Wawasee Establishments: A History of Lakefront Hotels and Resorts
Lake Wawasee has long served as a premier destination for leisure and entertainment, evolving from a collection of modest lodges into a hub of luxury hotels and vibrant social clubs. From the late 19th century through the mid-20th century, the lake's shores were dotted with establishments that catered to visitors from across the Midwest, blending natural beauty with Victorian elegance and modern amusement.
Key Facts
- Cedar Beach Club was the first hotel on its site, established in 1880.
- Waco (Wawasee Amusement Company) hosted legendary musicians including Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller.
- The Spink Wawasee Hotel transitioned from a luxury hotel to a Catholic seminary and preparatory school before becoming condominiums.
- The Wawasee Yacht Club, founded in 1935, continues to operate today with E-Scows, Lightnings, and Sunfish boats.
- Fire was a recurring theme in the lake's history, destroying several major hotels including the Wawasee Inn and South Shore Inn.
The Early Pioneers: 19th Century Lodgings
Cedar Beach Club
Established in 1880, the Cedar Beach Club marked the beginning of organized hospitality on the lake. Originally purchased by the North Lake and River Association—led by Judge John V. Pettit and followers of Izaac Walton (an inspiration for the later Izaak Walton League environmental group)—the club featured a two-story gabled roof building with 50 bedrooms and a 125-seat dining room. Despite early growth, the association collapsed in 1882, leading to a sheriff's sale. By 1887, the property was transferred to the Cedar Beach Club for $7,000 under the presidency of James B. Suitt. Notably, this site featured the first log seawall on Wawasee before the club burned down in 1891.
The Jones Hotel
Opening in September 1881 on the north shore east of Willow Grove, the Jones Hotel was the first major entertainment establishment on Turkey Lake. It was founded by Abram M. Jones, a Civil War veteran and mechanical engineer. The hotel was highly regarded for its comfortable rooms and excellent meals. Beyond hospitality, the hotel's barn served as a vital shipyard where many of the lake's early yachts and boats were constructed. The property remained in the Jones family until it was sold to M. E. Crow of Elkhart in 1920.
Buttermilk Point
Located at the extreme south end of the lake, Buttermilk Point began as a service stop for steamboat passengers. A log milkhouse, built at the source of a spring, provided buttermilk, sweet cream, and butter to travelers. The site was owned by Civil War veteran Lewis Jarrett and later his wife, Elizabeth. The location eventually evolved into the Johnson Hotel, which remained one of the last great old hotels until its auction in 1971.
The Golden Age of Wawasee Hotels
Sargent's Hotel
Built in the early 20th century by J. (Jess) M. Sargent, this hotel was situated on the northeast shore in a scenic grove of trees. Sargent, who arrived in 1899 to help refurbish the sailboat Mary Louise, first found success with a boat repair and rental business. He and his wife, Laura Ballard, expanded their holdings to include land extending to the nearby B&O station. The hotel became a popular venue for large dinner parties before it was razed in 1957.
The Wawasee Inns and Spink Hotel
The lake saw several iterations of the "Wawasee Inn." The first was built in 1892 by Colonel Eli Lilly and associates on the former Cedar Beach Club site, though it was destroyed by fire in 1918. A second Wawasee Inn (formerly the Tavern Hotel) was built on the south shore in 1926, but it was gutted by fire in 1955, resulting in $75,000 in damages.
The Spink Wawasee Hotel, built in 1925 by the Spink family of Indianapolis, occupied the original Cedar Beach Club site. Following the family's passing, the property was sold to the Crosier Order of the Roman Catholic Church. It reopened on August 15, 1948, as Our Lady of the Lake Seminary. Over the following decades, it added a gymnasium, library, and auditorium, eventually becoming Wawasee Preparatory, a coeducational school, before closing in 1975. Today, the building serves as luxury condominiums.
Entertainment and Recreation
Waco (Wawasee Amusement Company)
Constructed around 1910, Waco was originally envisioned as a floating pavilion but was instead built on land using sand fill from the lake bottom. Under the management of Ross Franklin, Waco became a nationally recognized entertainment hall. It attracted world-class talent, including Hoagy Carmichael, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Tony Bennett. As the venue aged, it transitioned into a roller skating rink and later a lakeside restaurant before being demolished in the 1970s.
The Crow's Nest and Natti Crow Beach
Founded by pioneer farmer Nathaniel N. Crow, who arrived in Kosciusko County in 1845, this property evolved from a successful 550-acre farm into a social hub. The site featured a blacksmith shop powered by a hydraulic ram. In 1959, the Crow house and barn were converted into the Crow's Nest Yacht Club, with the barn serving as a multi-level boat storage facility. The area is also home to Natti Crow Beach, one of the lake's few true sand beaches, and the WACF Nathaniel Crow Wetlands.
Vawter Park and South Shore Inn
Vawter Park Village was plotted in 1887, featuring a Victorian-style hotel and surrounding cottages. After the original hotel and its 1920s replacement both burned down, the South Shore Inn was established. During the 1950s and early 60s, the Inn was famous for its water ski jumping shows. The hotel was destroyed by fire on October 29, 1964.
Modern Legacies and Dining
The Wawasee Yacht Club, established in 1935 by four Snipe sailboat enthusiasts, continues to promote sailing through regattas featuring E-Scows, Lightnings, and Sunfish boats. In terms of dining, the late 20th century saw the rise of boat-accessible eateries. Angler's Cove on Ogden Island was a popular "surf and turf" destination from the 1950s through the 1970s. Similarly, Jack's A&W Root Beer Stand served visitors by boat and car from the 1950s until the early 80s; it has since become The Channel Marker Restaurant.
| Establishment | Founded/Built | Primary Use | Fate/Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Beach Club | 1880 | Hotel/Club | Burned 1891 |
| Jones Hotel | 1881 | Hotel/Boat Building | Sold 1920 |
| Wawasee Inn (1st) | 1892 | Hotel | Burned 1918 |
| Waco | c. 1910 | Entertainment Hall | Torn down 1970s |
| Spink Wawasee Hotel | 1925 | Hotel/Seminary/School | Luxury Condominiums |
| Wawasee Yacht Club | 1935 | Sailing Club | Active |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hotel was the first on the Cedar Beach site?
The Cedar Beach Club, established in 1880, was the first hotel on that site.
Who were some of the famous performers at Waco?
Waco hosted a variety of national talent, including Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Tony Bennett, Hoagy Carmichael, and Guy Lombardo.
What happened to the Spink Wawasee Hotel?
After serving as a hotel, it became Our Lady of the Lake Seminary and later Wawasee Preparatory school before closing in 1975. It is now a luxury condominium complex.
What is unique about Natti Crow Beach?
It is one of the few true sand beaches on Lake Wawasee, extending up to 20 feet from the homes to the water's edge and running approximately 1,200 feet north to south.
Which establishments offered food accessible by boat?
Historically, the A&W Root Beer stand, Angler's Cove, and Waco were the primary locations where food was available to those arriving by boat.