Exploring Angola, Indiana: Activities And Attractions

what to do around angola indiana

Angola, Indiana, is a great place for visitors, with plenty of attractions and activities to keep everyone entertained. From the famous Pokagon State Park, with its refrigerated toboggan slide, to the Angola Motorsport Speedway, there is something for everyone. The city also offers a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as events throughout the year in Downtown Angola. For nature lovers, there is the Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve, spanning over 400 acres and home to 250 bison. For a more relaxed day out, visitors can enjoy wine tasting at one of the many wineries in the area, such as Briali Vineyards and Satek Winery. Angola truly has something for everyone!

Characteristics Values
Outdoor Recreation Golf, hiking, biking, fishing, tobogganing, kayaking, motorboat rides, pier fishing, camping, horse riding, etc.
Attractions Angola Motorsport Speedway, Pokagon State Park, Commons Park, Trine State Recreation Area, Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Botanical Conservatory, Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum, etc.
Dining The Hang Out Bar & Grill, The Waterfront Bistro, Mulligan's Restaurant & Pub, Chapman's Brewing Company, etc.
Shopping The Shops at Fremont, antique and gift shops in downtown Angola, etc.
Entertainment Movies at the vintage Brokaw Movie House, concerts at Buck Lake Ranch, archery at Thunder Lakes, etc.
Wine Tasting Satek Winery, Briali Vineyards, etc.

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Visit Pokagon State Park

Pokagon State Park is located near Angola, just off I-69. The park offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors seeking adventure or relaxation. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Pokagon State Park.

History and Naming:

Pokagon State Park was originally known as Lake James State Park when it was proposed as Indiana's fifth state park in 1925. The name was later changed to honour the rich Native American heritage of the state and region, specifically the Potawatomi tribe. Leopold and Simon Pokagon, father and son, were the last two most notable leaders of the Potawatomi. The park's Potawatomi Inn, with its fishing-lodge theme, is a popular resort and conference centre.

Natural Features and Activities:

The park is surrounded by natural beauty, featuring Lake James and Snow Lake, which were created by glaciers that melted thousands of years ago. These lakes offer opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. Steuben County, where the park is located, has more lakes than any other county in Indiana. Beyond the lakes, the park showcases rolling wooded hills, wetlands, and open meadows.

Pokagon State Park also boasts 13.7 miles of hiking and bicycling trails, allowing visitors to explore the diverse natural habitats of the area. The park is home to the Potawatomi Nature Preserve, where you can discover marshland, deep hardwood forests, pines, and sand hills. Hell's Point, located along one of the trails, offers a panoramic view of the area.

Unique Attractions:

Pokagon State Park is known for its toboggan run, a refrigerated quarter-mile track that provides thrilling rides at speeds of 35-40 mph. The toboggan run is typically open from the Friday after Thanksgiving through February, including extended hours during the Christmas holidays. This unique attraction draws visitors seeking an exciting winter activity.

Lodging and Camping:

The park offers a range of lodging options, from the luxurious Potawatomi Inn to cabins and campgrounds. The Inns and Cabins are highly sought-after, so booking in advance is recommended. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance for holidays or special occasions. The park also provides electric and non-electric campsites, as well as a youth tent area and group camp options.

Additional Amenities:

Pokagon State Park caters to a variety of interests with amenities like volleyball and basketball courts, horseback trail rides, pony rides, and hayrides, and nature and wildlife exhibits. The park also has picnic areas with tables and grills, as well as reservable shelter houses for larger gatherings.

Winter Activities:

During the winter months, Pokagon State Park transforms into a winter wonderland. In addition to the toboggan run, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing (with rentals available), sledding, and ice skating. Ice fishing is also a popular activity on Lake James, which is accessible year-round.

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Tobogganing

Angola, Indiana, is a great place for tobogganing enthusiasts. The city is home to Pokagon State Park, which offers the only refrigerated toboggan run in the state. This unique feature means that you can go tobogganing without needing snow, and the run is open from the day after Thanksgiving until the last weekend in February. The toboggan run is a popular attraction, with people travelling from as far as Cincinnati to try it out.

The refrigerated toboggan run at Pokagon State Park provides a fun and exciting experience for families, couples, and individuals. The run is located on a fairly steep hill that is a quarter of a mile or so in length. At the top and bottom of the hill, there are parking lots where you can leave your toboggan, as carrying it up the hill can be tiring. There is also a warming centre close by for hot drinks, as well as clean bathrooms. The Potawatomi Inn and Conference Centre is also located nearby if you want to spend the night.

