This is Chautauqua. Community events for the whole family hosted in Syracuse Indiana and Lake Wawasee.

connect. renew. discover. learn.

The ChautauquaWawasee is dedicated to the exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life through a program of events focused on Art, Education, Faith, and Recreation. Our goal to to provide unique programs that enrich the individual, families and community.

Art programs at Chautauqua-Wawasee

Art


We celebrate creativity through performances, exhibitions, and hands-on opportunities that inspire expression, imagination, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

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Educational programs at Chautauqua-Wawasee

Education


We foster lifelong learning through lectures, conversations, and shared learning that encourage curiosity, reflection, and personal growth at every stage of life.

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Faith and reflection at Chautauqua-Wawasee

Faith


At Chautauqua, faith plays an important role in shaping shared values, reflection, and connection within our social and cultural life.

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Recreation and wellness at Chautauqua-Wawasee

Recreation


Recreation and healthy living are essential to life at Chautauqua, supporting connection, balance, and enjoyment through shared activity.

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Our goal is to “raise the bar” continually by improving the quality of programs, authors, and presenters.  Your support enables us to grow and carry out our mission of providing valuable programs related to education, arts, faith and recreation.  Our vision is for Chautauqua-Wawasee to be cited as one reason a business and/or people choose to move and live in Syracuse, Kosciusko County, and Indiana.  We promise to use all gifts wisely and responsibly toward this vision.

Our goal is to help make Syracuse and the Region a great place to visit, live, work and raise a family by providing life enriching programs in support of the four Chautauqua pillars: Arts, Education, Faith and Recreation.  Our long term vision is for Chautauqua-Wawasee to be cited as one reason a business and/or people choose to move and live in Syracuse, Kosciusko County, and Indiana.  We promise to use all gifts wisely and responsibly toward this vision.

Chautauqua is a non-profit 501-(c)(3) organization.  For Donor Advised Funds, use our IRS non-profit ID 35-1893123.

Mail Donations to:

Oakwood Foundation Inc. 

Chautauqua Wawasee
P.O. Box 323
Syracuse, IN 46567

-Or-

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recent news & articles

Executive Director Important Requirements and Job Description Chautauqua-Wawasee Organization Founded in 2014, the Chautauqua-Wawasee organization operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Our mission is to provide life-enriching experiences with the goal of making Syracuse and the region a great place to visit, live, work and raise a family. The organization is governed by a 10-member […]

SEO for Beginners: How to Be Found Online and Use Data to Grow SEO for Beginners: How to Be Found Online and Use Data to Grow By: Deena M. DuFour – Chautauqua-Wawasee Graphics/Social Media Director Search engines can help people discover your organization. What happens after that depends on your website. If visitors quickly understand […]

Practicing the Pause An Invitation to Slow Down Introduction by: Deena DuFour At Chautauqua Wawasee, we are beginning a new series centered on a simple but powerful idea. Life is not meant to be rushed through. It is meant to be lived, noticed, and experienced. Practicing the Pause invites us to slow our pace and […]

event calendar

Potawatomi, Miami, and Settler History Lives On Chautauqua-Wawasee invites the community to a free and engaging program exploring Indiana Indigenous and settler history and the stories connected to the land we live on today. Program Details Saturday, September 12, 202610 a.m. to noonWawasee Area Conservancy Foundation11586 IN-13, Syracuse-FREE ADMISSION- Join us for a closer look […]

Lake Wawasee “Then & Now” Historical Cruise 2026 Have you ever wondered what the cottages, hotels, and lakeside landmarks around Lake Wawasee looked like decades ago, or what became of many of the buildings that once lined its shoreline? The Lake Wawasee historical cruise offers a relaxing and fascinating way to explore the people, places, […]

Digging Through History: French Military, Fur Traders and Forts in Indiana Explore Indiana’s fascinating early history during two free Digging Through History programs, co-sponsored by Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum. On September 3 and 4, historical interpreters Joe Zdziebko and Bob Jones will bring the stories of Indiana’s early French soldiers, fur traders and […]

  • 574-377-7543

  • 702 E. Lake View Rd, Syracuse, IN 46567