Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER – The Watershed Foundation (TWF) reflected on its 2025 Winona Lake Cottage Tour and Art for Healthy Lakes auction, held on Sept. 7.
The event brought together seven homeowners, 46 volunteers, 16 sponsors and a total of 129 participants - all united in support of healthy, clean lakes. The tour and auction raised $20,500 to support conservation projects conducted by The Watershed Foundation, according to a news release from TWF.
Cottage Tours are a summer adventure, opening the doors of the lake's most beautiful homes. This year, participants explored seven cottages on Winona Lake. During the tour, homeowners and visitors connected, sharing stories, memories of the lake and the history of their homes.
In addition to the Parade of Homes, participants were invited to participate in the Art for Healthy Lakes auction, hosted by The Watershed Foundation. This year, bidding was available on 35 works of art and one-of-a-kind experiences donated by local artists, makers, and businesses. Auction items were displayed throughout the homes, allowing guests to admire the artwork while taking in the beauty of the homes and the views of Winona Lake.
“The event is just fun,” said Atlanta Visker, who welcomed visitors into her home for the tour. “You get to have fun on lakes with a destination. You get to meeting friends you haven't met yet. Sharing your home is a chance to tell your story.”
“I love seeing the community come together to enjoy Winona Lake as an amazing resource!” said Lyn Crighton, executive director of TWF. “Between the homeowners, volunteers, participants, and sponsors, over 200 individuals and organizations made the Winona Lake Cottage Tour a huge success - raising over $20,500 to help The Watershed Foundation take action for healthy lakes.”
All proceeds directly support TWF’s mission to protect and improve water quality in the lakes and streams of the Upper Tippecanoe River Watershed.
Cottage Tours are just one of the annual events TWF offers. To learn more about upcoming events or how to get involved, visit https://watershedfoundation.org/events/.
