Syracuse

Small Town Breakdown

Small Town Breakdown: Syracuse, Indiana

Syracuse is known for Syracuse Lake and Lake Wawasee, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every summer, but there’s much more about this Indiana small town you have yet to discover.

Fast Facts

📍LOCATION: Northern Indiana

• Syracuse is located in the northeast corner of Kosciusko County

• U.S. Route 6 sits north of town and runs east-west while State Road 6 runs north-south; starting this past Friday (June 27), SR6 is closed for repaving between North Webster and Syracuse and will not reopen until the end of August

• 2 hours and 40 minutes north of Indianapolis

• 1 hour northwest of Fort Wayne

• 1 hour southeast of South Bend

👥 POPULATION & RANKING

• 3,217 residents (as of 2023)

• Ranks as Indiana’s 172nd-largest city

• Third-largest of 13 incorporated towns/cities in Kosciusko County behind Warsaw and Winona Lake

📏 LAND AREA

• 2.15 square miles

📅 FOUNDED

• The boundary of Kosciusko County was established in north-central Indiana in 1835 and became organized in 1836

• It was named for Polish general Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who served in the American Revolutionary War

• Warsaw was selected as the county seat and named after the capital of Poland

• Syracuse was laid out by Samuel Crosson and Henry Ward in 1837

• It sits within Turkey Creek Township

• Syracuse means “city on a hill”

🏥 MAIN INDUSTRIES: Manufacturing, Tourism & Recreation

• Boat manufacturers like PolarKraft Boats, Hurricane Boats, Wawasee Boat Company, Inc., and ProTech Marine, Inc. are all located in Syracuse or between Syracuse Lake and Lake Wawasee

• Many parks, trails and restaurants fill the area to accommodate tourists

Lake Life

Syracuse Lake is located just east of Syracuse while Lake Wawasee (pictured below) — the largest natural lake in Indiana at over 3,000 acres — sits southeast. The two are connected by a channel. From swimming and fishing to sailing, skiing and kayaking, there’s no shortage of fun to be had on either of these popular Indiana lakes.

All Aboard

The S.S. Lillypad is two stories tall, 70 feet long and holds 120 passengers. It’s purpose? Serving guests fine dining and stunning views of Lake Wawasee, something it’s been doing for over 25 years. While the Lillypad is mostly booked up for private occasions, there are 20-30 public cruise dates each year.

If you’re looking for a more free-spirited boating experience, climb aboard the Nauti Mule which holds up to 14 passengers. You can pack your own food and beverages. Just remember, what happens on the Nauti Mule stays on the Nauti Mule.

Somewhere on a Beach

Lakeside Park & Beach is a great spot to get active and soak up the summer sun. The park includes picnic tables, grills, a volleyball court, and green space for frisbee, cornhole and playing catch. The beach has a covered, open-air pavilion as well in case you need some shade. If you want a little more privacy, head over to the more secluded Hoy’s Beach. Both beaches are on Syracuse Lake.

Light ‘Em Up 🎆

Lake Wawasee is home to one of the biggest firework shows every summer in Indiana. This year’s edition is on Saturday, July 5, beginning at 10:15 p.m. The fireworks are launched from the water at the center of Lake Wawasee, and Willie 103.5 FM will be playing tunes for a synchronized experience.

‘Cuse Bites

The Channel Marker opened in 1994 and today offers waterfront dining on the channel that connects Syracuse Lake and Lake Wawasee. You can’t go wrong with the prime rib, perch baskets, coconut shrimp and seafood fondue, but the most recommended option on menu is the Outrigger. It’s a must-have burger topped with smoked Gouda, Asian slaw and bang bang shrimp on a brioche bun. The go-to drink? Swamp water. Don’t ask questions, just trust us on this one.

The Pier & Back Porch at Oakwood Resort offers some of the best views of Lake Wawasee and live entertainment on weekends. It’s a one-size-fits-all restaurant – perfect for date nights, casual drinks and relaxation, or events and receptions. The raw oysters, fresh seafood and steaks are top of the line.

Below ground level is Down Under, a 21-and-older bar and restaurant. To find it, keep your eyes peeled for the white gazebo and then head downstairs to enjoy the pizza and prime rib locals love. Down Under has nearly 10,000 likes on Facebook as well, further cementing itself as a Syracuse sensation.

The food, drinks, service and atmosphere are spectacular at The LakeSide on Main Street in Syracuse. It was formerly known as Kelly Jae’s Lakeside, and it’s maintained the same level of excellence despite the swap. Guests have given them a 4.6-star Google rating behind over 300 reviews.

Syracuse Hooks

• Joe’s Ice Cream Supreme has all the sweet treats you need in Syracuse. We (and others) recommend getting the banana split, which is big enough for two.

• Just south of town near Lake Wawasee is South Shore Social, a fun hangout with golf simulators and interactive darts.

• Wawasee High School opened in 1968 when the high schools in Syracuse, Milford and North Webster merged.

• The lone state title in school history came in 1976, courtesy of girls track & field.

With summer in full swing, Syracuse should be on your Indiana bucket list to get out on the water and enjoy some lakeside cuisine.

Check out Nate’s breakdown of Syracuse ⬇️