Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Warsaw, Indiana

On the shores of three picturesque lakes in North Central Indiana, Warsaw serves as the charming seat of Kosciusko County.

The county’s name honors Tadeusz Kościuszko (1746-1817), a revered figure in the Revolutionary War, establishing a strong connection to his native Poland.

Warsaw pays homage to this heritage and is recognized within the medical field for its high-quality orthopedic products manufactured since the late 19th century.

The downtown area thrives with activity, hosting monthly First Friday events alongside an award-winning craft brewery and a diverse array of restaurants.

Situated moments from downtown, Warsaw’s lakes are complemented by scenic parks and sandy beaches available throughout the summer.

1. Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts

The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts features an intimate theatre-in-the-round that hosts both professional and community performances, including concerts.

This venue serves as the home of the Wagon Wheel Symphony of the Lakes, contributing enriching live musical experiences to Northern Indiana.

Shows at this center attract patrons from beyond Warsaw and Winona Lake, and its unique design ensures that audiences are always close to the performers.

Established in 1955, the theatre drew inspiration from the first theatre-in-the-round in the United States located at the Penthouse Theatre in Fort Lawton, Washington.

2. Downtown Warsaw

Even amidst a nationwide trend of revitalized downtowns, Warsaw’s central business district remains remarkably lively for a city of its size.

Spanning several blocks south and east of the Kosciusko County Courthouse, visitors will find a delightful selection of unique restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops, offering everything from Japanese cuisine to Indian and Mexican fare.

Among notable establishments is One Ten Craft Meatery, which sources its ingredients from Indiana and neighboring regions. Additionally, the Mad Anthony Craft Brewery boasts award-winning ales and lagers.

Walking tours in downtown Warsaw are worthwhile, particularly for admiring the historical facades located along Center and Market Streets.

3. Kosciusko County Courthouse

The townscape of Warsaw is characterized by the stunning Kosciusko County Courthouse, currently serving as an administrative building. Situated within landscaped grounds that host numerous community events year-round, this courthouse was constructed in the early 1880s.

Architecturally, it displays the Second Empire style and is crafted with Indiana oolitic limestone, exhibiting exquisite pilasters, Corinthian columns, and pediments.

The magnificent dome rises over 150 feet above the street level. Remarkably, if all the bricks used in constructing the courthouse were laid end to end, they would stretch approximately 85 miles.

4. Pike Lake Beach

Pike Lake, slightly smaller than Winona Lake, remains a significant body of water situated in northeast Warsaw.

The southern shore is adorned with parks, and at a picturesque wooded point lies Pike Lake Beach. The park features a waterside campground, playground, swings, a boat launch, and rentable docks.

This location is excellent for fishing (target species include largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and yellow perch), alongside a dedicated fish cleaning station nearby.

The west-facing sandy beach is supervised by lifeguards throughout the summer until Labor Day.

5. Old Jail Museum

Located just a block east of the Courthouse Square, the Old Jail Museum serves as the headquarters for the Kosciusko County Historical Society.

This historic county jail, built in 1870 in the Gothic Revival style, showcases features such as castellations, pointed arch windows, and rusticated limestone blocks.

The integration of the Sheriff’s residence into the building ensured that he was perpetually on duty, while his wife prepared meals for inmates.

Remarkably, this facility was operational for 112 years and stands as a fitting tribute to the county’s rich history.

Visitors can view displays that include artifacts associated with John Dillinger, musical instruments, a 1930s refrigerator belonging to the Sheriff, and early orthopedic medical devices produced locally in the early 1900s.

The cells can also be toured, offering insight into historical justice practices.

6. Kosciusko County Farmers’ and Artisan Market

On Saturday mornings during the summer, Center Street, in front of the Kosciusko County Courthouse, transforms into a vibrant market that has existed in various forms for nearly 50 years.

Running from May through October, this market offers fresh and local produce, meats, eggs, flowers, herbs, syrups, preserves, honey, baked goods, and much more.

In terms of artisanal offerings, visitors may encounter handmade jewelry, clothing, home decor, or fashion accessories. Weekly performances by talented local musicians add to the market’s allure.

