About Barbee Chain of Lakes

The Barbee Chain of Lakes is made of seven interconnected, natural lakes: Big Barbee Lake, Little Barbee Lake, Kuhn Lake, Irish Lake, Sawmill Lake, Sechrist Lake, and Banning Lake.

Photo via BarbeeLakes.org

Big Barbee Lake is perfect for speed-limit-free boating and watersports, such as speed boating and sailing. The smaller lakes offer quieter living environments and have a 10 mph speed limit for water vehicles. However, residents still have easy access to watersports and fishing opportunities.

History-lovers will want to visit the Barbee Hotel, originally known as the Hotel Ormond when it was built in 1897. After the hotel burned down in 1922, it was rebuilt, and shortly after the renovations were complete, the Barbee Hotel hosted many famous patrons including Carol Lombard and Clark Gable as well as notorious gangsters such as Al Capone, Baby Face Nelson, and John Dillenger. The Barbee Hotel now serves as a fine dining experience with signature cocktails, craft beers, and hand-cut steaks and prime rib.

About 2,300 residences are spread around the lake with the highest concentration near Big Barbee’s north end, Sechrist, and Little Barbee Lake. Many of the homes feature sandy beaches and private access for boats, and some properties have spacious backyards with green space.

Just south of the Barbee Chain of Lakes is the town of Pierceton, which is famous for its numerous antique shops and malls. Shoppers will delight in browsing through the vintage jewelry, fine arts, and antiques sold throughout the town.

Several options for entertainment, outdoor recreation, and employment are available in the surrounding area. There are excellent restaurants in Syracuse, which is only 30 minutes away, including The Frog Tavern and The Channel Marker. Golf enthusiasts can spend their days at several nearby golf courses. Nature lovers can bike or hike along the Heritage Trail or the Winona Lake Trails located southwest of the Barbee Chain of Lakes.

The Barbee Chain of Lakes is the perfect place to live if you want to be close to everything Kosciusko County has to offer. With seven different lakes to choose from, you’re sure to find a lakefront house that suits your lifestyle.