Steuben County: Lakes, Nature, and History

Steuben County combines more than 101 natural lakes with natural areas, trails, historic sites, and events. To help plan your trip, consider what you want to focus on: water and parkland, nature trails, history, or an event date. This can help you decide which of these themes should shape your trip.

Lakes and Natural Landscapes

Pokagon State Park is a 1,260-acre park on the shore of Lake James, near Angola and directly off I-69. Lake James and Snow Lake offer opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. In winter, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing are also available; these activities are seasonal. The park’s refrigerated, two-lane toboggan run is a quarter mile long.

Trine State Recreation Area encompasses nearly 200 acres of rolling wooded ridges, open meadows, unique wetlands, and a kettle lake. Robb Hidden Canyon features a different type of landscape: a steep-sided ravine with a clear stream running through it. A trail through Potawatomi Nature Preserve passes through a range of habitats, including wetlands, mature hardwood forests, pines, and sand hills.

Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve encompasses more than 400 acres of prairie, natural waterways, and lakes, and is home to birds. Open-vehicle tours are also offered there. The preserve combines open landscapes and bodies of water with a distinctive visitor experience.

Trails and Activities

The Steuben County Multipurpose Trail is 7.4 miles long, paved, and runs between Pokagon State Park and Commons Park. The Rolling Oaks Trail is shorter at 2.5 miles and rated moderate; it passes through wooded areas, wetlands, and open meadows. The descriptions distinguish the trails by both length and terrain.

The Poka-Bache Connector begins at its northern terminus in Pokagon State Park and runs south through Steuben County and the city of Angola. The location of Pokagon State Park, near Angola and directly off I-69, is also useful for finding your way. In eastern Steuben County, Angola Motorsport Speedway occupies a 78-acre site. Its high-banked asphalt track is three-eighths of a mile long.

History, Rail, and Events

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. Powers Church features 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 area’s history.

The Indiana Rail Experience is operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. Its rides range from 45 minutes to a full day. The trains use historic 20th-century passenger cars, including open cars, deluxe cars, and first-class cars. The stated ride duration therefore ranges from a short trip to an all-day experience.

Angola Balloons Aloft features balloon rides, family entertainment, and a community celebration over two days. Festival dates are announced separately; check the dates if you are planning your trip around the event.

Regional Experiences and Products

The Steuben County Farmers Market offers local produce and crafts. Satek Winery offers wine tastings and vineyard walks. It also offers handcrafted wines in the rural surroundings of Fremont.

The gift shop at Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve sells bison meat and handmade items. Along with the natural areas, historic sites, and rail rides, these offerings provide a range of themes to explore on your trip to Steuben County.

Discover more destinations: Fremont, Angola, Whitley County, Jay County, Henry County, Madison County, Elkhart, Jackson.

For the main travel overview: Indiana.