finish the evening with dinner at Cerulean
Have ice cream for dessert at Kelainey’s Sweet Dreams
See a show at Wagon Wheel Theater
Sunday
Get a delicious doughnut breakfast at Wabash Donut Shoppe
Head to Pike Lake and walk the Beyer Farm Trail
Pick up lunch at 26th Street Mexican Grill and go to Center Lake for an afternoon swim
Walk the Warsaw Biblical Gardens
Ride the Dixie boat evening cruise
Finish off the weekend with a nice dinner at Venturi in Goshen
Thank you to all those that provided recommendations to me and adventured with me to all these places! I hope you find this guide helpful and feel free to add your own recommendations in the comments of things I missed.
