Feature Story

Healthy Living Active Laker-Lifestyles

by Lauren Caggiano photos by Mike Deak + Emily Worrell

Kosciusko County is full of charm, and that includes both indoor and outdoor attractions that appeal to a wide range of interests. As if you needed an excuse, now is the perfect time to show yourself some love. Whether you enjoy these activities solo or with a group, we’ve got you covered. Following are some ideas to welcome healthy, hot days around the lakes.

Hit the trails

After a whole lot of selfquarantining, there’s nothing quite like fresh air. Whatever your preference for terrain or setting, there’s a trail for you in Kosciusko County.

Winona Lake Trails is ideal for mountain biking. Beyer Farm Boardwalk Trail, part of the Lake City Greenway, is a scenic trail that provides the perfect venue for running, walking, and cycling. The trail is located on the edge of Pike Lake in Warsaw and leads through woods and wetlands, and connects to the Pike Lake Beach and Lucerne Park.

Or hit up Heritage Trail, a paved trail that runs through the town of Winona Lake, along Winona Lake, and through the woods. Expect scenic views, serene vibes and, of course, fun! Be sure to look for interpretative artwork along the trail that captures features of Winona Lake. If you’re looking to rent bicycles, Trailhouse Village Bicycles in Winona Lake is the spot. Tell them we sent you.

Ohm your way to relaxation

Any yogies out there? Meditate your cares away while working up a sweat. Giverny Fitness Studio on South Buffalo Street in Warsaw offers a host of classes, including all-ages yoga. NatAnn Studio in Syracuse offers classes several times a week. Or, if you’re at Parkview Warsaw YMCA, you might consider dropping in on a class. If in-person workouts aren’t your thing, then no worries! Yogadownload.com has hundreds of exclusive workouts from the world’s top instructors. We could all use some grounding, after all.

Have a ball

Tennis, anyone? Whether you play competitively or just for recreation, tennis is a great way to stay in shape, make new friends, and have fun doing it. Pick up your racket and head to the Eastlake Tennis & Fitness Club in Warsaw for a few games and impress your friends.

Or, should some tennis clubs still be temporarily closed at the time of this printing, seek an outdoor tennis court and play a match or three with your family. The courts at Winona Lake’s public beach might be a perfect ‘match.’

Hit the links

Have an urge to practice that swing? You’re in luck. Kosciusko County boasts at least four courses, each with their own appeal. There’s Maxwelton Golf Club in Syracuse, Warsaw’s Rozella Ford Golf Course, Stonehenge Golf Course in Winona Lake, and Wawasee Golf Club. Call ahead to verify hours and availability.

Or, if you haven’t done so yet (we bet you have), now is the perfect time to clean up clubs from last year. Wash up the clubs, empty golf bag pockets, find your bag of whiffle balls and head to the back yard for practice swings. It’ll feel good to get the body and golf swing moving again.

Think fresh

While not a rigorous activity, perusing local farmers’ markets is a great way to support local vendors while getting in some additional steps. Blue Barn Berry Farm & Event Venue in Syracuse hosts a robust farmers’ market. Enjoy everything from fresh fruits and veggies to local honey.

Also in Syracuse, the 11th season of the Artisans & Farmers Market is bustling and active with new additional vendors this year. Take in beautiful displays of locally grown produce, flowers, baked goods and art—all under one roof. Located directly off State Route 13 in the heart of town, residents and visitors alike come together to unite around the local shopping experience.

The Kosciusko County Farmers and Artisans Market is another can’t-miss hotspot for all things fresh and local, and it’s a bit of a tradition. It has served Warsaw and the surrounding area since 1976! With a wide range of products from Kosciusko County residents, the market is your destination for local vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, and treats (cakesicles, anyone?). They also have a selection of jewelry perfect for gifts. The outdoor market is located in downtown Warsaw on Center Street between Buffalo and Lake Street.