Looking for things to do in Indiana in the winter? The state isn’t exactly warm year-round, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun in the cold! Midwesterners and tourists from all over the United States have traveled to Goshen, Indiana and nearby towns and cities for decades to get their fill of everything from shopping, dining, and entertainment to relaxing on a weekend getaway at award-winning resorts in the area.
Fortunately, there is always a slew of events and opportunities for fun in the area, thanks to the many winter activities near Goshen each year. Following, you’ll find some of the top-rated things to do in the winter in the area and as a bonus, some information on Oakwood Resort – our fantastic hotel you’ll want to book for any trip to the area you’re planning!
Sledding and Skiing
Abshire and OxBow parks in Goshen are the destinations for outdoorsmen who don’t let cold temperatures slow them down. Cross country skiing is a popular activity here, and sledding is perfect for those who love winter adventure. Snow tube rentals are also available, and a visit to the Millrace when it’s covered in snow is an absolute must for any shutterbug searching for easy stunning photo opportunities. Be sure to experience Ski Under the Stars at St. Patrick’s County Park in South Bend, too.
Toboggans, Ice Boating, and More
Just 50 miles from Goshen is Pokagon State Park, which is famous for its Toboggan Run. Whether there’s snow or not, the refrigerated run attracts 90,000 winter adventurers from all over the country with its 30-foot tower and valleys and dips. The fun of the Toboggan Run is matched only by the winter activities near Oakwood Resort at Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana. A short jaunt from Goshen, Syracuse boasts its own reputation as a winter getaway wonderland, with a winter festival each year in January, along with an incredible array of choice areas for sledding, skiing, ice boating, ice fishing, and snow tubing.
Drinks and Food
Northern Indiana is notorious for its brew fests, and there is no better time to experience one than in the winter! Downtown Michigan City, not far from Goshen, plays host to the annual Shelf Ice Brew Fest. Serving up tasty frosty brews in February are dozens of local food and drink vendors in an engaging Arts District. Soup’s on at many of the Goshen area’s restaurants, including Maple City Market, The Electric Brew, and others. Whether you’re a frozen dessert lover year-round or you need a warm latte or hot chocolate to warm you up, stop at Honey’s Frozen Desserts or The Electric Brew in Goshen, or visit the Coffee Depot, Syracuse Café, or the Wawasee Café in Syracuse.
Ice Skating
One fabulous place for adventurers who love to ice skate is Nibco Water & Ice Park in nearby downtown Elkhart, Indiana. It’s a splash pad during the summer, but in the winter, the area transforms into a winding ice skating path that is outrageously fun. There is also an adjacent ice skate rink, and you can rent skates of all sizes. Other popular places for winter skating include the Syracuse Ice Rink in Syracuse at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex, the Ice Box Skating Rink near Ardmore, and the Howard Park Ice Skating Rink near Mishawaka.
Lodging
When you travel for fun in the winter, you need a great place to stay that will not only extend your stay, but also warm you up after a long day of trying various winter activities! Oakwood Resort in Syracuse is a premier hotel and resort not far from Goshen that features dozens of shopping, entertainment, and dining options nearby. In addition, right on hotel property you can take part in the aforementioned winter festival with ice fishing and ice boating, in addition to winter tours of Lake Wawasee, the largest freshwater lake in the state.
The Old Bag Factory
There’s always something new happening at the Old Bag Factory in Elkhart Country, Indiana. It’s a thriving hub for local businesses, all of which are housed in a converted bag factory that was repurposed in the 1900s. It’s home to all kinds of stores, including Goertzen Pottery, Legacy Home Furniture, the Chocolatte Café, and Second Song Musical Instruments. The space is always changing with various site works, so be sure to check it out whenever you are in town.
Oakwood Resort offers plenty to do for those who need to warm up during the winter too, from pampering services at the salon and spa and amazing dining at The Pier & Back Porch restaurant to spending time in the game room and much more. It’s also a top destination in the area for conferences, business meetings, weddings, parties, and any other type of event.
Be sure to leave enough time during your adventures to experience all the winter wonders that northern Indiana has to offer, and book your reservation now at Oakwood Resort for the best winter lodging available!
