Hilltop Haven on Sylvan Lake

01/01/2026

✨ Happy New Year from the lake! ✨Fresh snow, calm water, and a brand-new year ahead! There’s something very special about waking up to this view, and we’re so happy to share it with you.
Whether you’re planning a cozy winter escape or dreaming of warmer days by the water, our lake house is ready to welcome you in 2026 🏡💙Cheers to new memories, peaceful getaways, and lake days ahead.

For info or to book: https://www.hilltophaven-sylvanlake.com

10/18/2025

🌸 Looking for a Countryside Wedding? Here’s the Perfect Place! 🌸

💍 Just 45 minutes north of Fort Wayne, Sylvan Cellars Event Center & Tasting Room is one of Northeast Indiana’s premier countryside venues. With its beautifully restored barn and wide-open fields, it’s the perfect setting to say “I do!” 💒🌿

And only five minutes away, Hilltop Haven on Sylvan Lake is the perfect lakefront retreat for the bride or groom’s family, or the wedding party to stay — with beautiful lake views, a private island, hot tub, and room for up to 18 guests. 🌅✨

Coming soon: smaller stay options, perfect for wedding guests or romantic weekend getaways! 💐

10/16/2025

🍂 Rare October Opening at Hilltop Haven! 🍂

Due to a last-minute cancellation, this weekend is now open at our lakefront retreat and private island on Sylvan Lake.
And if you’re planning ahead, a few November weekends are still open too—the fall colors often last well into the month!🍁

Enjoy a cozy getaway with a hot tub, fire pit, kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, pedal boat, and pool table all included. 🌊🚴‍♀️🎱🔥

🏡 Two ways to stay:
• For large groups – the 5-Bedroom Full Home Listing (sleeps up to 18)
• For small groups – the 2-Bedroom Partial Home Listing (sleeps up to 8, listed on Airbnb or direct only)

📞 Call or text 260-854-4501 for details, or book direct, or on Airbnb/Vrbo.

🍁 We’ve added a few of our favorite fall shots of Hilltop Haven and Sylvan Lake — the scenery this time of year is absolutely beautiful! 🍂

10/14/2025

🌳 Exciting news for Sylvan Lake and Noble County! The Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site— one of the most beautiful spots on our lake — has joined a global network of protected native forests! 🌿✨

Its peaceful trails, gardens, and historic museum have always made it a favorite local gem, and this recognition honors Gene’s lifelong mission to preserve Indiana’s natural beauty. 💚

Celebrate with the community on October 18 during the Celebration of Old Growth Forests!

🌿Big news from the Town of Rome City, on Sylvan Lake Indiana.

The Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site is joining a global network of protected native forests, honoring Gene’s legacy as a nature lover, author, and conservationist. 📜🌳

This exciting recognition continues her lifelong mission to preserve Indiana’s natural beauty for future generations. 🍂

🍁Join the celebration on October 18th during a special ceremony at the site during the Celebration of Old Growth! Forests ✨️

09/28/2025

🌊☀️ Another amazing family getaway at Hilltop Haven!

From kayaking and paddleboarding to floating the day away on the mat, jet-ski rides, tubing, basketball games, and evenings around the fire pit — this crew made the most of lake life. We especially love their “bridge photo” tradition 📸 (a favorite of ours too!).

It’s always such a joy to see our guests making memories together — from action on the water and laughter around the fire, to friendly games at the pool table, a relaxing soak in the hot tub, or simply coffee on the deck with a view. 🏡💙

Thank you to this wonderful family for sharing these photos with us. They were fantastic guests and are what Hilltop Haven is all about: laughter, connection, and moments that last long after the trip is over.

09/17/2025

Come take in the sights of late summer from the wildflower meadow just behind our property. From fall blooms and butterflies to quiet trails and a touch of history, this little corner near the Fishing Line Trail and Sower House Shoppe and Tea Room is full of simple beauty. 🌼🐝🦋

08/16/2025

Quick local outing: Gene Stratton-Porter Birthday Celebration, 2–4 PM—tour the lakeside cabin and wander Wildflower Woods. It’s minutes from Hilltop Haven and one of the prettiest stops in the Sylvan Lake area! You can also reach it by bike directly from Fishing Line Trail! See the post for details. 🌿

Join us Sunday as we celebrate our favorite authoress! On August 17th, we celebrate Gene's 162nd birthday from 2-4 p.m. We'll have cookies and lemonade, the house decorated to celebrate and stories abound. Staff and volunteers will be in the house answering questions and celebrating her life & legacy. Come join us!

Get your tickets below or pick them up the day of the event.
https://www.indianamuseum.org/event/gene-stratton-porters-birthday-celebration/

Portrait of Gene by Rebecca Stockert, Artist

08/02/2025

☀️ August Events at Sylvan Lake & the surrounding area near Hilltop Haven on Sylvan Lake

🎉📅 Featured Events
• August 1–2: Townwide Garage Sales — Rome City hosts its annual sales all over town. Perfect for bargain hunters and local vendors. Town of Rome City
• August 2 (1 PM–5 PM): Sylvan Lake Poker Run — A fun, boat-based bingo game across the water. Includes goody bags, Mardi Gras beads, and hourly door prizes. Pre-sale: $20, Day‑of: $25. Rome City Chamber of Commerce
• August 8 (7–9 PM): Concert at Lakeside Park — Live music lakeside. Enjoy community performances with a view.
• August 8 (6 PM): Softball for a Cause, followed by the Blue Light Parade at dusk — Hosted by Orange Township Fire Dept. and community groups, boats lit up on the water after hours.
• August 9: Chautauqua Days & Community Fest — Parade, block party, Co****le & pickleball tournaments, duck race, live music, kids activities.
• August 10 (1 PM): Sylvan Lake Boat Parade — Floats and boats circle the lake in a festive procession.
• August 17 (2–4 PM): Gene Stratton‑Porter Birthday Celebration at Wildflower Woods — Go inside the historic cabin, enjoy themed gardens, and learn about Indiana’s famed author. Stratton-Porter State Historic Site
• August 30 (10:30 AM): SAL Chicken Lunch at Rome City American Legion — Local favorite “till it’s gone.”

⸻

🌿 Nearby Attractions & Activities — Explore On & Off the Lake

IN ROME CITY / SYLVAN LAKE
• Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site — Visit Wildflower Woods and explore the historic cabin and gardens across 150 acres.
• Sylvan Cellars Event Center & Tasting Room — Live music weekends, outdoor fire pits, pet-friendly patio, and craft cocktails & wines.
• Sower House Shoppe and Tea Room, Lickity Splitz Ice Cream & Coffee LLC, Coffee & Cream of South Milford — Lovely local spots for tea, sweet treats, ice cream and coffee around the lake.

Nearby Communities (within ~30 min drive)

ALBION
• Chain O Lakes State Park – Boating, hiking, and fishing across a chain of thirteen lakes.

KENDALLVILLE
• Mid America Windmill Museum, Bixler Lake Park, and downtown shops & cafés.

LAGRANGE & SHIPSHEWANA
• Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market, Amish farm‑stand shopping, scenic country drives, covered‑bridge tours, and local festivals.

ELKHART COUNTY AREA
• Middlebury Summer Festival (August), Elkhart Jazz Festival, RV/MH Hall of Fame, and various community museum events.

⸻

📣 Local Picks to Follow or Tag

If you’re staying with us—or planning to—tag your favorite moments with or mention . We love sharing guest photos of our events, boat days, and serene moments around the lake!