In 2025 we are highlighting 52 small towns across the state of Indiana in 52 weeks. For our sixth small town breakdown of the year, we’re headed from the county seat of Monticello in White County to the county seat of Angola in Steuben County. Angola is a 40-minute drive north of Fort Wayne and 75-minute drive east of South Bend.
The History of Angola, Indiana
Steuben County was authorized as a county on Feb. 5, 1836, and Angola was named the county seat. A total of 105 lakes scatter the county, with Lake James, Crooked Lake, Jimmerson Lake and Snow Lake as the most prominent four closest to Angola. Early settlers originally from Angola, New York, named the city after their previous home. Trine University is on the outskirts of town and was founded in 1884. As of the 2023 census, Angola’s population was 9,456.
The next time you’re in the northeast corner of Indiana, swing through the historic town of Angola
Places to Eat in Angola, Indiana
Jed’s BBQ & Brew of Angola has nearly 2,600 Google reviews with a 4.8 star rating. Jed’s is family friendly, dog friendly, and the menu is friendly, too. The beef brisket dinner, baby back ribs, southern style wings and fireballs — no, not shots, they’re flavored chicken chunks / boneless wings — are highly recommended. If you want a sirloin or ribeye, you can cook it to your liking on a hot granite rock right at your own table!
For early risers, check out Caleo Cafe, Mama’s Place or Tom’s Donuts at The Donut Capital of the World. Caleo is the top coffee shop in town, The Git Er Done Skillet from Mama’s hits the spot, and visitors of Tom’s rave about it being the best donut joint in northern Indiana. Tom’s is also the Guinness World Record holder for selling the most freshly baked donuts in eight hours — 8,558! The record was set on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend in 2022. Sutton’s Deli offers breakfast as well but is a great spot to enjoy deli or pizza for lunch.
Things to Do in Angola, Indiana
If you like outdoor entertainment, then you could spend the day or an entire weekend in and around Angola. Lakes and a state park nearby? You bet. Pokagon State Park is located on the shores of Lake James and is a prime destination for visitors, especially in the winter. Why when it’s cold? Pokagon is home to a 1/4-mile toboggan run that is open on weekends from late November until the end of February.
When the weather warms and you want to attack some pins, play a round or two at Glendarin Hills Golf Club or Hidden Valley Golf Course. And that smell of burnt rubber in the summer? Head to one of many races held at Angola Motor Speedway in-season.
Another attraction worth visiting is in the heart of Angola. Like Indianapolis, downtown Angola also has a war memorial in a roundabout intersection. The Steuben County Soldiers’ Monument recognizes 240 men who died in the Civil War after president Abraham Lincoln called for troops. Steuben County sent 1,278 men to the Civil War and had more men per capita serve in the Civil War than any other Indiana county. The monument was dedicated on Sept. 13, 1917, and stands 70 feet tall and weighs 300,000 pounds. Its four military figures represent the infantry, cavalry, artillery and navy.
Second Lady from Angola, Indiana
Lois Marshall was the wife of Thomas Marshall, who was the 28th vice president of the United States from 1913-21. Her husband was Indiana governor from 1909-13.
That’s it for small town breakdown No. 5 of 2025. Where should we head next?
