If you’re driving through northern Indiana and find yourself staring at a giant castle in the middle of a small town, you haven't taken a wrong turn into a fairytale. You’ve just hit North Webster. But if you’re looking for "North Webster County," you’re going to be searching for a long time.
North Webster isn't a county. It's a town.
It actually sits in Kosciusko County, a region named after a Polish general that almost nobody can spell correctly on the first try (it's Kos-key-os-ko, by the way). Honestly, the confusion makes sense. North Webster has such a massive personality—and handles such a huge chunk of the region's summer tourism—that it feels like its own little empire.
The Lake That Isn't Actually One Lake
Most people come here for Webster Lake. But here’s the kicker: it’s technically a "franken-lake." Back in 1837, a guy named Ephraim Muirhead built a gristmill and a dam. That single move flooded seven smaller natural lakes and mashed them together into the 585-acre body of water we see today.
Because it's man-made and relatively shallow—averaging around 8 to 12 feet in many spots, though it hits 45 feet in holes—it’s a literal factory for Muskellunge. We’re talking "Muskie Capital of the Midwest" status. If you aren't familiar with Muskies, they're basically freshwater barracudas with an attitude problem. Local guides like Chae Dolsen or Joe Leppert spend their lives helping people catch these "fish of ten thousand casts."
Why Everyone Mentions The Dixie
You cannot talk about North Webster in Kosciusko County without mentioning the Dixie. It is Indiana’s oldest sternwheel paddle boat. It’s been cruising these waters since 1929.
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Think about that for a second. This boat survived the Great Depression, World War II, and the era of neon leg warmers. It was originally used to deliver groceries and mail to lake cottages. Today, it’s a non-profit-run piece of living history. If you take the 75-minute sunset cruise, you’ll hear the narration about "Yellow Banks," a 1920s hotel where Chicago mobsters—including Al Capone and John Dillinger—reportedly hid out.
Is the legend of Al Capone hiding in North Webster true? Local historians at the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Historical Society have heard the stories for decades. While hard evidence is slim, the proximity to Chicago and the secluded nature of the "Seven Lakes" area made it a perfect 1930s getaway for anyone avoiding the feds.
The Mermaid Festival is Real (And Kind of Huge)
Every June, this town of about 900 people explodes. The North Webster Mermaid Festival is heading into its 80th year in 2026. If you’re expecting actual mermaids swimming in the streets, you might be disappointed, but the "Queen of the Lakes" pageant is a massive deal for local scholarships.
The 2026 festival is set for June 17-20 with an "80s" theme. It’s peak Americana. You’ve got:
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- The Cutie Parade (which is exactly as adorable as it sounds).
- A full-blown demolition derby that draws crowds from across the state.
- The "Queen of the Lakes" competition sponsored by the Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation.
- Fried food that would make a cardiologist weep.
Real Estate Reality Check
Living here isn't as cheap as it used to be. The housing market in North Webster is currently a seller’s paradise. In late 2025, median home prices were hovering around $359,950, which is a nearly 27% jump year-over-year.
If you want a spot right on the water, you're looking at much higher stakes. Recent sales on Mulberry Street and Ems Lane have seen homes go for anywhere from $640,000 to $865,000. It’s a tight market. In October 2025, there were only about 18 homes for sale in the whole town. People buy these places and they stay.
The Castle in the Middle of Town
Remember that castle I mentioned? It’s the International Palace of Sports building. It used to house a massive collection of sports memorabilia, but now it’s home to Pilcher’s Shoes.
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It is arguably the most famous shoe store in Indiana. People drive from three states away just to walk through a castle and buy a pair of boots. It’s weird, it’s quirky, and it’s perfectly North Webster.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to head out to Kosciusko County to see North Webster, don't just wing it.
- Book the Dixie Early: The boat runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. Sunday afternoons are great, but the Saturday night cruises fill up fast.
- Fishing Gear: If you're hunting Muskie, hit up Ye Olde Tackle Box on Main Street. They know exactly what's biting and where the weeds are too thick.
- Eat Local: Pizza King of North Webster is the go-to. You can actually boat right up to the dock, grab your pizza, and head back out on the water.
- Explore the "Back" Lakes: Most people stick to Webster, but the Barbee Chain is just a few miles south and offers a totally different, quieter vibe with seven interconnected lakes.
North Webster isn't a county, but it’s definitely a destination. Whether you’re there for the 80th Mermaid Festival or just to see if you can spot a Muskie from the Town Park pier, it’s the kind of place that reminds you why the Indiana lake life is so addictive.