Lake Profile

by Haiden Hibbert | photos by Sue Pais

Clear water, relaxing lake life, and gorgeous real estate— that’s what you’ll find when you visit Syracuse Lake. This 413-acre body of water surrounds Syracuse, Ind., and is connected by a channel to the beloved Lake Wawasee.

The Sweet Spot of

SYRACUSE LAKE

The area surrounding Syracuse Lake provides the perfect scenic vacation, or residence if you’re looking for the best of both worlds. Syracuse Lake is a bit quieter and smaller than the neighboring Lake Wawasee, but close enough to enjoy their bustling lake life, social scene, and tourism if you’re looking for a fun and lively summer getaway. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the variety of shops and restaurants around the Syracuse Lake area. Some of the town’s staples include: The Channel Marker Restaurant A quaint tiki bar and restaurant that’s located on the channel between Syracuse Lake and Lake Wawasee. This island-inspired dining place sits right on the water with seating indoors and outdoors.

Frog Tavern A family-friendly restaurant and bar that’s accessible by land or lake.

Kiyomi Japanese Cuisine Serving authentic Japanese food like sushi and hibachi, Kiyomi is a local favorite in Syracuse. It’s the perfect place to grab high-quality carryout or dine-in dishes.

Syracuse Artisan and Farmers

Market For locally grown produce, baked goods, and flowers, visit the Artisan and Farmers Market on Saturdays from May 8-September 11 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. It’s located at Veteran’s Memorial Park at Crosson Mill.

If you’ve ever driven through the scenic area, you know that Syracuse Lake is known for its gorgeous homes with even better views. From quaint cottages to multi-million dollar lake homes to beautiful condominiums, the strong housing market offers miles of waterfront properties. When you’re in the mood to get out on the water, there’s plenty of opportunity on this all-sports lake for waterskiing, sailing, boating, tubing, swimming, and more. One of the area’s hotspots is Lakeside Park, where the lake’s public swimming beach and beach volleyball court are located. There’s an active fishing community in Syracuse, as well, where largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and northern pike are plenty. Lake life doesn’t go dormant in the colder months on Syracuse Lake, however. You can find residents snowmobiling, ice boating, and ice fishing when weather allows. It’s an all-seasons getaway, though we are approaching the most active time of year on the lake (finally, right?). Tradition lives strong on Syracuse Lake, with multiple annual events that residents and tourists look forward to each year. Annual Fourth of July fireworks, launched from both Syracuse Lake and Lake Wawasee, are a family favorite, while Tour des Lakes is one of the most celebrated events Kosciusko County has to offer. Beautiful waters, home, fun, and family-oriented activities encompass life in the waters, and surrounding the waves, of Syracuse Lake.