From swimming to golfing and mint to deep-dish pizza, Mishawaka, Indiana has it all.
A charming city set in northern Indiana on the St. Joseph River, Mishawaka is known as the “Peppermint Capital of the World” due to the area’s large quantities of mint. There are also 29 parks, golf courses, and an olympic-size public swimming pool for campers to enjoy. Road trip to Chicago—just under two hours away—to indulge in delicious pizza, or hitch up the speed boat and roll the RV into a full-service, pet-friendly, waterfront campground in Harrison Lake State Park. Tent camping near Potato Creek State Park offers local swimming and water activities in Worster Lake.
Head two hours west of Mishawaka to Chicago for a traditional slice of deep-dish pizza, renowned architecture, and a legendary jazz scene. Rent a kayak and explore the Chicago River, or explore 26 miles of lakefront with dozens of sandy beach spots surrounding Lake Michigan. Nearby are plenty of full-service RV campgrounds featuring shower facilities and flush toilets.
Hunt waterfowl, take a swim, or catch fresh fish for dinner at Harrison Lake State Park. Just over the state border in Ohio, Harrison Lake State Park is roughly two hours east of Mishawaka. Scoop up a lakefront cabin for easy access to waterfront activities including the 150-foot beach. A launch ramp is available for motorized boats, or rent a pedal boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or power boat instead. Book reservations online up to six months in advance to get a pet-friendly campsite that offers electricity. Winter camping is also available and is great for sledding at the east end of the lake, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
With a 327-acre lake surrounded by forests and wetland areas, Potato Creek State Park delivers plenty of outdoor activities. Stop by the Nature Center to learn about the area before biking the paved 3.2-mile trail. Cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and ice fishing are popular in winter, while fishing on one of the three piers on Worster Lake is a huge draw in summer. Rent a cabin nearby or pitch a tent in an off-grid campsite to get first dibs on canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals.
Mishawaka offers four distinct seasons and outdoor activities that are popular year-round. Freezing temperatures in December, January, and February create great conditions for cross-country skiing and ice fishing. June, July, and August see the highest temperatures of the year—around 77°F—for water activities and hiking. The off-seasons run from March until May and from September until late November, with smaller crowds and cooler weather.