Webster Lake (Indiana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Webster Lake |
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 Webster Lake
Location in Indiana
Webster Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kosciusko County, North Central Indiana |
| Group | Barbee lakes chain |
| Coordinates | 41°19′29″N 085°40′55″W / 41.32472°N 85.68194°W |
| Primary inflows | Spring Fed |
| Primary outflows | (into Blackwater Lake) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 640 acres (260 ha) |
| Max. depth | 65 ft (20 m) |
| Surface elevation | 856 ft (261 m) |
| Dam | Webster Lake Dam |
| Settlements | North Webster, Indiana |
Webster Lake is a beautiful fresh water lake located in Kosciusko County, Indiana, United States. It's right next to the town of North Webster. Long ago, it was known as Boydston Lake.
Contents
Exploring Webster Lake's Geography
Webster Lake has several interesting spots and areas around it. These places have unique names that help people find their way around.
- Big Island
- Backwater Lake: This is a body of water just south of the main Webster Lake.
- Dickerson's Point: You can find this on the north side of the lake.
- Hayden's Point: This point of land is just before you enter Webster Bay.
- Highbanks
- Ruple's Beach: This beach is located on the south side of the lake.
- Webster Bay
- Yellowbanks
Fun Things to Do at Webster Lake
One of the most famous attractions at Webster Lake is the Dixie paddleboat.
The Historic Dixie Paddleboat
North Webster is home to the Dixie, which is Indiana's oldest sternwheel paddleboat. The Dixie has been cruising Webster Lake since 1929. It has given tours of the lake to many generations of families and visitors.
From 1929 until 2007, private owners took care of and operated the boat. Then, a nonprofit organization called Dixie Sternwheeler Inc. took over. They operate the boat for regular summer cruises from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. You can also book the Dixie for special events like weddings or company gatherings.
Regular cruises last about 75 minutes. They happen every evening from Monday to Saturday, and in the afternoon and evening on Sunday. Many cruises feature old-time music and a story about the area, the lake, and the Dixie.
The Dixie was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. This means it's an important historical landmark!
A Look into Webster Lake's Past
Webster Lake has a rich history, from its early days to the structures that shaped it.
The Webster Lake Dam
The Webster Lake dam was built at the southwest end of the lake. A gristmill (a mill for grinding grain) was built there by Ephriam Muirhead in 1837. This dam helped to connect several smaller lakes, creating the one large lake we see today.
In 1842, Thomas Boydston bought the gristmill. The mill also served as a general store and post office in the 1800s. The original mill burned down in 1949, and the current dam was built in its place.
The Yellow Banks Hotel
The Yellow Banks hotel was once known as the M.J. France hotel from 1902 to 1905. The Yellow Banks hotel had several yellow row boats for its guests to use. It is said that when these boats were stored on the banks of the hotel property, the banks looked yellow. This might be how the area got its name!
