Angola

Small Town Break Down

Small Town Breakdown: Angola, Indiana

In the northeast corner of Indiana sits Angola, a lakeside town with more going on than you might expect from a community of under 10,000 residents.

Fast Facts

📍 LOCATION: Northeastern Indiana

• Located at intersection of I-69 and US-20

• Sits near Indiana-Michigan border

• Steuben County seat

• About 150 miles north of Indianapolis

• 40 miles north of Fort Wayne

• Surrounded by lakes including Lake James and Lake Charles

👥 POPULATION & RANKING:

• 9,456 residents (as of 2023)

• Ranks as Indiana's 75th largest city

• Largest city in Steuben County

📏 LAND AREA: 6.3 square miles

📅 FOUNDED:

• City established in 1838

• Named after Angola, New York

💼 MAIN INDUSTRY: Manufacturing and Education

• Strong manufacturing base in automotive and metal fabrication

• Home to Trine University (formerly Tri-State University)

• Healthcare also serves as major employer

• Historical development tied to railroad and manufacturing growth

The Story Behind Angola

When Steuben County was established in 1836, settlers from New York named their new community after their previous hometown. The area's defining feature is water—105 lakes scatter the county, with Lake James, Crooked Lake, Jimmerson Lake, and Snow Lake forming the quartet closest to town.

Trine University (originally Tri-State College) has been part of the community since 1884. As of 2023, Angola's population stands at 9,456—small enough to maintain its character but large enough to offer variety.

Food Worth Checking Out

Jed's BBQ & Brew has earned its 4.8-star rating across nearly 2,600 Google reviews with standout beef brisket, baby back ribs, and "fireballs" (their take on boneless wings). Their granite rock cooking option lets diners sear steaks tableside.

Morning options include Caleo Cafe for quality coffee, Mama's Place for their "Git Er Done Skillet," and Tom's Donuts—holder of a Guinness World Record for selling 8,558 fresh donuts in eight hours during Memorial Day weekend 2022.

For lunch, Sutton's Deli offers solid sandwich options and pizza.

Things To Do

Angola excels in outdoor recreation year-round:

Pokagon State Park features a quarter-mile toboggan run that hits speeds of 35-40 mph during winter weekends. The park's location on Lake James makes it equally appealing in warmer months.

Golfers have options in Glendarin Hills and Hidden Valley golf courses, while racing fans can catch the action at Angola Motor Speedway during season.

The lake culture defines summer here, with water activities from fishing to paddleboarding across dozens of lakes.

Historical Significance

Downtown Angola features the Steuben County Soldiers' Monument, a 70-foot tall, 300,000-pound memorial honoring the 240 local men who died in the Civil War. The monument, dedicated in 1917, represents Steuben County's remarkable Civil War contribution—they sent 1,278 men to fight, the highest per-capita service rate of any Indiana county.

Notable Connections

Angola has a direct connection to national politics through Lois Marshall, wife of Thomas Marshall, who served as Vice President under Woodrow Wilson from 1913-1921. Before his vice presidency, Marshall was Indiana's governor from 1909-1913.

Under the Radar

• The historic Brokaw Movie House has operated downtown since 1931

• Pokagon State Park Inn offers one of Indiana's distinctive state park lodge experiences

• The Angola Rocks Music Festival brings live performances downtown each summer

• Circle of Friends Books serves as the town's independent bookstore

• Balloons Aloft festival fills summer skies with hot air balloons

When passing through northeastern Indiana, Angola offers a compelling blend of outdoor recreation, local history, and small-town character with just enough unique attractions to warrant more than a quick stop.

Check out Nate’s breakdown of Angola ⬇️