Sunset Photos, Kayaking, Paddleboarding & College Bass Fishing…College is Better by the Lake

Living lakeside can really liven up your college experience.

Attending college by the lake means you always have a place to relax and watch beautiful sunsets, a place to get off campus to do homework, or a place to recreate and compete!

At many other schools, your time in college might be landlocked — or even worse, you might be limited to the confines of campus grounds. At Grace, we encourage our students to get off campus to explore and enjoy Winona Lake, which is just a few blocks away. Whether our students find themselves by the water taking beautiful sunset photos, on the water atop a kayak or paddleboard, or in the water participating in college bass fishing, they are sure to enjoy the benefits that come from living and learning near a lake. 

Because let’s face it — college is better by the lake!

Here are just a few of the lakeside activities we enjoy at Grace College:

Beautiful Sunset Photos

A phrase commonly heard by Grace students goes something like this, “Did you see the sunset last night? The sky over Winona Lake was gorgeous!” 

Winona Lake sunsets are truly breathtaking. Deep reds and purples dance together in the sky. The clouds glow, reflecting the lowering sun. The water shimmers with its reflection. On most nights like this, you’ll find silhouettes of students on the pier, seizing the opportunity for a beautiful sunset photoshoot. Our students are in agreement — sunsets like these beg to be enjoyed. 

“I love watching the sunset on the lake, especially when it reflects off of the water,” said MyKaila Culp, an elementary education major from Bremen, Indiana. 

Jadyn Block, a health science major from Deercreek, Illinois, agrees. “I love how pretty the colors are and the reflection on the lake, and seeing the beautiful handiwork of God.”

So what about you? Have you witnessed a Winona Lake sunset? If not, we have the perfect opportunity for you to experience Grace College and capture some beautiful sunset photos while you’re here! Sign up for the next Sunset Tour. 

If you want to take your sunset experience to the next level, we recommend you enjoy the sky from a kayak or paddleboard. 

Kayak or Paddleboard — Take Your Choice!

Every year, we set aside a full afternoon for our annual Lake Day where students get to enjoy the lake on a kayak or paddleboard (rentals are free for the day)! After your paddle, a party awaits you on the shore. Compete in sand volleyball, Spikeball, and other yard games until it is your turn for a thrilling tube ride being pulled by the Grace boat. 

If you want to get on the water more often, Grace students can get discounted rental services for a kayak or paddleboard from the Lakehouse all season long!

And if you are an outdoor recreation enthusiast, Grace has just the club for you. Grace Outdoors is a new club that focuses on getting students outside to enjoy God’s creation. The club offers trips that satisfy any adventurous spirit — from rock climbing outings to evening hikes through the woods. But a large number of the events are held on the water. And a fan favorite is an end-of-the-year paddle to watch the sunset over Winona Lake. 

Maybe the idea of sitting in a boat appeals to you, but you’d rather have a fishing pole in hand than a paddle. You’ll be thrilled to hear about our college bass fishing team!

College Bass Fishing

Grace’s college bass fishing team was established in 2019 and began competing in 2020. The team practices on Winona Lake, but that’s not the only area lake they enjoy. Kosciusko County is home to more than 100 lakes and streams. A rotating practice schedule gives team members a chance to fish at a number of these lakes and helps train students on how to identify strong fishing spots for competitions. 

Tristen Dubb, a finance major graduating in May 2024, is captain and president of the team. Dubb has recieved scholarships for participating on the college bass fishing team, and last year he was close to qualifying for the Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship.

“The Grace College bass fishing team is a growing program that will leave a legacy,” said Dubb. “It’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning about bass fishing or interested in pursuing a new sport where they can enjoy the surrounding lakes.” 

You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy this club sport! Grace College provides a bass fishing boat for participants to use as well as poles and tackle. All you need to bring is yourself! 

At Grace College, the lakeside activities are plentiful. Do you want to learn more about Grace College and living by the lake? Learn more about what our community has to offer or see what you can do around campus!