Steps to Sandy, Swimmable Lake with Stunning Sunsets in Heart of Amish Country

Imagine having the sparkling water of Atwood Lake just steps away from your back door, multiple views of the lake from inside and a private, sandy, shallow access to the lake via stairs in the seawall.

With a front row seat to gorgeous sunsets every night, you can relax with a cool drink on the deck swing, glider, a hammock strung between two shady trees, or chairs around the fire pit.

The cottage has a fully-equipped kitchen plus grill and features modern amenities with vintage touches. And up to two dogs are welcome to stay with you - no breed or size restrictions. We simply ask that your dogs are friendly and that you follow some basic rules (see pet rules for more information).

With 3 kayaks, a paddle boat, and a stand up paddle board, plus various floaties and water toys, you can choose how you want to experience this quiet fishing lake. The water is still only 6’ deep 50’ from the shore so there’s plenty of space for swimming and water play.

Unlike some narrow lakes or channels where your neighbors across the water are so close you could have an easy conversation with them, Atwood Lake offers spacious views.

This comfortable cottage is located in the heart of one of largest Amish communities in the US. You'll enjoy hearing the distant clip clop of horse hooves while sitting outside. and you'll definitely see plenty of horses and buggies on the roads. Nearby farms have horses, sheep, goats, cattle, and bison, and you can also find produce, eggs, and firewood for sale.

The kitchen is fully equipped so you can choose to make all your meals at home. Or, several local eateries are only a few minutes away (The Backroads Tavern and Coody Brown’s are the closest, followed by Sylvan Cellars and Twin 6, with plenty of additional restaurants in Ligonier or Shipshewana or Kendallville). Shipshewana also offers the Blue Gate, the Flea Market and more.

With 2 HEPA-filtered air purifiers (one in each bedroom) you’ll breathe easy whether you are bringing your dogs or not.

A selection of board games, puzzles, and cards is available, plus cornhole and ring toss for outside play.

Feel free to bring your own boat! The public access at Witmer Lake Is only one mile away, giving you access to the five lakes in the Indian Chain of Lakes. Or you can rent a pontoon for a day or for the week (we have a list of rental options.) The public access to Atwood Lake (a 10 mph fishing lake) is a quick drive away and you can tie up your boat to the house's private pier.

Atwood Lake is stocked with Walleye and also offers largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, black crappie, and catfish. Everyone 18 and older needs a fishing license.

Bring your binoculars and enjoy sightings of Mute Swans, Bald Eagles, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Mallards, Swallows, Canada Geese, and more.

Our goal is to help you enjoy your time at the lake and to make some beautiful memories, whether that means doing next to nothing while lounging in the hammock with a good book, giving standup paddle boarding a try for the first time, or exploring the lake in a kayak.

Guests have access to the entire property. We have a wrap-around deck with a swing, glider, a table and 4 chairs with umbrella for outdoor eating, and a side yard with hammock and a firepit.

The plantings on the side of the property show the division between our property and the neighbor's property on one side; the driveway on the other side belongs to the adjacent property. We have free parking just across the street from the house for up to 4 cars.