Residing on 27 acres off Lake Wawasee—Indiana’s largest natural lake—you’ll find Oakwood Resort, an 88-room inn that is perfect for weddings, receptions or a quick weekend getaway. The Syracuse, Ind., resort is a picturesque location for all outdoor enthusiasts, especially ones that enjoy spending time on the water. The panoramic view across the lake creates an unrivaled sunset experience.
Besides the main hotel area, this resort has eight cabins, 10 vacation homes and two convention rooms on site. Oakwood Resort is located a few hours from Chicago, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids and Cincinnati, making it the perfect location for visiting the Midwest.
There is full-service spa that features massages and a hair salon. As far as food options go, the on-site restaurant and bar called, The Pier serves a delightful steak and seafood menu with many beer and wine accompaniments. The food is good and reasonably priced and every night the restaurant has a different special for you to take advantage of including half-price burgers and fries and half-price martinis and appetizers.
History
Founded in 1893, Oakwood Park was built as a Christian camp for spiritual renewal and recreation. Because it was located on the shores of Lake Wawasee, this relaxing atmosphere was called Oakwood Christian Retreat & Conference Center and was owned and operated by an independent non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization called the Oakwood Foundation.
The foundation ran into financial trouble in 2008 and was forced to close its doors and the resort was put on the market in 2010. As a Christian resort, no alcohol was served on the premise so finding new owners that would have to hold to the same clause became quite challenging. The band on alcohol was tied up in legal proceedings until a court ruling established that pending offers did not have to uphold the religious covenants and ideals for which the property was originally intended.
New Beginnings
Yellow Retirement Communities picked up the property in 2013 and did a six million dollar remodel on the main building for a June 2013 opening. They gutted the entire building and replaced everything including flooring, wallpaper, ceilings and fixtures.
Now you will find sparkling clean rooms, decorated in tasteful bold colors with very modern décor. Each room comes equipped with flat-screen HD televisions, complimentary WIFI, in-room Keurig coffee and tea service and a MP3 alarm clock just to name a few. Come prepared with extra quarters though as the resort does have a $.25 charge for ice.
Overall, you will be amazed by how quiet and peaceful your stay will be. Even with the hotel full, you will fill secluded and relaxed. The beds are very comfortable and the lobby has a grand-old hotel feel to it. Your check-in will be quick and efficient and then you’ll be on your way to a tranquil weekend. After that, you can sit lake side in one of the gazebos and enjoy the calming presence of the water.
Boating
At this time, the resort doesn’t offer individual boat rentals but it does have 60 slips available for a modest renal fee. The downside is the closet public launch is not near the resort. However, boaters can use the free public boat ramp and parking area, located on the southeastern shore and cruise over to the resort. Another option is using one of the several local marinas, which charge a nominal fee to use their private boat ramps. But once you have your boat on the lake, the clear water is ideal for water skiing, sailing, swimming and fishing.
New for 2014, Oakwood Resort is now offering boat rides for guests on a large flat-bottom party-barge style boat. The boat is also available to be reserved for a party or group.
What to do?
Once you’re at the Oakwood, there is plenty to do. The resort has a wonderful on-site swimming pier, walking and bike paths, kayak rentals, tennis courts and a fire pit. Match all of this with the complimentary, on-site fitness center and game room, you and your family won’t even have to leave to have a fun time.
The Community
The Oakwood Resort is a showpiece for the community if Syracuse, especially since the beautiful remodel. Approximately 3,000 people live in the town and are just starting to get used to the new image of the resort. Besides not serving alcohol, the old management didn’t book live entertainment. Now days, you will find a band performing most weekends, which adds a lively flair.
Book Now!
As with any hotel or resort, the prices will fluctuate based on the time of year and length of your stay. But typically, you can expect to spend between $100 to $250 per night, depending on whether you want a standard room or a suite. Summer months may be a little higher, but they will sell out quickly so plan ahead. They also offer different spa and romance packages, which includes things like chocolate truffle and assorted fruit platter delivered to your room or couple massages. If this sounds fun to you, book your weekend at the Oakwood Resort now.
