Visiting Pokagon State Park in the winter to enjoy the tobogganing? It’s certainly a wonderful way to spend a few hours, but if you are anything like our family you’ll want to discover all the other things to do in the area! Here are five fun things to do in the winter near Pokagon State Park.
- Find a great local restaurant. There are a number of interesting and delicious sounding restaurants in the area, so you’ll have no trouble finding one that appeals to you. We arrived around lunchtime and decided to try out 6 Autumns. It did not disappoint. My daughter and I split the salmon meal which came with two sides (we picked the vegan squash soup and some AMAZING homemade mac & cheese), while my husband and son enjoyed the fish and chips. It came with two sides also (fries and a salad). The portions were large, we had plenty of food even with splitting meals. Their beer list was fantastic. There are about a dozen beers on tap (mostly local), and another large list of bottles and cans. Definitely something for everyone. Located right off the interstate, 6 Autumns is in a building attached to the Ramada Inn – but don’t let that scare you. We didn’t and I’m glad. Excellent choice. 6 Autumns; 3855 N State Rd. 127, Angola, IN (260) 624-3644
- Visit a winery. Near the park are several lovely wineries. I could definitely see this as a great girls weekend combining shopping, hanging out at the Inn and visiting wineries. As we had our kids in tow, we decided to just visit one. We walked into Satek Winery (rhymes with “attic”) just as another couple was finishing up their wine tasting. Once they had been rung up, we started chatting with Robin. She let us know that we could taste up to 8 wines each, AND the wine tasting was free! Talk about a bargain. I tend to like whites whereas my husband prefers reds, so we ended up trying a bit of both. Satek also has some excellent fruit wines and ports (a few of which may have come home with us). When you purchase the fruit wine, they give you a postcard with some drink recipes on it – in case you want to mix things up. I know the mango wine I bought will be used for wine slushies this summer – yum! Satek Winery; 6208 N. Van Guilder Rd. Fremont, Indiana; 260-495-WINE
- Check out Angola. Just a few miles from the park is the charming town of Angola. We found a number of very interesting antique shops including what was by far the nicest and cleanest antique shop I have ever been in. It was huge, well-organized and fun to poke around in. We’ve discovered that if we give the kids something specific to look for, they will happily browse for quite some time! Downtown Angola is also home to a lovingly restored theatre – if we had another night in town we would have definitely gone to a movie just to enjoy the atmosphere.
- Outlet shopping. Right off the interstate and a short drive from Pokagon is a small outlet center. The older section is a bit run down with very few stores, but there is a newer section with some excellent choices (Gap Factory, Bass, American Eagle, etc.). If you are looking for some deals, you might just get lucky. We also enjoyed checking out The Pickle Factory outlet. We discovered a new favorite that happened to be on closeout at $2 a jar – if only we had purchased more! The Outlet Shoppes at Freemont; 6245 Old U.S. 27 Fremont, IN; (260) 833-1516
- Wild Wind Buffalo Preserve. Sadly the preserve is only open on Saturdays in the winter, but we did drive by and peek in. If you are in the area on a Saturday, from what I hear, this is a must-see. Everyone we asked suggested this as a fun way to spend a few hours. I’ve already added it to my list for when we return in the summertime. Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve; 6975 N Ray Rd., Freemont, IN; (260) 495-0127
Even though the area is slower and quieter in the winter months (we heard from several locals that the population more than doubles in the summertime), there are still plenty of fun and interesting things to do to keep you and your family busy. We only stayed one night and on the drive home commented that we wished we had extended our stay for another.
What activities do you look for when you travel in the winter? Do you find it harder to find things to do?
Pin this post for later so that when you visit Pokagon State Park you’ll have a list of fun things to do: 
Looks like there is a lot of cool stuff to do. I am on a winery kick myself!
They are always a favorite of mine!
Pam, You always seem to find some neat things to do wherever you go. I enjoy reading your everyday adventures. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Lara – that’s my “superpower” – finding fun things to do and great places to eat.
This was a great post. I love the variety of things to do and the way they are laid out. I always enjoy your posts about your travels!
Thank you! We always try to check out everything in an area.
We like warm weather places for traveling in the winter. Therefore the activities are hiking, snorkeling, and diving.
I do like warm weather too, but once in a while, I’ll agree to someplace cold (preferably with skiing involved!).
This looks like a fun place to go. I’ll have to look into it. Thanks for sharing!
It was very fun – and would be great for a family or even a girls trip or romantic overnight!
Now that we live in Florida, winter activities are like northern summer activities, lol.
Ha! I love it.
My parents have a trip to Pokagon coming up so I shared both of your posts with them!!
Yay! Hope they enjoy it.
Looks like a fun time to be had. One of my goals is to visit a winery in my lifetime.
You definitely should – it’s one of my favorite things to do if I just have a free hour or so.
I always love to visit wineries, these look fantastic.
It was a great one!
I’ve never heard of Pokagon State Park. What brings people to visit it?
The toboggan for sure, but also the lake in the summer and fun hiking year-round.
Thanks!
Great suggestions. The winery is where I’d be at!
I put a bottle that we purchased in the fridge for this weekend! It was fun and yummy.
Seems like a relaxed trip yet fun-packed!!
We are pros at that! But I still wish we had taken another day.
That buffalo park looks awesome. I would definitely stop there.
I know! I wish it had been opened – next time for sure.
Looks like an adorable little town! I love little towns! You sure found some great destinations.
Thanks! It was super cute.
My favorites things to do are to visit wineries and if available, craft breweries! Looks like you’ve made some great suggestions for winter fun near Pokagon State Park!
I agree! There was a craft brewery there too, but it was 21 and older only and since the kids were with us …
Thank you for sharing! It’s always to difficult to find good places to travel and fun activities to do in the winter. My husband and I have an anniversary in the winter time (this weekend actually!) and it’s always tough to find exciting activities. This post gave us some good ideas! Thank you!
Thanks! I hope you have a fun anniversary weekend!
This really looks like a great place for a weekend getaway, no matter what season. I’d really love to see the buffalo!
Me too – we are going to have to get back there for that alone.
Based on your recent posts I am definitely going here this fall! I can’t wait!
Yay! I’d love to hear what you think!
You always spark my interest when I read your posts. I would love to visit the wineries and outlets here, not to mention that preserve sounds like a great place to go exploring.
Thanks! I always consider that my “superpower” – finding interesting things to do and places to eat no matter where we are!
Looks like there is a lot of cool stuff to do. I am on a winery kick myself!
Fun! Have you found some good ones?