North Webster Welcomes You

by Mary Jane Bogle | photos by Mike Deak + Sue Pais

North Webster is far more than

‘just’ a lake town. It’s a close-knit community, offering visitors a unique blend of bygone eras and long-standing traditions paired with remarkable recreation, dining, and shopping options. A day (or two…or three!) at North Webster is sure to please everyone in your crew!

Photo by Phoebe Muthart

Making Merry at the Mermaid Festival

No “Day of Play” in the lake district in June would be complete without popping in to North Webster for the 76th Annual Mermaid Festival, held this year from June 22–25. It’s one of Indiana’s most treasured and long-standing festivals and offers an annual Cutie Parade, midway rides, strawberry festival,

Photo by Phoebe Muthart

demolition derby, and queen competition. You won’t want to miss all the entertainment on Merlin’s Stage and tons of typical festival food throughout the 3-day event. Bonus: This is your chance to see the Webster Ski Bees, North Webster’s resident water ski show.

Riding The Dixie

Another “don’t miss” in North Webster is a tour of Webster Lake on The Dixie, a sternwheel boat that conjures connections with days gone by. Built in 1929, The Dixie is Indiana’s oldest sternwheel excursion boat, and it still offers 75-minute cruises around Webster Lake. Public cruises run weekdays at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with additional hours on the weekends. Cruises still cost just $7 per person and offer a taste of history as you tour this spring-fed lake, sternwheel style.

North Webster Welcomes You

Renting Pedals & Paddles

For those seeking additional water adventures, Pedals & Paddles is the place to be. Whether you want to cycle through the area or paddle your way around Webster Lake in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, Pedals & Paddles has you covered. And with rental options ranging from an afternoon to an entire week, you’re sure to get your fill.

Dining

After cruising Webster Lake, you’ll want to make time for a quick snack at Pizza King in North Webster, where you can enjoy the sunset at their dockside dining. Breakfast lovers will want to take in all the goodness of Maria’s House of Pancakes, while coffee lovers will be sure to enjoy a trip to Main Street Coffee Company, located at the North Webster Church of God. As a bonus, the kids can play in the church’s “Treehouse” play space, open to the public for children up to fifth grade. Or stop by The River Coffeehouse, where you’ll discover great food and strong coffee alike.

Shopping

Ever shopped for shoes in a castle? At North Webster, that’s just what you’ll find at Pilcher’s Shoes, which has been selling shoes to townspeople and tourists alike since 1947 and specializes in hard-to-find sizes. Antique lovers will enjoy a trip to Heart of the Lakes antique mall or the Vintage Antique Marketplace.

Clearly, one day isn’t enough time to explore all that the “Heart of the Lakes” has to offer, but it’s definitely enough to keep you coming back to North Webster for more!