Angola, Michigan: A Town With A Historic Past

Angola, Indiana is a city in Pleasant Township, Steuben County, with a population of 8,612 as of the 2010 census. It is located at the intersection of U.S. 20 and State Road 127, also known as North and South Wayne Street and West and East Maumee Street to Angola residents. Angola was founded by Thomas Gale and Cornelius Gilmore on June 28, 1838, and is home to Trine University. The city is served by major roads, including I-69 and the Indiana Toll Road (I-80 and I-90). Angola offers a range of attractions, such as Pokagon State Park, Chapman's Brewing Company, and Glendarin Hills Golf Club. It is also within driving distance of larger cities like Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Detroit, Michigan.

Angola, Indiana's attractions

Angola, Indiana, has a lot to offer, from outdoor activities to cultural events. Here are some of the top attractions to visit and things to do:

Pokagon State Park

The beautiful Pokagon State Park is located on the shores of Lake James. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The park features over 50 miles of trails through stunning wetlands, prairies, and forests. It is also home to the state's only refrigerated toboggan run, which is open from the day after Thanksgiving until the last weekend in February.

Angola Motor Speedway

The Angola Motor Speedway is a thrilling half-mile oval race track with banked turns. It hosts a variety of events and races throughout the year and offers activities such as mini-golf, paintball, and go-karting. It is a great attraction for car enthusiasts and those seeking an adrenaline rush.

Historic Angola Train Depot

The Historic Angola Train Depot, built in 1887, is a meticulously restored landmark. It showcases the history of the local area, with interpretive displays, artifacts, and special events. Visitors can take a trip back in time and learn about the depot's significance while also enjoying the various activities and tours offered throughout the year.

Steuben County Farmers Market

The Steuben County Farmers Market is a vibrant and community-oriented destination open every Saturday. It offers a wide variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, unique crafts, and antiques. Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and the chance to connect with local farmers and vendors. It's a great place to find hidden treasures and support local businesses.

All-American Hot Dog Festival

This festival is a summer highlight in Angola, attracting families and food lovers alike. It features an array of delicious hot dogs with creative toppings, sauces, and buns. The festival also offers live entertainment, educational seminars, cultural events, and fun activities for kids, making it a delightful experience for all ages.

Cedar Creek Winery

Cedar Creek Winery is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. It offers a diverse range of award-winning wines, from dry to sweet, and hosts wine tastings and special events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the winery's beautiful patio, live music, food trucks, and a full-service bar featuring local craft beers and ciders.

Glendarin Hills Golf Club

The Glendarin Hills Golf Club offers a challenging and scenic golf experience with two distinct nine-hole courses. The West Course is a par 72, while the East Course is a par 70, both featuring water hazards and sand traps. The club also provides additional amenities, such as tennis courts, a swimming pool, a driving range, and a 24-hour fitness centre.

Angola's Dining Scene

Angola boasts a variety of dining options, including popular spots like Chapman's Brewing Company, Mulligans Restaurant and Pub, and Timbers Steakhouse & Seafood. Whether you're looking for craft brews, pub fare, or a fine dining experience, Angola has something to satisfy every taste.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, Angola, Indiana, has something for everyone. These attractions and experiences showcase the beauty, culture, and hospitality of this charming Midwest destination.

Transport from Michigan to Angola

Angola, Indiana is located in Steuben County. The city is served by I-69 and the Indiana Toll Road (I-80 and I-90). The closest large city to Angola is Fort Wayne, which is around 35 miles away.

There are a few different ways to travel from Michigan to Angola, depending on your starting point in Michigan and your mode of transport.

By Car

If you are travelling from Detroit, Michigan, the driving distance to Angola is around 141 miles. The drive typically takes around 2 hours and 27 minutes, and is the cheapest and fastest way to travel between the two points.

If you are travelling from Lansing, Michigan, the driving distance is around 89 miles, and the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes.

By Bus and Train

There are also bus and train options available for travelling from Michigan to Angola. For example, if you are travelling from Detroit, you can take a bus to Toledo, and then another bus from Toledo to Angola. This journey typically takes around 3 hours and 38 minutes.

Alternatively, you can travel by train from East Lansing, Michigan to Angola. This journey involves taking a train to Battle Creek, and then driving from Battle Creek to Angola. This option takes around 7 hours and 43 minutes.

By Air

There is no direct flight connection between Michigan and Angola. However, you may be able to fly into a nearby airport and then travel by ground transportation to Angola.

