Located in Elkhart County, Nappanee, Indiana is a fabulous area that is full of stunning architecture, a strong sense of community, and plenty of things to do near Goshen, Syracuse, Warsaw, and other popular visitor locations.
Founded in the 19th Century, the city of Nappanee is known for its rich Amish community, thriving agriculture, and cherished history. It became an active trading hub in the 1800s once the railroad arrived. The community and its people have changed considerably over the years, but it remains a popular tourist destination. Regardless of the time of year and no matter your budget, you’ll have no trouble finding plenty of fun things to do in the Nappanee area, from festivals and historic buildings to unique shopping events and hotels for the perfect getaway!
Festivals
One of the largest festivals in the entire state is the Nappanee Apple Festival, held each year during the third week in September. Enjoy more than 20 food vendors, over 100 craft booths and 50 commercial booths, and a large parade with an airplane flyover to top it all off. This festival attracts more than 80,000 people annually! You might also enjoy other festivals in the area, including the Oakwood Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood Resort in nearby Syracuse, the Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival 5K in Wakarusa, and the Shipshewana Antique Festival in Shipshewana, to name just a few.
One of the most popular winter festivals in the area happens in January at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, the Wawasee Winter Carnival. With ice fishing tournaments, family activities, a polar plunge, sled dog demos and more, you don’t want to miss it!
Theater
Known as one of the most esteemed local theaters in the state, if not the United States, The Round Barn Theatre in nearby Amish Acres delivers Broadway-quality performances that are sure to leave you in a state of awe. It has a great lineup planned for this year and next. Be sure to catch Big Fish, based on the popular Tim Burton film, a Frank Sinatra musical revival, and The Mousetrap based on the novel by Agatha Christie, and more at this historic venue. You can enjoy more performances at the nearby Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend.
Shopping
From Ft. Wayne to Nappanee to South Bend, there is no lack of shopping venues and opportunities, whether you’re in the mood to spend a day at the mall or you’re determined to visit the famous antique shops in the area. Enjoy Coppes Commons on Market Street in Nappanee, Indiana along with Amishland Antiques. These areas offer some unique finds that you won’t see in most stores. You can also satisfy your craving for fabulous mall shopping at University Park Mall in nearby Mishawaka. Syracuse, just a short drive away. It draws shoppers from near and far with the famous Gift Shop at Wawasee, CedarStone Children’s Bookstore, Absolutely Apparel & Gifts, The Blessed Nest, and much more.
Parks and Recreation
Located just west of Lake Wawasee, Nappanee is filled with exciting outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family. Head over to Stauffer Park downtown to get active. It has basketball and tennis courts, a dog park, baseball field, and the Nappanee Sledding Hill in the winter.
There are also several major golf courses in the area if you like to tee off. For more time in nature, drive down to Potawatomi Wildlife Park for scenic hiking trails and bird watching.
Head east to Lake Wawasee to spend some time on the water. Oakwood Resort offers kayak rentals and regular boat tours to guests. Spear Lake Nature Trail is also nearby. It’s a great place to explore and get off road with recreational vehicles.
Hotels and Resorts
What list of things to do wouldn’t be complete without including the area’s best hotel and resort? The most popular places to stay near Nappanee include hotels with restaurants, game rooms, conference centers, event venues, outdoor grounds and attractions, and more. One of the favorite hotels near Nappanee is Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, just 14 miles away. Located on Lake Wawasee and famous for its boat tours of the lake, Oakwood Resort offers an ideal setting for anyone looking for fun things to do near Nappanee. The Pier & Back Porch Restaurant offers delicious cuisine without guests having to leave the property, and with a fitness center as well as a game room onsite, no one in the family will ever be bored. Enjoy miles of walking paths, paddleboard and kayak rentals, picnic areas, on-site swimming at the pier and new beach area, and much more. The hotel is a popular location for those in need of outdoor event space or indoor banquet facilities, and everything in between, too!
No matter who you’re with or what you’re in the mood for, there are always plenty of options for things to do near Nappanee, Indiana. From Syracuse to South Bend and everywhere in between, Oakwood Resort provides a convenient location for travelers to stay during any kind of trip, so book your reservation today.
