Lake Dalecarlia Sights are more than an Instagram filter for me – they are the result of a history that is in late 19. The century began when Swedish settlers settled the area around the lake and gave the place a name that recalls their homeland. Honestly, the idea of planting a piece of Sweden in the middle of the Middle West sounds almost like a bad joke, but the quiet, pine-lined coast has since developed into a surprisingly charming retreat.
I remember my first arrival: I drove the US‐31 north, then went to County Road 30 and followed the sign “Lake Dalecarlia”. No drama, just a short jam for the weekend visitors who put their boats in the water. The lake itself is not huge, but the clear water and the gentle waves have something soothing – almost as if you were to scroll in an old family album.
What I particularly like is the spicy but fine offer of small cafés on the shore, where you can observe the passing ducks in a freshly brewed coffee. I don’t understand the hype about the “big” lakes completely, but the quiet bays of Lake Dalecarlia offer exactly what I’m looking for: a bit distance from the hustle, a bit of nature, and a lot of space for reflection – all without crowded visitor numbers.
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Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Lake Dalecarlia, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first place I have to mention is that Pokagon State Park – a piece of nature hidden between the gentle hills of LaGrange County, like a well kept secret. I rented a kayak there in the summer and I rudded over the glittering Pokagon Lake, while the sun burned so strongly that I almost had the feeling of losing a piece of skin. Parking is usually easy, except for the long weekends in August, then there is a regular traffic jam at the entrance areas. The park not only offers hiking trails, but also a historical bunker from the Second World War, which I explored from pure curiosity – a bit creepy, but definitely a highlight that you should not skip.
A short trip after Indiana Beach at Lake Shafer is a must when you feel the urge to revive childhood memories. I have to admit, I don't understand the hype around the shrill roller coasters, but the sweet popcorn and the noise of the water make the visit a real pleasure. The parking lot is huge, but on Saturday afternoons there can be a small chaos when the families with strollers block the entrance. I even discovered an old carousel there, which is still accompanied by a nostalgic sound – a small but fine contrast to modern rides.
If you have enough of the typical amusement parks, the path leads Shipshewanawhere the weekly market is a true feast for the senses. I stood there once between a stand full of handmade quilts and another one selling fresh apple cake, and I thought: “Here is the true Indiana.” People here are friendly, but not intrusive, and parking is surprisingly uncomplicated as long as you get early enough – the street is filling faster than a coffee cup in a café. A little tip: The local farmer's shop has the best honey varieties I've ever tried, and that's not a joke.
A little further south lies St. Joseph River at South Bend, a river that has more history than one would suspect at first sight. I rented an old rowing boat there and I paddledled up a few hours while I was thinking about the industrial history of the region. The shore is lined by small cafés, which serve surprisingly good coffee – a real munter maker after paddling. Parking is available on the Riverwalk, but on weekends it can be quite crowded, so it's better to be there a bit earlier.
Another jewel I can't conceal is that Cedar Creek Bridge, a historical building located on the National Register of Historic Places. I once made a picnic there, because the view over the calm water was just too nice to miss it. The bridge is not only a photo motif, but also a good example of how robust old engineering can be. Parking is practically right next to the bridge, but you have to have a little patience when you have a larger vehicle – the access road is narrow.
Lastly, LaGrange County Historical Society Museum mentioned in a charming old building in the heart of LaGrange. I looked at old land machines and photographs from the founding period for hours, while I wondered why I didn't come here earlier. The museum has a small parking lot, which is usually free, and the staff is incredibly helpful – they like to tell you the stories behind the exhibits without preaching too much.
Whether you're looking for nature, history or a touch of Amish charm, the surroundings of Lake Dalecarlia provide a colourful mix that delights every traveler. My personal favorite places show that there is more to discover here than one would suspect at first glance – and all this is just a cat jump from the Lake Dalecarlia Attractions removed.
When I tell you about Lake Dalecarlia, I always start with what I personally consider to be the nonplusultra: Dalecarlia Beach. Yes, this is not some sandy stripe that you find on Google Maps and then forget – here there is a real, well-kept beach where the water is surprisingly clear in the summer, and that is the only argument for me why I even get the car out of the basement. Parking is usually a Klacks, as long as you don't arrive on Saturday night, this will be a little adventure because the locals then unpack their barbecue parties and the few free places will disappear quickly.
A short walk from the beach Dalmatia Marina, a place I like to name as the “Herzschlag-Kreuzchen” of the municipality. Here you can rent boats, borrow fishing rods and feel like you're in one of those cheesy movie sets, just that people here actually know how to catch a fish. I have a huge bass on the Angel, which was almost as big as my suitcase, and the staff looked at me with a wide grin when I pulled him back to land triumphantly – a moment I don't forget so fast.
A little bit further I'll land Dalecarlia Yacht Clubwhere the members in their chic sailboats prefer to participate in an exclusive Regatta event. I don't quite understand the hype about these elite clubs, but the restaurant on the dockside has the best fish tacos in the area, and that's a legitimate reason for me to look over there – especially if the weather is really moody and you're looking for some protection from the sun.
If you are looking for something that speaks less of shiny boats and more of nature, then the Lake Dalecarlia Nature Trail That's right. The path stretches around the lake, past small bays and dense bushes, in which you occasionally catch a roe or a curious fox. I once observed a squirrel that was brave enough to steal a piece of nut from my hand – a small but fine moment that shows that there is still real wilderness, despite all the tourist amenities.
Another highlight I don't want to conceal is that Dalmatia Golf Course. The place is not exactly a PGA paradise, but the fairways are wide enough that you don't end up in the bunker every time, and the view of the lake during the knock-off is simply stunning. I played a couple of rounds there while I tried to hide my bad fags – this is always a good discussion topic when you later order a cool beer at the clubhouse.
For those who want to sniff a bit of history, there is the small, but fine Cedar Creek Schoolhouse Museum. The old school building from the 1920s is today a mini-museum that documents the development of the municipality. I found an old classbook where the names of my great grandparents stood – a strange feeling that reminds me that this area is more than just a place for water sports.
And because I don't just want to tell the usual suspects, I still have to Lakeview Diner mentioning that is on the main road and serves the best breakfast of the region. The pancakes are so fluffy that they are almost a crime against gravity, and the staff knows every regular guest in their name – that is a sign for me that there is still real community.
If you now think that all this is too much to experience it in a single trip, don't let yourself be fooled: Lake Dalecarlia Attractions get rid of yourself on a long weekend, and the best thing is that you feel like discovering a bit more of yourself – or at least confirming that you don't have to take everything seriously.
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