More than 101 natural lakes define Steuben County. The county is also home to historic sites, nature preserves, and offerings that vary with the seasons. Pokagon State Park lies on the shore of Lake James and covers 1,260 acres. Lake James and Snow Lake offer opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. If you want to plan your stay around water activities, you’ll find several options here on two named lakes.
Nature, Lakes, and Trails
The landscapes on land are just as varied. Robb Hidden Canyon is a steep-walled gorge with a clear stream running through it. Trine State Recreation Area covers nearly 200 acres of wooded hills, open meadows, unique wetlands, and a kettle lake. A trail through Potawatomi Nature Preserve, meanwhile, winds through swamps, deep hardwood forests, pines, and sand hills.
For a comparison based on distance, two trails have specific lengths listed. The paved Steuben County Multipurpose Trail is 7.4 miles long and runs between Pokagon State Park and Commons Park. The Rolling Oaks Trail is 2.5 miles long, rated moderate, and passes through wooded areas, wetlands, and open meadows, making it shorter than the 7.4-mile paved Steuben County Multipurpose Trail. The Poka-Bache Connector has its northern endpoint in Pokagon State Park and runs south through Steuben County and the city of Angola.
Winter Offerings and Activities
In winter, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing are among Pokagon State Park’s seasonal offerings. The park has a quarter-mile refrigerated toboggan run. If these winter activities are the deciding factor for your trip, the season is part of the planning. The park also provides a convenient reference point for getting there: it is near Angola and directly off I-69.
The Indiana Rail Experience, operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, offers a different kind of outing. It uses historic passenger cars from the 20th century, including open cars, deluxe cars, and first-class cars. Trips range from 45 minutes to a full day. They differ not only in the types of cars used, but also significantly in duration. Eastern Steuben County is also home to Angola Motorsport Speedway: its 78-acre site includes a highly banked asphalt track three-eighths of a mile long.
Angola Balloons Aloft combines hot-air balloon rides, family entertainment, and a community festival over two days. Event dates are announced separately, so check them before your trip. For a quieter nature and wildlife experience, Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve offers open-vehicle tours. The preserve spans more than 400 acres of prairie, natural waterways, and lakes, and is home to birds. The gift shop sells bison meat and handmade items.
History and Regional Products
Angola’s Commercial Historic Downtown District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. The Steuben County Courthouse is listed on both the State Register and the National Register. Historic details at Powers Church include original oak and butternut woodwork, kerosene lamps, and an original pump organ. The Cline House was built in 1891 for Anna Osborn in accordance with her father’s will. The Pleasant Lake History Museum displays artifacts related to the town’s history. Together, these sites offer different ways to explore the past: a historic downtown district, registered buildings, and collections on local history.
Regional products and wine are also possible areas of focus. The Steuben County Farmers Market offers local produce and crafts. In the rural area around Fremont, Satek Winery offers handcrafted wines, wine tastings, and walks through the vineyards. You can plan the rest of your trip around your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Fremont, Angola, Jackson, Marshall County, Tippecanoe, Porter, Grant County, Howard County.
For the main travel overview: Indiana.
