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


We celebrate, encourage and study the arts and believe they are integral to all of learning. Learn More

Education


A cornerstone principal of Chautauqua is the belief in consistence self-improvement through lifelong learning. Learn More

Faith


At Chautauqua, religious faith is perceived, interpreted and experienced as central to the understanding and expression of our social and cultural values. Learn More

Recreation


We believe the recreation experience and a healthy lifestyle are essential to the Chautauqua experience and fuller life overall. Learn More

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.

We are a non-profit corporation 501-(c)(3).  Consult with your tax advisor.  Donations may be tax-deductible.

Mail Donations to:

Oakwood Foundation Inc. 

Chautauqua-Wawasee
702 E. Lake View Rd
Syracuse, IN 46567

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recent news & articles

Five Things You Should Know About Chautauqua-Wawasee The Mail-Journal recently sat down with Mark Knecht, the President of Chautauqua-Wawasee, to talk about their organization and future plans. Mail-Journal: What do you want readers to know about Chautauqua? Knecht: Well, a lot of people don’t know who we are and what we do, so that would […]

Because there has been a surge in need, the Syracuse Food Pantry is reemphasizing its “Support a Family” program.  They serve about 100 families from Turkey Creek township per month.  Families get about 1 week’s supply of food, cleaning supplies, and dry goods per visit and are only allowed to visit once per month.  The […]

The following is a list of the maps used in a presentation by Kosciusko County Surveyor, Mike Kissinger, at the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum on September 1, 2022. These maps and more are available as digital files (pdf, jpeg, or png) or printed copies and may be obtained by contacting Amy Hurd at the Kosciusko County […]

event calendar

Ben Franklin: In His Own Words

Ask Ben Franklin: In His Own Words As part of Chautauqua’s annual Patriotic Speaker Series, the 2024 program will feature American patriot Ben Franklin. The performance will feature professional actor Barry Stevens as Ben Franklin. Meet and discuss events with this man, the most famous man in America at the time he lived. Franklin has […]

Chautauqua Wawasee and Northern Indiana Plein Air proudly present the Chautauqua Plein Air Paint Out @ the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival on the grounds of Oakwood Resort. The art of painting will take place in the most desired location of the Oakwood Park neighborhood but artists may venture all of Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, and Syracuse […]

Pawasee Dog Parade. June 22 at Oakwood Resort Come paw-ty at the fur-st Pawasee Dog Parade hosted by Chautauqua Wawasee on Saturday, June 22. The parade will follow a one-quarter-mile route within the grounds of Oakwood Resort. This family event is really about showing off your best friend in our dog-loving community. Participants are encouraged […]

  • 574-377-7543

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