Time magazine has listed Nappanee, Indiana as one of the top ten small towns in America – and for good reason. The infamous publication cited the town’s ability to reinvent itself to face the future in prosperity as one of the biggest reasons to include Nappanee on its list. With so many attractions, historical features, cultural celebrations and more, the little town offers plenty to do for anyone and everyone who visits. Here are some of the best things to do in and around Nappanee, Indiana:
Amish Acres
No list like this would be complete without mentioning Amish Acres in Nappanee, the only Amish farm listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The attraction features locally produced handmade crafts and products that are made available for purchase in Amish Acres’ unique little shops. Enjoy a bakery full of old-fashioned goodies, a candy shop with an antique marble soda fountain, a meat and cheese shop, and more. Enjoy dinner at the Restaurant Barn, and rest up afterwards at the Inn at Amish Acres. The area is home to northern Indiana’s only professional repertory theater company, and you can take advantage of a variety of different packages and deals available year-round. Interested in having your wedding or group event at Amish Acres? They accommodate events, too!
Headwaters Park
Located a mile north of downtown Ft. Wayne, not far from Nappanee at the convergence of three major rivers is Headwaters Park, a gorgeous natural space filled with activities and events throughout the year. Sprawling across 30 acres of natural splendor, the park is home to the keystone Three Rivers Festival, the Headwaters Ice Skating Rink in the winter, and the Hamilton Sculpture Garden. Headwaters Park plays host to a year-round schedule of events that include festivals, concerts, and more. The park is located at 333 South Clinton Street and is also popular for family outings, reunions, and celebrations of all kinds in its large open-air pavilion, which can be rented for private events.
Oakwood Resort
For people who want a world of excitement and convenience all in one location in a place they can also dine and lay their heads down for the night, nearby Syracuse, Indiana is home to the famous Oakwood Resort. Located right on Lake Wawasee and open year-round, the resort features a stunning hotel with rooms and suites in addition to a restaurant and bar on-site, a salon and spa on-site, a game room, walking trails, ball courts, and more – even boat tours of the lake. Just three miles from Wawasee Golf Club and a 5-minute drive from Lakeside Park, Oakwood Resort has absolutely everything needed for an incredible weekend getaway, family vacation, and more. It’s also a very popular venue for weddings, conferences, company retreats, and family events of all kinds. Rooms fill up fast, so be sure to reserve your hotel room near Nappanee as early as you can at Oakwood.
The Studebaker National Museum
Perfect for fans of automobiles, fans of history, and fans of unique places, the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend truly has something for everyone. Sharing an entrance with the History Museum, three floors make up this collection of Studebakers: the main level displays the history of the brand and the earliest vehicles up to 1934; the upper level displays autos by the maker from 1934 onward, and the lower level proudly presents equipment, military vehicles, and additional vehicles. There is also an additional display on the main level with family history of the Studebakers and the Olivers – the Olivers were makers from South Bend of the Oliver Chilled Plow and other various types of farm equipment. Don’t miss your chance to see over 70 vehicles and take in unique lessons in history at the museum, located close by Nappanee in South Bend at 201 S. Chapin Street.
Coppes Commons
Originally the factory for the company that produced the infamous Hoosier Cabinet, Coppes Commons is an historic renovated space that is a popular destination for lovers of shopping of all kinds. From bookstores and food services to crafts and antiques stores, the 100,000 square feet of space packs in some of the best shopping in Nappanee. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted, locally made décor or freshly baked pastries and desserts, you’ll find it at this unique gathering of small businesses inside the old Coppes Kitchen Cabinets factory building.
We’ve covered just five of the hundreds of things to do near Nappanee, Indiana here. While a traveler could circle through the area for weeks and still never hit everything there is to do in northern Indiana, the five locations mentioned here provide a great start for memorable trips during any time of the year. Don’t forget to make your reservations to stay at nearby Oakwood Resort during your adventures!
