Spring will be in bloom before too long, and it’s always a good idea to get plans in order ahead of time when planning a getaway. Whether you’re considering a couple’s weekend getaway, a family vacation, or even a corporate retreat, the entire area, from South Bend to Ft. Wayne to Warsaw and beyond, is never without plenty of things to do and see in the spring – or any time of the year, for that matter. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still plenty of great, safe, and entertaining things to do in Indiana! Here are some of the best things to do near Ft. Wayne and other cities and towns in the area.
- Take a Boat Tour of Lake Wawasee in Syracuse
Syracuse, Indiana is nestled in a fantastic location that is close to major Midwestern cities like Shipshewana, South Bend, Warsaw, and Ft. Wayne. Oakwood Resort is a historic waterfront hotel that has been a favorite getaway location for couples, families, friends, and corporations for decades. Located right on the shores of Lake Wawasee, the hotel features banquet facilities, conference centers, a restaurant and bar, beaches, and its famous boat tours of Lake Wawasee. The tour boat departs from the Oakwood Pier each evening and in addition to the public and hotel guests being able to hop on for a tour, the entire boat can be reserved for private events, too!
- Tour the South Bend Chocolate Factory and Museum
Founded in 1991, this chocolate factory is housed in a facility that is 58,000 square feet in size. The company produces chocolate – and plenty of it – but it also is responsible for a huge variety of products that includes nuts, fruits, gift bags and baskets, and coffee, among others. Take a tour: either the 45-minute Inside Scoop Tour or the 20-minute Basic Tour to see the factory processes and some of the most impressive chocolate memorabilia on the planet! Located on West Sample Street in South Bend, the factory and museum consistently makes it on area “Top 10” lists of all sorts, for many (delicious) reasons!
- Visit the Ft. Wayne Children’s Zoo
You could spend an entire day in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and still not get your fill of fabulous things to do in the city! With three rivers, one of the country’s best zoos, a famous theater, a botanical conservatory, a hands-on science center and more, the city is one of the top destinations in the state. If you only have time for one thing to do in Ft. Wayne, make it the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Patrons of any and all ages enjoy visiting more than 1,000 animals there, including red pandas, lions, monkeys, penguins, hyenas, and so many others. Pony rides are offered, as are opportunities to feed giraffes, pet goats and cows, and more. The zoo is slated to reopen in the spring of 2021!
- Spend a Day at Center Lake Park in Warsaw
Spring is an incredible time of the year to be outdoors – moderate temperatures, a lack of insects, and signs of fresh life after a long, cold winter greet everyone in the spring. Why not spend some time at Center Lake Park in Warsaw to take it all in? The park is located in the center of the city, and is very family-friendly with a playground for little kids, open grassy areas for big kids, a beach and swimming area, a little walking path, flower gardens that will be blooming, a fishing area, and more.
- River Lights Display in South Bend
If you enjoy walking out and about in a beautiful city in the evening, River Lights in South Bend is something you’ve got to see! The light display is on the St. Joe River near Century Center in downtown South Bend, where interactive light-up sculptures create colorful light displays for guests. From sunset until midnight, motion sensors prompt the display – when someone walks by a sensor, patterns and colors of the lights change. River Lights was unveiled in 2015 as part of the city’s 150th birthday celebration.
As you can see, there is never a lack of fabulous things to do when you stay at our beautiful hotel near Shipshewana, Indiana! Whether you head to South Bend, Warsaw, Ft. Wayne, or stay in Syracuse, you’ll always have plenty of options to keep you busy for as long as you want! Reserve a room with us now and see what’s new at Oakwood Resort. See you soon!
