The Waters of Lake Wawasee

Paige + Will jumping like champs into Lake Wawasee. Submitted by reader Celeste Cutter.

Kona Bear is chillin’ on the waters of Wawasee. Photo by reader Jane Plummer.

Wawasee sunsets are one-of-a-kind

Photo by reader Pam Davis.

by Mary Jane Bogle

The best way to enjoy this lake is by immersing yourself in the full water experience. And that, of course, means access to all varieties of watercraft and their accompanying toys. With five marinas to choose from, you’re sure to find a great deal on that perfect pontoon, wake boat, or jet ski. And don’t forget sailing opportunities through the Wawasee Yacht Club.

Those seeking even greater adventures can find all they need for an afternoon-filled adrenaline rush at Bart’s Watersports, where they sell everything but the boat. (Think water skis, floats, towables, and paddles.) And fishing fans can access the lake through the Wawasee Family Fishing Area just off Hatchery Road in Syracuse, complete with a two-lane boat ramp, one courtesy dock, and two fishing piers.

Of course, you’ll need some fuel to power your way around this large lake. Thankfully, Lake Wawasee offers marinas located strategically along the shoreline at both north and south locations to provide all the gasoline your watercraft will need. That way, you’ll never get stranded in the middle of the lake— unless stopping for an afternoon anchored at the sandbar was the plan all along!

All that action on the water during the day is bound to activate some serious appetites, and once again, you’re sure to find the perfect fill-up for everyone at Lake Wawasee. Of special note is lakeside dining at The Channel Marker, The Frog Tavern, or The Pier & Back Porch, ensuring you’ll never have to leave the lake— not for lunch or dinner! Or, take lakeside dining one step further on the S.S. Lillypad at The Frog, which offers private and public dinner cruises. (Be sure to check out their website at sslillypad.com for cruise dates.) You can even get handdipped ice cream without ever leaving the lake, thanks to The Floating Cone, a new concept in frozen confections. Check out floatingcone.com for more info.

• Boat In – Did you know you can go to church on Lake Wawasee? It’s called

Boat-In, and it’s sponsored by the Syracuse-

Wawasee Ministerial Association. From

Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, you can enjoy this half-hour, openair worship service by boat or by shore.

• Thunder Run – Wooden boats have long been cherished, and now they comprise a weekly water parade of sorts on Lake

Wawasee. Every Sunday at 10 a.m., you’ll find 10 to 30 (or more) of these vintage crafts preparing to cruise around the lake.

With their rumbling 6- and 8-cylinder inboard gasoline engines, they definitely earn the

“Thunder Run” name.

Culture lovers will enjoy all that this nonprofit has to offer, with everything from an annual fine arts festival and pops concert to historic cruises and

Native American history series. Learn more at chautauquawawasee.org.

Trails – Enjoy the gorgeous trail system around and nearby the waters of Wawasee, embrace the beautiful views of wetlands, wooded areas, and lakeshore. For more info, visit syracusewawaseetrails.com and wacf.com.