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Wawasee “Then & Now” Historical Cruise 2025

Wawasee Then and Now Historical Cruise 2025

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 Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, this popular annual event offers a rare look at the lake’s shoreline as it once was.

Local historian Ann Garceau will narrate this 2-hour cruise aboard the SS Lillypad II, sharing captivating stories about historic hotels, notable events, famous property owners, entertainment venues, marinas, and more. A detailed booklet of historical photos will be provided so you can follow along as the cruise circles the lake. Along the way, you’ll hear little-known facts and behind-the-scenes stories that bring Lake Wawasee’s past to life.

Event Details for Wawasee Then and Now Historical Cruise 2025

  • Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025

  • Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM (Boarding begins at 12:45 PM)

  • Location: The Frog Tavern, 1116 South Harkless Drive, Syracuse, Indiana

  • Cost: $28.52 per person

  • Tickets: Must be purchased in advance by clicking HERE.

Why Join Us on This Historical Lake Cruise?

This event offers a unique opportunity to see Lake Wawasee from a historical perspective that few ever experience. From stories of grand hotels and bustling marinas to the quiet charm of early cottages, Ann Garceau brings history to life with rich detail and captivating storytelling. Past attendees have praised the combination of scenic lake views, engaging narration, and rare archival photographs.

Snack food will be available, and a cash bar will be open throughout the cruise. Because this event sells out quickly, early ticket purchase is highly recommended.

Questions?

Call 574-377-7543 or email info@chautauquawawasee.org.

Chautauqua-Wawasee is a non-profit organization providing quality programs rooted in the four pillars of Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation, making Syracuse and the surrounding region a wonderful place to visit, live, work, and raise a family.

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2025 Points of Interest Cruse-Narrated by Ann Garceau
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Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise – May 17, 2025

🚤 Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise – May 17, 2025

If you’ve ever wanted to step back in time while enjoying the beauty of Indiana’s largest natural lake, this is your chance. The Lake Wawasee historical cruise is back for 2025—an unforgettable two-hour event aboard the SS Lillypad II, brought to you by Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

Local historian Ann Garceau will narrate the cruise, highlighting fascinating “Points of Interest” along the shoreline. Learn about the lake’s rich past as you float past sites of historic hotels, entertainment venues, marinas, and more. You’ll receive a map of the lake so you can follow along during the journey.

🎟️ Tickets:
This event sells out quickly, so don’t wait! Purchase your tickets in advance!

🗓️ Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Boarding begins at 12:45 PM)

  • Location: The Frog Tavern, 1116 S Harkless Drive, Syracuse, IN

  • Ticket Link: Click HERE to purchase

📍 What to Expect:

  • A narrated tour of historic and lesser-known spots around Lake Wawasee

  • Insight into past events, property owners, boat taxis, and restaurants

  • Snack food provided and a cash bar available onboard

  • A relaxing and educational afternoon on the lake

📞 Questions?
Contact Chautauqua-Wawasee:
Phone: 574-377-7543
Email: info@chautauquawawasee.org

Chautauqua-Wawasee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to offering quality programming centered on Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation—enhancing life in Syracuse and the surrounding region.

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Wanted: Old Home Movies from Syracuse-Wawasee for the “Syracuse/Wawasee Walk Down Memory Lane” project.

Wanted: Old Home Movies from Syracuse-Wawasee for the “Syracuse/Wawasee Walk Down Memory Lane” project.

Lights, camera, action! Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum are teaming up for a blockbuster multi-year project to collect and preserve pre-1975 ephemeral films and home movies of the Syracuse and Wawasee area. The project, titled “Syracuse/Wawasee Walk Down Memory Lane”, is on a mission to track down and immortalize historical footage of our beloved community — but they need your help!

