Outdoors
There is no reason to be sitting at home with nothing to do, while you are visiting the Syracuse-Wawasee area. From the beautiful abundunce of lakes to luchious green golf courses, from area team sports to a walk or bike ride in the beauty of the area’s natural settings.
n Kosciusko alone there are 100 lakes, one of those being the largest natural lake in Indiana – Lake Wawasee in Syracuse. There are seven lakes in and around thetown, making it a water lover’s paradise. With access to Syracuse Lake, there are more than 3,500 acres of water for year-round recreatiion. There are also many homes, condominiums, hotels and Bed and Breakfast’s for out -of-town guests to rent while they enjoy the Syracuse area.
How to Register your Boat
You must have an Indiana certicate of registration and a validation decal to legally operated a watercraft on public waters in Indiana unless:
- The watercraft is non-motorized (watercraft using an elctric trolling motor require registration.)
- It is registered in another state and has operated on Indiana waters for not more than 60 consectutive days.
To register your boat or PWC IC 9-31-3 – contact the license branch at 574-267-8881 or www.indiana.gov.
Fishing & Hunting
A license is required in the state of Indiana for anyone over the age of 16 who wishes to fish. Anyone intending to hunt will need a license regardless of age. Licenses may be obtained at most sporting goods stores.
Syracuse Parks & Recreation Department
Many activities are planned each year for the parks. These include concerts, weddings, family reunions, a fishing tournaments and much more. Volunteers spend many hours planting and maintaining all of the beautiful flowers seen in the parks and setting up colorful lights for the Christmas season.
For more information or to rent park facilities call (574) 457-3440 or visit www.syracuseparks.org
Syracuse Park Facilities
Syracuse maintains a very fine system of parks to add to the recreational opportunities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The Syracuse Community Center is a hub of activity for the whole family from seniors to children. It is located adjacent to Lakeside Park and includes a gym/multipurpose room, oversized kitchen, Senior Wing, Town Museum, and Computer Lab.
Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park dates back to the 1930′s when the area was filled and leveled to prepare the park in anticipation of Syracuse’s centennial. It is now the largest of the town parks and includes many trees, a beach, restrooms, gazebo and shelter. Family reunions, weddings and concerts are all popular activities at the park. Hot summer days find busy lifeguards overseeing the swimmers that flock to the beach.
Henry Ward Park
Henry Ward Park is located on the Turkey Creek Channel just off of Syracuse Lake. The park is named for Henry Ward, a Syracuse founder. The site was once used by the B&O Railroad to provide water from Syracuse Lake for its steam engines. The park now has a pavilion, restrooms, fishing pier and playground equipment. Also, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has provided a public boat ramp.
Crosson Mill Park
Crosson Mill Park, also known as Veteran’s Memorial Park at Crosson Mill, is named for Samuel Crosson, another founder of Syracuse. The Park was the site of early gristmills that utilized waters from Syracuse Lake and Lake Wawasee to generate their power. A city-owned dam is now located in the park which controls the water levels in both lakes. Fisherman of all ages can be found at this park throughout the summer. The new memorial clock serves as a reminder of heroes who lived in our area. A new pavilion was added in 2008, donated by the Laudeman family.