Things to Do in Angola

Once you arrive in Angola, there are several attractions and activities to enjoy, including:

• Pokagon State Park, which offers camping, hiking, and a refrigerated toboggan run in the winter
• Chapman's Brewing Company, which offers a variety of beers and simple pub food
• Glendarin Hills Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course with undulating greens and scenic views
• Steuben County Courthouse, a historic courthouse built in the late 1800s with Greek Revival, Italianate, and Romanesque Revival style design influences

Angola's history

Angola, Indiana, was founded by Thomas Gale and Cornelius Gilmore on June 28, 1838. The town is named after Angola, New York, the previous home of some of its first settlers. It is located in Pleasant Township, Steuben County, and is the county seat. The Angola post office has been in operation since the town's foundation in 1838.

The city has a public square in the middle, with a historic courthouse built in 1868 nearby. The First Congregational Church, located at 314 W. Maumee Street, is known as the Marriage Chapel, as Indiana's more relaxed marriage regulations in the past drew many couples from out of state to get married there.

Angola is home to Trine University, as well as Carlin Park Elementary, Hendry Park Elementary, Ryan Park Elementary, Pleasant Lake Elementary, and Angola Middle School. Notable people from Angola include Lloy Ball, an Olympic volleyball gold medalist, and John Barnes, a science-fiction writer.

According to the 2010 census, Angola had a population of 8,612 people, with a total area of 6.387 square miles (16.54 km2). The racial makeup was predominantly White (93.6%), with small proportions of African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and individuals from other racial backgrounds. The average household size was 2.35, and the median age was 30.3 years.

Angola's climate

Angola, Michigan, experiences a cold and temperate climate with significant rainfall throughout the year. The Köppen-Geiger climate classification for Angola is Dfa, indicating a cold, temperate climate with large seasonal temperature differences and a hot summer. The average annual temperature is approximately 9.8°C (49.6°F), with a recorded average high of 31°F and a low of 19°F in January, the coldest month of the year.

Summers in Angola are long and warm, with an average daily high above 72°F during the warm season, which typically lasts from May to September. Winters, on the other hand, are freezing, snowy, and windy, with temperatures rarely rising above 41°F during the cold season, which extends from the end of November to early March. The temperature typically varies between 18°F and 82°F throughout the year, and it is not uncommon to experience snowfall during the winter months.

Precipitation is a notable feature of Angola's climate, with an average of 1024 mm (40.3 inches) of precipitation annually. The wettest month is May, with an average of 109 mm (4.3 inches) of rainfall, while February is the driest month, receiving just 62 mm (2.4 inches) on average. The difference in precipitation between the driest and wettest months is approximately 47 mm (2 inches).

Sunshine levels vary throughout the year, with July offering the most daily hours of sunshine, averaging 10.85 hours. In contrast, January, the coldest month, experiences the least sunshine, with only about 3.62 hours of sunlight per day on average.

Overall, Angola, Michigan, presents a climate characterised by cold winters and warm summers, with a good amount of annual precipitation and moderate sunshine throughout the year.

Angola's demographics

Angola, Indiana has a population of 34,500 people as of 2022, with a median age of 43.5. The population grew by 0.372% between 2021 and 2022. The median household income is $68,837, an 11.6% increase from 2021.

The largest ethnic group in Angola, Indiana is White (Non-Hispanic) (92.6%), followed by Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic) (2.16%), White (Hispanic) (1.81%), Two or More Races (Hispanic) (1.26%), and Other (Hispanic) (0.861%). 99.3% of the residents are U.S. citizens, and 1.44% of residents were born outside of the country.

The gender makeup of the city is 50.6% male and 49.4% female. The average household size is 2.35, and the average family size is 2.99. 32.0% of households have children under the age of 18, and 33.1% of households are made up of individuals. The median age in the city is 30.3 years. 22.1% of residents are under the age of 18, 21.2% are between the ages of 18 and 24, 24% are from 25 to 44, 19.6% are from 45 to 64, and 13% are 65 years of age or older.

The racial makeup of the city is 93.6% White, 1.4% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.1% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race make up 6.3% of the population.

The median income for a household in the city is $34,925, and the median income for a family is $43,848. Males have a median income of $32,031, while females have a median income of $23,258. The per capita income for the city is $16,750. About 8.1% of families and 10.5% of the population are below the poverty line, including 6.5% of those under age 18 and 13.2% of those age 65 or over.

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