7. Central Park

Located on the northern edge of downtown Warsaw, Central Park is an idyllic setting for a leisurely stroll before or after dining.

Positioned near the southern shore of Center Lake, Central Park was selected for a delightful perennial garden in the 1990s.

Year-round, visitors can enjoy blooming flowers throughout the park’s beds. Additionally, a spacious grassy area allows for informal games and picnics.

During the holiday season, Central Park dazzles with Christmas lights, and in summer, it hosts a concert series at the plaza.

8. Center Lake Beach

The Warsaw parks and recreation department oversees a well-maintained beach on Center Lake, conveniently accessible from downtown.

Located at 119 East Canal Street, adjacent to Central Park, the beach is open for swimming with lifeguards present from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

It is important to note that lifeguards will not be on duty if temperatures drop below 70°F. Facilities include a long pier, a diving board, playground equipment, and a grassy area equipped with picnic tables and shade trees.

9. Lucerne Park

Situated on the southwest shore of Pike Lake, Lucerne Park houses Warsaw’s parks and recreation department as well as the Pete Thorn recreation center.

For early birds, this park offers a stunning sunrise view over the lake.

Facilities include an exercise trail equipped with Apollo exercise machines, playgrounds, a disc golf course, lake access, and four rental shelters/cabins, along with an amphitheater featuring tiered seating that affords a breathtaking view.

10. The Bowling Alley

Located in north Warsaw, this attraction offers more than its name implies. In addition to 16 active bowling lanes equipped with digital flat-screen displays, the facilities are in excellent condition, ensuring an enjoyable experience.

Complementing the bowling center is the Game Room, which features a wide selection of both new and classic arcade games, alongside pinball machines and redemption games.

Guests can also enjoy delicious pizza at the Cafe, as well as craft beer at the Pub.

11. Winona Lake Limitless Park & Splashpad

The north and west shores of Winona Lake are part of Warsaw, while the remaining area belongs to the adjoining town of Winona Lake.

Along the west shore, visitors will find another lovely area to spend leisurely summer hours.

The park features a beach, along with a splash pad that children are sure to enjoy and an inclusive playground that accommodates children of all abilities.

Additionally, visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and paddleboards by the hour or for the day.

12. The Lake House

During the summer, The Lake House, located by the canal at Lake Winona, serves as another hub for recreation. Here, individuals can engage in wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and inland surfing lessons.

Additionally, it is a premier retail store for these watersports while also offering skating equipment and custom longboards.

For a more leisurely experience, visitors can rent paddleboards or embark on a sunset cruise on the lake. In winter, The Lake House provides snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals for snow-based activities.

13. First Friday

For those who need a reminder of Warsaw’s vibrant cultural life, the First Friday events take place monthly from May through December, each featuring a unique theme.

Activities may include interactive art exhibits, car shows, art walks, live music performances, or even a Christmas parade. A particularly notable event occurs in November during the Thanks for Giving initiative, when community members gather to fill a dump truck with non-perishable food items for The Salvation Army and Combined Community Services.

Every month, there is always something engaging happening at the Courthouse Square, complete with vendors, live music, and children’s activities, including bounce houses and rides.

14. Beyer Farm Trail

If you are exploring Pike Lake and feel inclined to take a stroll, the Beyer Farm Trail begins nearby and stretches eastward for nearly a mile.

Inaugurated in 2004, much of the Beyer Farm Trail traverses wetlands along the eastern shore of Pike Lake and features an 1,800-foot boardwalk.

Informative signs along the path provide insight into the local flora and fauna within this significant ecological area. At the trail’s conclusion, a stone amphitheater awaits, located close to the Kosciusko Community Hospital.

15. Summer Concert Series

A delightful way to unwind after a busy week is through enjoying live music outdoors with family and friends. The Summer Concert Series in Warsaw offers these experiences for free, featuring weekly concerts on Friday evenings from May to August.

Concerts take place at Central Park Plaza and the Lucerne Park Amphitheater, featuring various genres to cater to diverse musical tastes.

Genres represented range from jazz, Motown, classic rock, and country to Latin music, blues, gospel, acapella, traditional Irish tunes, and big band sounds.