One of the best towns in Indiana is a place you’ve probably never even heard of. This tiny beach town sits in the northeast corner of the state where it is often overshadowed by nearby towns and cities, but locals know that this is the place to be for a quiet and peaceful life. Like many of Indiana’s charming small towns, the pace feels a bit slower here, but there’s definitely no shortage of activities to enjoy. Check out what all there is to do (and dine on) in this town on Hamilton Lake.

Located on the south side of Steuben County, the tiny beach town of Hamilton, Indiana is all-too easy to overlook.
Facebook/Hamilton Indiana
A small portion of the town also resides in DeKalb County.
The town sits right on Hamilton Lake and is home to about 1,500 residents. Locals enjoy the beach for sunbathing and swimming, and many love to take their boats out on this secluded lake.
Facebook/Hamilton Indiana
Residents also enjoy Gnagy Park for its playgrounds, baseball fields, and special events.
Hamilton Indiana/Facebook
When it comes to things to do in Hamilton, Indiana, the options are simple, classic, and perfect for families. Various festivals and celebrations take place throughout the year, including the Independence Day parade, which the whole town turns up for.
Facebook/Hamilton Indiana
Hamilton is also known for its annual Polar Bear Plunge. Each year, dozens of brave souls participate in this New Year's Day event.
Facebook/Hamilton Indiana
Now, for what really makes a tiny beach town great: the restaurants.
Facebook/Hamilton Indiana
Most iconic to Hamilton Lake is Capt'n Pete's Dairy Dock which is walking distance from the beach and is all about soft serve ice cream and American cuisine. Hot dogs, burgers, chicken strips, and much more will keep you fueled up all day long.
Capt'N Pete's Dairy Dock, LLC, 7425 S Wayne St, Hamilton, IN 46742, USA
Angelina Creighton/GoogleMaps
For a more complete, sit-down dining experience, Acapulco is the place to be for hearty Mexican fare.
Gerrardo Parron/GoogleMaps

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Acapulco Mexican Grill, 6665 IN-1, Hamilton, IN 46742, USA
Annette Careins/GoogleMaps
Bonus: this tasty gem backs right up to the water, and you can even be served on your boat!
Or, check out Roger's Harvest House!
Roger's Harvest House, 814 S Wayne St, Hamilton, IN 46742, USA
Google Maps
The fried chicken is to die for, and you'll also enjoy other classic homemade favorites like mashed potatoes, steak, fried fish, baked ham, and much more.
For dinner on the lake, nothing beats Howie's on Hamilton. Come by foot, car, or boat to this epic eatery that sits right on Hamilton Lake. Enjoy American favorites as well as drinks well into the night at this popular joint.
Howie's on Hamilton/Facebook
Howie's on Hamilton, 3950 E Bellefontaine Rd, Hamilton, IN 46742, USA
Howie's on Hamilton/Facebook
But you can't go wrong with the views (and food) at Laker's either!
Laker's Food & Spirits, 7610 S Lake St, Hamilton, IN 46742, USA
Steve Watkins/GoogleMaps
If pizza is your aim, Rose Brothers is the place to be. You can get a two-foot pizza here that will feed a whole party of hungry people. Guests also enjoy salads, pasta, bread sticks, garlic bread, wings, and other appetizers.
GoogleMaps
Rose Brothers Pizza, 7680 S Wayne St, Hamilton, IN 46742, USA
Molly Schuyler Women v. Food/GoogleMaps
This remote beach town is the lake and foodie paradise you've been looking for. Come check out this amazing village sometime this summer for the best weather and views, and come with a hearty appetite!
Facebook/Hamilton Indiana

Hamilton, Indiana, here we come! If you’ve ever been to this tiny beach town and Hamilton Lake, we’d love to hear from you. What are some fun or delicious stops, events, and adventures you recommend?

For more beachy goodness, check out some of the most beautiful lakes in Indiana.

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Hamilton, Indiana & Related Info

Jennifer | June 09, 2023

Does Indiana have any waterfront restaurants?

Nestled along quiet creekbanks, overlooking the fantastically scenic Lake Michigan, and dotting lakeshores in every corner of the state, Indiana has no shortage of gorgeous waterfront restaurants - both casual and upscale. From coast to inland, some of the best waterfront restaurants in Indiana include:

  • Ainsley's Cafe, Brookville
  • Bartlett’s Fish Camp, Michigan City
  • Boathouse Kitchen & Swan Dive, Cicero
  • Boathouse Restaurant, Winona Lake
  • Bridge's Waterside Grille, Michigan City
  • The Channel Marker, Syracuse
  • Kingfish, Jeffersonville
  • Lighthouse Restaurant, Cedar Lake
  • Rick’s Café Boatyard, Indianapolis
  • Rivercrest Lighthouse Restaurant, Madison
  • Waterfront Bistro, Lake James
  • Windjammer Grill, Bloomington
  • Wolfie’s Grill, Noblesville

 

What are some of the prettiest Indiana beaches?

Few people realize that Indiana is a Great Lakes state, let alone that it's positively overflowing with fantastic natural beauty, rushing rivers, and scenic lakes... as well as some pretty fantastic beaches! Here's where to find some of the most beautiful beaches in Indiana:

  • Beach Lodge, Culver
  • Brookville Lake Beach, Brookville
  • Buffalo Trace Park, Palmyra
  • Cagles Mill Lake, Cloverdale
  • Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis
  • Hidden Paradise Campground
  • Indiana Beach Amusement Resort
  • Indiana Dunes National Park
  • Lake Monroe
  • Lake Street Beach
  • Pokagon Beach
  • Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, Portage
  • Prairie Creek Reservoir Park, Muncie
  • Saxony Beach, Fishers
  • Whihala Beach, Whiting

 

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Hamilton, IN 46742, USA