Winona at 100 Third Wave Rising

The charming little village of Winona Lake, Ind., is once again a tourist destination as lovers of art, culture, education, and good food come to experience life at the little artisan village nestled on the eastern shore of Winona (formerly Eagle) Lake in north-central Indiana.

Winona is currently in its third wave of development and popularity. In its first wave—beginning in 1881 and culminating in Spring Fountain Park and the religious Chautauqua programs that drew thousands for its rich offerings in the early 1900s. Then, after a period of decline, the town revived for its second-wave popularity as the home of the world’s largest Bible conference, the founding place of Youth for Christ, the launching pad for Billy Graham’s ministry, the home of baseball evangelist Billy Sunday and his songleader/publisher Homer Rodeheaver and much more.

Now, in its third-wave rising, Winona is once again a beehive of activity through Grace College and Seminary, cultural festivals, the emergence of the Village at Winona with its many shops, programs, world-class restaurants, and more.

Enjoy the history—and some little-known anecdotes—from two who have lived in, and loved, Winona Lake for many years. This centennial history celebrates the unique town that was incorporated on June 2, 1913, and has had worldwide impact.