Freemont, where the buffalo roam.

Text and Photos
By Loren Shaum
Guest Columnist

FREMONT — Steuben County was formed in 1836 and named after Revolutionary War hero, Baron Frederick von Steuben. The county was separated from LaGrange County by the “Vermont Settlement.” which is present day Orland. The settlement founder was Sam Berry, and his house became a major station in the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.

If you ever check-out Orland (home of Miller Poultry), you must stop at Mister Bratz. Their mega home-made bratwurst collection has over 35 flavors. Nearby is the Wall Lake Tavern — a quaint joint on the Indiana-Michigan border. It too is worth a visit.

Angola is the Steuben County seat and was platted in 1838. It’s named after Angola, N.Y. where the earliest settlers were from. This city of just under 10,000 has many attractions besides all the lakes including Trine University. If you go, check-out Timbers Steakhouse & Seafood.

Fremont

Steuben County is the home of over 100 lakes, and in the northeast corner is the quaint city of Fremont. Founded as Willow Prairie on the Vistula Trail (now SR 120), the name was changed in 1850 to honor General John Fremont.

He was known as “the pathfinder” for his work on mapping the west. He also led the California Battalion during the Mexican-American War and was responsible for capturing many California settlements from the Mexican Army. After the war, he was a major player in the acquisition of California from Mexico.

Taken last summer, this is the Collins School House that is now a museum.

His success led to being the Governor of California, and a U.S. Senator when California became a state, but he lost his bid for the Presidency to James Buchanan in 1856.

Today, Fremont has a population of around 1,700 and is the second largest city in the county. Known for being a lake town, nearby are more than 20 major lakes, and Pokagon State Park with its classic Potawatomie Inn.

Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve

Just northeast of downtown is this 400-acre preserve where over 250 buffalo roam. These beasts are pasture-raised and grass-fed, ensuring high-quality, non-medicated meat. Besides Saturday tours, the preserve has an on-site store where all things buffalo is sold. You can get any meat cut, skulls, hides, horns, and clothing items made from buffalo fiber. In addition, the preserve sells breeding stock.

After the tour, you can relax at the Preserve’s Bed & Breakfast. This delightful destination is a must-stop when in the area.

Fremont Food Scene

Besides buffalo meat, nearby is The Food Shack on Snow Lake. This place rocks in the summer months but stays busy year-round. Also, close-by is the Iron Skillet — a steakhouse of sorts.

For fresh meats, check-out the Lakeside Market and Butcher Shoppe. In addition, they offer seafood and their house-made artisan sausages. There are about a dozen sausage varieties.

Downtown is the Fremont Bar & Grill, which we have to check-out, the Bull Pen Café, Rugiono’s — an Italian eatery, the Corner Pocket, and a new joint with a most unusual name.

What The Fork

Called a “Local Eatery” this cleverly named restaurant was created a couple years ago by folks that worked at the Lake Shack on Snow Lake. When inquiring about how they came up with the name, one of the owners, Amanda, stated: “We wanted something edgy!”

What The Fork is a great culinary destination in Fremont.

Edgy indeed, this eatery on the main drag also has edgy food. Settle at the bar and Tyra will take care of you while the place fills with both regulars and newbies. The lunch menu is simplistic with shareables, sandwiches, power bowls and ala carte items.

The breakfast menu is also interesting. There are multiple choices including clever omelets, French toast, pancakes, and an ala carte section where you can build your own breakfast. The unique Mexican Benedict looked especially intriguing.

But, you must check-out their authentic Greek gyro. Stuffed into a wonderful soft, warm pita pocket was a load of perfectly-seasoned gyro meat, cucumber slices, tomato, onion — all slathered with tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber sauce). It was outstanding!

The three-cheese sandwich is also worthy!

Any of the servings here will make you waddle-out into the cold very happy.

Fremont is a little over an hour from Lake Country, and What The Fork makes the trip well worthwhile. But there are other places in target-rich Steuben County.

On the way, check-out the circa 1877 Collins School on SR 120. It’s now a museum during summer months.

If you visit in the winter, a must-see is the toboggan run at Pokagon State Park. Folks fly down that ice covered run. While there have a hot one or a cold one at the inn.

This authentic gyro served at What The Fork is spectacular.