The first phase of the project kicked off in April of last year, culminating in a show-stopping premiere of three historic films from Lake Wawasee on July 22nd at the Syracuse Community Center. The program proved popular enough that the project will continue in 2024.”Since last year, we’ve uncovered a treasure trove of new vintage material,” Ann Garceau, the Syracuse Museum’s project mastermind, noted. “In anticipation of this year’s encore on July 20, we’re putting out an all-call for additional video gems!”A glittering showcase of selected footage is scheduled for this summer’s blockbuster event at Oakwood on July 20. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Syracuse’s cinematic history!

The project is on the hunt for home movies and ephemeral films made locally before 1975 – black and white or color, it doesn’t matter! If you’ve got video materials that could contribute to capturing the Syracuse region’s storied past, give Jamie Clemons a call at 574-457-3599 (Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum), or reach out to Erin Lomax at 574-238-6089 or erin.lomax@gmail.com (Chautauqua-Wawasee).

Let’s make movie magic together!

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2024 “Lake Wawasee, Then & Now” Cruise

Chautauqua-Wawasee is repeating last year’s successful “Lake Wawasee, Then & Now” cruise, narrated by local historian Ann Garceau of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

As Ann shares interesting stories about historic structures that stood around the lake, you will be able to better visualize them with the aid of a provided pamphlet, Then and Now, picturing what you are hearing about while enjoying what is built there now. Among the places that Ann highlights will be the numerous hotels, marinas, entertainment venues, neighborhoods, and historic homes.

This event will sell out so buy your tickets early by clicking HERE!

WHEN: Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 1-3 p.m.

WHERE: The Frog Tavern-1116 South Harkless Drive Syracuse, IN 46567

Boarding begins at 12:45 at The Frog Tavern.

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Lake Wawasee “Points of Interest” Cruise- Narrated by Ann Garceau- SOLD OUT

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum will once again enjoy local historian Ann Garceau as she narrates a cruise of Lake Wawasee highlighting “Points of Interest” aboard the SS Lillypad II.

This event is always popular so get your tickets early. Ann will share her knowledge about historic hotels, events, property owners, restaurants, entertainment venues, boat taxis, marinas, other points of interest and little-known facts as the SS Lillypad proceeds around the shoreline of the lake. Snack food will be provided along with a cash bar.

Date and time:

Location:

The Frog Tavern 1116 South Harkless Drive Syracuse, IN 46567

Tickets for this event are SOLD OUT.  Please keep your eyes open for details on our fall cruise in September!

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Then and Now

Lake Wawasee “Then and Now” Historical Cruise- September 29, 2022

Local historian Ann Garceau will narrate a Historical Cruise of Lake Wawasee aboard the SS Lillypad II

Chautauqua-Wawasee is repeating last year’s successful “Lake Wawasee, Then & Now” presentation by local historian Ann Garceau of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

As Ann shares interesting stories about historic structures that stood around the lake, you will be able to better visualize them with the aid of a provided pamphlet, Then and Now, picturing what you are hearing about while enjoying what is built there now. Among places that Ann highlights will be the numerous hotels, marinas, entertainment venues, neighborhoods, and historic homes.

Date and time

Thu, September 29, 2022

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Location

The Frog Tavern

1116 South Harkless Drive

Syracuse, IN 46567

This event will sell out so click HERE to purchase tickets now!

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Lake Wawasee Historical Cruise

Historic “Then and Now” cruise is coming up!

Chautauqua-Wawasee is repeating last year’s successful “Lake Wawasee, Then & Now” presentation by local historian Ann Garceau of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

As Ann shares interesting stories about historic structures that stood around the lake, you will be able to better visualize them with the aid of a provided pamphlet, Then and Now, picturing what you are hearing about while enjoying what is built there now. Among places that Ann highlights will be the numerous hotels, marinas, entertainment venues, neighborhoods and historic homes.

This event will sell-out so buy your tickets early.

Boarding begins at 12:45 at The Frog Tavern.

What: 2-hour Lake Wawasee Cruise

When: October 7, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Where: The Frog Tavern, Syracuse, Indiana

Tickets: $25 and can be purchased HERE.

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