Spend a day - or two - with your family in Noble
Whether you visit or take a staycation with the family, fun is close by in Noble County! You will find something for everyone. Let us help you plan your trip! We can help tailor your visit to include local business meetings, rejuvenate in nature, play with your pooch, or make new memories. Get started by defining who is visiting to filter the many attractions and recommendations we have to offer for your day - or two - in Noble!
Discover a variety of family and child-friendly destinations throughout Noble Lake, including the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center!
Suggested itineraries: City & Townsize Suggestions.
A Day Or Two in Kendallville & Rome City
1. Begin your first day in Noble County in Historic Downtown Kendallville with a meal at Jen's Bistro or Whatchmacakes for baked goods, sweet treats, breakfast sandwiches, drinks, and more- you can dine in or take your meal to go!
Local Tip: For larger families with time to sit and enjoy the biggest stack of pancakes or waffles, enjoy Blue Sky Restaurant on St Rd 6.
2. Next, venture over to the Mid-America Windmill Museum to learn about the unique history of wind power and the local businesses that produced and used windmills in their operations. The Mid-America Windmill Museum is the only museum to have on display all eleven models of windmills that the Flint & Walling Company, located just off of Kendallville's Main Street, manufactured from 1870 to the mid-1950s. The “Original Star” was patented in the 1870’s. It was sold for 40 years, and you can see one on display in the historic Klinger barn.
4. Top off your morning with a drive or stroll around Bixler Lake Park to take in the scenic views and wildlife. If you decide to extend your visit here, you can opt to rent kayaks at the campground and paddle the lake! Enjoy a variety of other outdoor recreation at the park, or the adjacent sports complex
If it is raining, snowing, or just too hot, enjoy a bonus: Seek and Find Indoor Playscape in Kendallville! Fun for families of all ages and abilities!
Local tip: Park at the Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex and walk the trails over to Bixler Lake and back.
For lunch, drive north to Sylvan Shores Diner in Rome City, where breakfast and lunch are served all day until 2 p.m.! With a delicious and diverse menu, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Explore the Gene Stratton-Porter Site: Spend some time exploring the Gene Stratton-Porter Site with your family and learning about one of Indiana’s most beloved authors and naturalists. Want to get some exercise, too? Bring your bikes and hop on the Fishingline Trail, part of the Noble Trails network.
Ice Cream from Sundae's on Sylvan Cool Off with a Sweet Treat!! After a day of exploring, cool off in the afternoon or evening with one of two great local ice cream and snack shack options! At Sundaes on Sylvan, enjoy classic ice cream cones, hot dogs, sweet drinks, and, of course, plenty of delicious sundaes. Or stop by Lickety Splitz for ice cream, milkshakes, iced coffee, and amazing handheld favorites. There’s something tasty for every member of the family!
A Day or Two in Albion
1- Enjoy the best of water, s'mores, trails, nature programs, and more at Chain O'Lakes State Park! After a night at your choice of local accommodations, venture out for another day in Noble! We recommend getting rejuvenated with nature - at your own pace - at Chain O’Lakes State Park. You'll find lots of options at the Chain - hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, camping, and more!
Enjoy 26 miles of trails that connect park assets and wind past multiple natural lakes, through ravines, and over open, rolling hills. You can choose trails ranging from easy to rugged. Rent a bicycle and stick to the main roads; visit the Nature Center; and check out the historic one-room Stanley Schoolhouse. You can also rent a canoe, kayak, or pedal boat (all rentals are located at Sand Lake) to explore the park's nine connected kettle lakes. Set a family goal and complete the 9 Lake Challenge if you want to fill a day on the water!
2- Stay hydrated and caffeinated at the lovely Fox Den Coffee shop situated at the corner of St Rd 8 and St Rd 9 in the charming historic downtown Albion.
Whether you prefer iced, hot, or blended, there's something for everyone, from coffees, teas, chais, to matchas. Have a sweet tooth? Enjoy a delicious baked good like a brownie, lemon bar, or yogurt cup! Really hungry? Choose a soup, sandwich, or something tasty from the counter.
3- Get exotic: See the WILD residents of Noble County! Set your GPS to find Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, where you can see and learn about the many displaced, captive-raised exotic animals who found their "forever home" here. We recommend you make plans to join a guided tour of the wildlife sanctuary, one of a handful in the nation accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and a member of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance. The experience is sure to have a lasting impact on how you and your family view and interact with wildlife forever after. Black Pine is home to black bears, tigers, bobcats, primates, birds, and many more! You'll also find plenty of souvenirs for all ages here in the expansive Wolf Den Gift Shop.
4- Explore our fresh air community! From Black Pine, head east into historic downtown Albion, home of one of Indiana's most beautiful courthouses! This award-winning downtown district is home to several locally-owned eateries. We recommend dinner at El Mariachi Mexican Grill, where the whole family will enjoy choosing from a vast menu of freshly prepared Mexican dishes and a full bar menu. Be sure to explore the square after dinner to see why Albion was voted as one of Indiana's Best Main Streets, ranked #8 on the list.
Local tip: If the kids still have some energy, the free splash pad and playgrounds at nearby Hidden Diamonds Park are a great place to end a summer evening.
A Day or Two in Ligonier & Wawaka
1. Breakfast at Grounded Coffee House: Start your day in downtown Ligonier with breakfast and a cup of coffee at Grounded Coffee House. Grab something delicious, fuel up, and get ready for a day of exploring! They have a newly renovated Kids Area your family will LOVE
2. Create Your Own Scent at Annie Oakley Natural Perfumery: Next, head to Annie Oakley Natural Perfumery, an essential-oil-based perfume factory known for its unique blends, which are sold at more than 1,000 retail locations across the country!
Make your visit extra special by trying your hand at the mixing bar and creating your very own custom scent to take home.
You can also request a studio tour to see how the perfumes are made, then browse the retail shop for even more unique goodies and gifts.
3. Time for Ice Cream! No family adventure is complete without ice cream! Stop by La Michoacana in Ligonier for a sweet treat and explore their delicious selection of Mexican-style ice creams, popsicles, and other refreshing favorites.
4. Get Outside & Play! End your day outdoors. Explore one of Ligonier’s beautiful parks, including a free splash pad, pickleball, walking trails, playgrounds, disc golf, and more; let the kids run and play. Whether you're grabbing a coffee, creating a one-of-a-kind perfume, enjoying ice cream, or simply letting the kids burn off some energy, Ligonier makes for a fun-filled family day in Noble County!
5. Dinner for the Whole Family!! End your day with dinner that Mom, Dad, and the kids will all enjoy! Family-friendly Harry Stuff Brewing Company is just a short drive away in nearby Wawaka.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, there’s something for everyone on the menu—from pizza and empanadas to delicious desserts. And, of course, Mom and Dad can enjoy a locally crafted brew while the whole family relaxes and enjoys the evening!
Family traditions you can return to again and again!
For more family-friendly ideas that match a variety of individual interests, check out our Explore A-Z page where you can filter Noble's local attractions and amenities and explore all the county has to offer!
