“We’re solving today’s challenges while building tomorrow’s opportunities.” A RISING STAR IN SPORTS AND RECREATION TOURISM Nestled amid Noble County’s network of 117 lakes, Kendallville has quietly emerged as a powerhouse in regional sports and recreation tourism. The city’s strategic approach combines natural assets with purpose-built facilities, creating a destination that draws visitors from across the Midwest and beyond. “What makes Kendallville special is our individual attractions and how they all work together,” explains Grace Caswell, Executive Director of Visit Noble County. She gestures toward Bixler Lake from her office window, where morning kayakers glide across the water. “Having a 117-acre lake right in the heart of our city creates opportunities that other communities can only dream about. But it’s how we’ve built upon these natural advantages that really tells our story.” The crown jewel of Kendallville’s sports tourism infrastructure is its 89-acre sports complex within Bixler Lake Park. This state-of-the-art facility has transformed the city into a regional sports destination, hosting nearly 300 teams for tournaments in the past year alone. The complex features eight meticulously maintained baseball and softball fields, five professional-grade soccer fields, and parking capacity for a thousand vehicles. Recent additions include a modern skate park, basketball courts, and two championship-caliber disc golf courses. The city has earned particular recognition for its Great Indiana Golf Packages program, which predated the current golf tourism boom.This innovative initiative creates seamless experiences for golfers from across the United States, Canada, and international destinations, partnering local courses with hotels and restaurants to offer comprehensive packages. “Post-COVID, we’ve evolved into what I’d call a modern destination marketing and management organization,” Caswell explains. “While we’re absolutely focused on bringing visitors to experience our Hoosier hospitality, we’re equally committed to 55 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 KENDALLVILLE, IN
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