Situated Between Columbus And Fort Wayne Is Ohio's Charming Island With Lakefront Fun

There is a quaint little island in Ohio, beloved among tourists, where you can head to for a relaxing lakeside getaway. Orchard Island is nestled in Logan County, on the southern part of Indian Lake. Visitors can stroll through the harbor and visit the many shops and restaurants lining its charming streets. Access to the island is limited, though you can reach it by cutting through the charming lakeside village of Russells Point, providing a lovely gateway to waterfront fun.

While there are some scenic cities between Columbus and Fort Wayne, such as Marysville, a destination with peaceful parks and artisans, Orchard Island stands out from the rest. A popular tourist hotspot in the 1920s, with bustling hotels and restaurants, it was once considered "The Playground of the Middle West." The landscape of the island has since changed. Buildings have been renovated, torn down, or moved. But the island still retains its lively waterfront spirit, and it remains a popular destination for sailing, fishing, and kayaking. Although the island suffered from a tornado in 2024, rebuilding efforts have been successful.

Orchard Island became an important hub for the Chautauqua movement in the early 1900s, which consisted of educational performances and entertainment shows created by the Methodist church. This provided a way for the community to interact and learn about the various cultures and customs of these early settlers. The Chautauquas had a family-friendly atmosphere — with plenty of exciting activities, such as music, plays, animals, and acrobatics— often focusing on politics or spirituality. These events were landmarks in the development of this sleepy island getaway and a significant time in its history. 

Another significant slice of the island's lore is the Orchard Island Post Office. Although during the town's early days, it was only in service from 1912 to 1926, it provided a crucial meeting point for the townsfolk to come together in the community. There had been no postal service delivering letters to private residences back in the day, so residents had to pick up their mail at the post office, which doubled as a communication hub for the town. After a 77-year hiatus, the post office was relocated and renovated to a nearby location on Post Office Island. The building was reopened in 2004, sandwiched between Orchard Island and Wolf Island, where a re-dedication took place in 2016 after more renovations. 

You might encounter some quirky events in the neighborhood, too, like the Orchard Island Golf Cart Parade, where local businesses and residents decorate their golf carts and zoom around the streets. While the area is mostly residential, with cottage and cabin rentals available for visitors, you can't deny the lively atmosphere and charming vibes surrounding the place. The Buckeye Lake Historical Society has also conducted themed tours of Orchard Island, complete with costumes from the 1900's.

If you are looking to spend the day on the water, you've come to the right place. Spend-A-Day Marina offers boat rentals and sales, as well as the occasional boat show, where guests can peruse an array of sailing vessels with the latest bells and whistles. You can see pontoon boats, jet skis, sailboats, and catamarans while enjoying enjoy other festivities like food trucks and giveaways. The nearby Indian Lake Yacht Club, a popular spot for sailing and boat races, offers lessons to kids and adults as well. It was impacted by the tornado in 2024, so stay tuned for updates about its progress.

While different from New York's Indian Lake, a hidden gem with crystal clear waters and majestic forests, this Indian Lake in Ohio also has plenty of water recreation for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can kayak around the island or spend the day at the beach, then enjoy dinner at one of the many dockside restaurants, such as Lulu's at the Lake or The Landing Tavern. Boating is extremely popular here, with various spots offering rentals nearby. If boating isn't your thing, enjoy an afternoon at Fox Island Playground with the kids, or explore the nearby state park.

Fox Island State Park, accessible from Orchard Island, is the perfect little oasis to retreat to if you are looking for quiet beaches. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or a romantic picnic on the beach away from the more populated harbor. Overnight guests who wish to sleep under the stars can stay at Welcome Woods RV Campgrounds, featuring RV hookups and primitive camping options, in Russells Point.