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2025 Points of Interest Cruse-Narrated by Ann Garceau

🚤 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.

It is remarkable how little many Hoosiers know about the history of our state and the amazing people it has spawned. Some of the greatest athletes, composers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders, musicians, philanthropists, politicians, preachers, public servants, scientists, teachers, and writers in U.S. history were nurtured by this soil.  Chautauqua-Wawasee has embarked on an annual series to highlight Hoosiers who have impacted America. John Wooden will lead off this series with a presentation by Dr. Richard Gunderman, author of the book “Hoosier Beacons”. When you hear his presentation, you will be amazed at the nature and accomplishments of the man discussed and you will want to be a better person by simply hearing about Wooden’s long and successful life.

WHEN: July 13, 2024, beginning with refreshments at 4:30 PM followed by the presentation from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

WHERE: Oakwood Resort, located at 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse Indiana.

COST: FREE to attend!

Dominique Rousseau: 1st Permanent White Resident of Kosciusko County

Lynn Brown’s novel Furs and Fevers is based on Rousseau’s life from 1825-1840. Why did a president of an international fur trade company make his home in Kosciusko County? What business obstacles did he overcome? Besides a reading of Chapter One to give you the feel of this person, Lynn will talk about related research principles and sources she used. Kosciusko towns and locations mentioned in the book are Leesburgh (the original spelling), Warsaw, and the Oswego location of Rousseau’s last trading post. After the presentation, questions will be welcome.

 

About the Presenter: Lynn MacKaben Brown

 

Lynn MacKaben Brown has been a Kosciusko County resident for fifty years—and became a permanent one when she married Ed Brown of the Brown/Lynch pioneer family clan. She has been published in national and international magazines for decades. She is also the author of Christmas Celebration, a devotional/activity book.

“When I brought my girls home to homeschool them, Indiana history was required. I didn’t like the textbook but, being from Wisconsin, my knowledge about Indiana’s history was limited to knowing that it was a Union state in the Civil War. While researching class materials, I came across Rousseau. I was and still am intrigued that this important man was left out of so many sources, and nothing has been named for him. I decided to rectify the situation.”

 

This event is free, however, we ask that you register HERE.

WHEN: Friday, September 1 · 6:30 – 7:30pm

WHERE: Syracuse Community Center

1013 North Long Drive Syracuse, IN 46567