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.

Learn More
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.

Learn More
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.

Learn More
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.

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

-Or-

Sign up for e-mail newsletter updates

We promise not to inundate your inbox – only five issues per year and only five “Things You Should Know” in each issue, making it a quick read.

recent news & articles

Humble Gumption: Cam Shriver’s Insight on Myaamia Survival and History By: Dave Berry, Chautauqua Wawasee On a brisk September morning, about 40 people attended Cam Shriver’s presentation on the survival of the Myaamia people, hosted by Chautauqua Wawasee. Cam Shriver is a Senior Research Associate in the Myaamia Center at Miami University in Ohio. His […]

Kroemer, Lomax and Tse join Chautauqua Wawasee’s Board of Directors. We are proud to announce, that in January 2024, Karen Kroemer, Erin Lomax, and Carmen Tse joined Chautauqua Wawasee’s Board of Directors. Karen Kroemer is retired from a career in educational, non-profit, media, and corporate positions. She has served on six non-profit boards of directors […]

Chautauqua’s Annual Fundraising Campaign A Success Chautauqua Wawasee’s once-a-year annual fundraising campaign concluded successfully on January 8. “Due to the generous contributions of Syracuse and Wawasee residents, we blew over the top of our 2024 goal”, a grateful Mark Knecht shared. “Grant funding and donations are the lifeblood of our ability to offer life-enriching programs, […]

event calendar

Wawasee “Then and Now” Historical Cruise-2025 We know Lake Wawasee as Indiana’s largest natural lake, lined with impressive mansions and charming cottages. But what did its shores look like long ago? The Wawasee Then and Now Historical Cruise invites you to step back in time and explore the fascinating history of this beloved lake. Presented by […]

Revitalization of the Miami Culture – Indiana and Beyond In celebration of Archaeology Month, Chautauqua-Wawasee will host “Bringing History Alive” with a program on the Revitalization of the Miami Culture: Indiana and Beyond. The presentation is free to attend outdoors at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Ruddell Pavilion, 11586 N State Route 13, Syracuse, IN, […]

Digging Through History – September 11 & 12 in Syracuse, Indiana Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum invite you to the fifth annual free two-evening series, “Digging Through History,” where history truly comes alive. Both events take place at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N Long Drive, Syracuse, Indiana. Thursday, September 11 – The Pre-History […]

  • 574-377-7543

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