(ANGOLA) - Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in Steuben County, and if last year's numbers are any indication, area roads, lakes, campgrounds and communities could soon see tens of thousands of visitors.
According to the Steuben County Tourism Bureau, more than 230,000 visitors came to Steuben County during Memorial Day weekend 2025, making it the county's second-busiest weekend of the year. The three-day holiday generated an estimated $35.9 million in economic impact for the local economy.
Tourism officials reported approximately 124,400 people were in the county on Saturday of the holiday weekend, with more than 123,000 people present on both Sunday and Monday. Overall visitation was up 6% from the previous year.
The county's lakes were among the biggest draws. Lake James recorded about 4,200 visitors, while Hamilton Lake attracted 2,800. Jimmerson Lake saw 1,700 visitors, Crooked Lake had 1,400, Snow Lake welcomed 1,300, and Clear Lake recorded 775 visitors.
Pokagon State Park drew approximately 12,500 visitors during the holiday weekend, while the county's three largest campgrounds outside Pokagon hosted another 15,000 visitors.
The influx of visitors also extended into area communities. Tourism data showed 92,500 visits within the City of Angola, 17,100 visits in Hamilton and 10,800 visits in Fremont. Downtown Angola alone recorded nearly 4,900 visits during the three-day holiday.
Tourism officials noted that nearly one-quarter of visitors traveled from more than 100 miles away, highlighting Steuben County's role as a regional vacation destination.
With Memorial Day weekend beginning Friday, local businesses, campgrounds, lake communities and tourism attractions are preparing for another major influx of seasonal visitors as summer gets underway across Steuben County.