This is Chautauqua. Community events for the whole family hosted in Syracuse Indiana and Lake Wawasee.
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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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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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 healthy living are essential to life at Chautauqua, supporting connection, balance, and enjoyment through shared activity.
Learn MoreOur 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.
Mail Donations to:
Oakwood Foundation Inc.
Chautauqua-Wawasee
702 E. Lake View Rd
Syracuse, IN 46567
Teddy and Edith Roosevelt Come to Life at Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Patriotic Speaker Series Experience history as President Teddy Roosevelt and First Lady Edith Roosevelt come to life at the 5th Annual Patriotic Speaker Series, presented by Chautauqua-Wawasee. This free program features professional actors Larry and Julia Marple portraying the 26th President and his wife, bringing […]
Pawasee Dog Parade Returns to Oakwood Resort – June 7! Back by popular demand, the 2nd Annual Pawasee Dog Parade is happening Saturday, June 7, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the beautiful Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana — and trust us, you won’t want to miss it! Last year’s parade was paws-itively delightful! From […]
2025 Taps Across the Water – A Moving Memorial Day Tribute Sunday, May 25, 2025, marks the 5th annual Taps Across the Water tribute across Lake Webster, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse Lake, and Lake Papakeechie. This moving event honors U.S. military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Trumpeters and buglers stationed […]
Reading List for April Faith Series
Reading List for April Faith Series. On April 13, 20 and 27, Chautauqua-Wawasee is hosting Michael Spath who will lead a three-part series consisting of: Religion Before Adam and Eve The Creation of Modern Religion: Where Our Faith and Values Were Born Religion Present & Future: What It Means to be Human. John E. […]
Local Ball State University Singer Devin Van Lue shares his love of music.
Local Ball State University Singer Devin Van Lue Shares His Love of Music By Devin Van Lue Early Musical Beginnings in Syracuse My musical background began at Syracuse Elementary School with my music mentor, Kris Stump. Mrs. Stump offered me the role of a mouse in Wawasee High School’s production of “Cinderella.” From then on, […]
Chautauqua Wawasee celebrates 130 years of the Oakwood Park tradition.
Chautauqua Wawasee celebrates 130 years of the Oakwood Park tradition. For the past 12 years, Chautauqua Wawasee has offered life-enriching programs while continuing the 130-year Oakwood Park tradition. In 1893, Oakwood Park became a permanent camp meeting ground when purchased by the Indiana Conference of the Evangelical Church, succeeded by the Evangelical United Brethren Church […]