Pokagon State Park offers a range of other attractions and activities besides the toboggan run. It has two swimming beaches, miles of hiking trails, a bike trail, and a Nature Centre that is open daily. The park is located on the shores of Lake James, Indiana's fourth-largest natural lake. Whether you're visiting in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, Pokagon State Park has something for everyone, including wildflowers, beach days, colourful walking trails, and cross-country skiing.

So, if you're looking for a fun and unique tobogganing experience, Angola, Indiana, and its refrigerated toboggan run at Pokagon State Park, are definitely worth checking out.

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Explore Commons Park

Angola, Indiana, is home to Commons Park, the city's largest park at over 100 acres. The park features a range of recreational facilities, making it a great place to spend the day.

One of the highlights of Commons Park is its community-built wooden playground, which is a fun space for both kids and adults. The park also has five pavilions, providing shade and a place to relax, as well as a bandstand, where you might catch a live performance. For sports enthusiasts, Commons Park has a basketball court, volleyball courts, a soccer field, and ball fields. There are also horseshoe pits, a permanent grill, and a swing set.

If you're looking for a more relaxed activity, the park has a 1/2-mile paved walking trail that connects to the Steuben County trail system. Along the way, you'll find grass nature trails, an archery range, and a small wetland with a wildlife overlook. The natural spring, with its deck, is also worth visiting. The abundance of wildlife in these areas will delight nature lovers.

With its variety of amenities, Commons Park is a great place for a family outing, a quiet walk, or a fun day of sports and recreation. The park is open from dawn to dusk, and its address is 299 S. John St., Angola, IN 46703.

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Wine tasting

Wine enthusiasts visiting Angola, Indiana, will be pleased to learn that there are several wineries in and around the city offering wine tastings. Here is some information on a few of them:

Satek Winery

Satek Winery, located in nearby Fremont, Indiana, is northeast Indiana's first winery, having served fine wines since 2001. The winery offers free wine tastings every day, with no reservations required. It is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, except for certain holidays. Visitors must be 21 or older and have a valid photo ID to participate in the wine tasting. Satek Winery also offers tours on Saturdays and Sundays, but reservations are required for these.

Acres Away Winery

Acres Away Winery is located in Ashley, Indiana. It offers a personalised winery experience, highlighting locally grown grapes from its 5-acre estate vineyard. The winery is known for its thoughtful approach to winemaking, with a knowledgeable staff. Visitors to the winery must be 21 or older, in compliance with Indiana Alcohol Laws.

Country Heritage Winery & Vineyard

Constructed on a family-owned farm in Laotto, Indiana, Country Heritage Winery & Vineyard is open year-round. The winery gives true meaning to its name, with a strong focus on the heritage and traditions of the region.

Byler Lane Winery

Byler Lane Winery in Auburn, Indiana, is a family-owned and operated vineyard created and owned by Eldon, Rachel, and JR Byler. The winery welcomes visitors to experience its selection of wines.

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Angola Motorsport Speedway

If you're looking for some fast-paced action during your visit to Steuben County, Indiana, the Angola Motorsport Speedway is the place to be. Located in eastern Steuben County, this motorsports facility offers thrilling experiences and family-friendly entertainment.

The speedway boasts a 3/8-mile, high-banked asphalt track set on a sprawling 78-acre site. The track provides a challenging and exciting racing experience for drivers and spectators alike. The recent renovations to the restrooms, kitchens, and stands have made the venue even more welcoming and comfortable for visitors.

You have several options for taking in the races. Choose between the comfortable grandstands, which offer a fantastic view of the track, or splurge on one of the private luxury suites located in the tower for an exclusive experience. The speedway also offers a unique opportunity for racing enthusiasts to get up close and personal with the action on the track.

The Angola Motorsport Speedway is conveniently located at 2850 N. 600 E., Fremont, IN 46737. Be sure to check out their website, raceangola.com, for more information on upcoming races and events.

Whether you're a racing enthusiast or just looking for a fun and exciting activity, a visit to the Angola Motorsport Speedway is sure to get your adrenaline pumping and create lasting memories.

Frequently asked questions

Angola has plenty of attractions for kids, including Pokagon State Park, Commons Park, Trine State Recreation Area, Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, and Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum.

Angola offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, golfing, fishing, and visiting parks like Pokagon State Park, McClue Nature Preserve, and Steuben County Park.

Angola is home to the state's only refrigerated toboggan slide, which is located in Pokagon State Park and open during the winter months. Angola also has a motorsports speedway and a wild bison preserve, Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve.

There are several recommended restaurants in Angola, including Chapman's Brewing Company, The Hang Out Bar & Grill, The Waterfront Bistro, and Mulligan's Restaurant & Pub.

Yes, Angola offers a variety of shopping options, including The Shops at Fremont, which features stores like Under Armor, Coach, and Levi's. Downtown Angola also has antique and gift shops.

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