The lakes in Indiana are some of the Hoosier State’s largest hidden gems. They’re the perfect place to cool off in the summer and enjoy numerous aquatic activities.
Whether trying your luck fishing or holding on tight while tubing, you can make some priceless memories.
Today, we’re diving in and sharing some of the best lakes in Indiana. Which ones are best for your next adventures?
Let’s look and see!
While the Hoosier State has a reputation for its corn, that’s not all you’ll find in Indiana. The northern portion of the state borders the third-largest lake in the United States. In addition, you’ll find some fantastic bodies of water scattered across the state.
While ice fishing is possible on some of these lakes, it can be tricky. Indiana winters can be inconsistent and may not produce safe conditions for ice fishing. As a result, summer is generally the best opportunity to enjoy the lakes in Indiana.
Like winter, summer can also be incredibly unpredictable. These bodies of water are the place to be, especially during heat waves. Boaters, swimmers, and anglers come to soak up the sun and enjoy the great outdoors.
Pro Tip: Check out the Best Amish Restaurants in Indiana for some post-swim grub!
While it may not have 10,000 lakes, like Minnesota, Indiana has roughly 154 lakes within the state. Some of these are manmade, and others are natural. Either way, they’re fantastic spots to enjoy outdoor recreation, especially during summer. You can find large and small lakes, but you can have a blast no matter the size.
Many of the lakes in Indiana are relatively clean. However, the lakes of Cordry and Sweetwater are two of the cleanest. This is primarily because they’re fed by underground springs and have relatively small watersheds. A smaller watershed helps reduce the amount of pollutants and foreign matter in these crystal-clear lakes. While summer can be a great time to enjoy aquatic activities on these two lakes, the area’s fall foliage is remarkable.
If you want to splash around, cast a line, or get cozy in the sand, we’ve found some of the best lakes in Indiana. Let’s dig in and see which ones you should be at the top of your list for your next exciting adventure.
- EASY TRANSPORT – Lightweight and compact, this kayak is easy to assemble and, with the Boston valve, it inflates and…
- READY FOR ADVENTURE – Explorer K2 Kayak is great for experiencing lakes and mild rivers with a friend, this kayak is…
There’s a reason why Lake Michigan is one of the Great Lakes. Indiana has approximately 45 miles of shoreline along its northern border. This massive 22,400 square-mile lake reaches a maximum depth of around 920 feet. As a result, it’s the perfect place to do any aquatic activity you can imagine.
One of the best ways to explore Lake Michigan is to visit Indiana Dunes National Park or Indiana Dunes State Park. Millions of visitors flock to sit in the sand and bask in the sun each year. As you can imagine, this area becomes rather busy during the summer, especially on weekends and holidays.
Patoka Lake is another of the fantastic lakes in Indiana that you should visit. At 8,800 acres, it’s the second-largest reservoir in the state and has a maximum depth of approximately 52 feet. Despite this, plenty of shallow areas are perfect for swimming and cooling off during the summer.
One of the best features of Patoka Lake is the surrounding landscape. The rolling hills of Southern Indiana make for the perfect backdrop for your next adventure. While the water temperatures may be chilly, the fall foliage is remarkable in this part of the state. The colorful leaves are certainly a sight to see.
Roughly 10 miles south of Bloomington, Indiana, is Lake Monroe. This 10,750-acre lake is the largest of the lakes in Indiana. It has an average depth of 17 feet and a maximum depth of 54 feet. Its limestone bluffs and rolling hills make for an epic day on the lake, but it’s more than a beautiful place to explore.
Anglers from all across the midwest flock to Lake Monroe for its phenomenal fishing. You’ll find a variety of fish species, but the most common are bass, crappie, and bluegill. Whether you fish from the shore or on a boat, this is a great place to try your luck and cast a line.
At 1,291 acres and a maximum depth of 30 feet, Lake Shafer is neither the largest nor deepest of the lakes in Indiana. On the other hand, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing day on the lake. Adventurers enjoy fishing, swimming, and other water-based activities on Lake Shafer. You can expect to catch bass, crappie, and catfish if you’re an angler.
In addition to the many homes that make up the waterfront community, Lake Shafer’s most popular neighbor is Indiana Beach. It’s a popular seasonal amusement and water park that opened in 1926. They offer various accommodations, including a campground. Staying here makes riding the thrill rides and splashing in Lake Shafer easy.
While Indiana’s Park County may be most famous for its massive Covered Bridge Festival, it’s also home to Raccoon Lake. It has an average depth of 24 feet but reaches a maximum depth of 70 feet. It’s a manmade lake built in the 1960s to help reduce the risk of flooding throughout the area.
Racoon Lake is a popular spot for a variety of aquatic activities. Boating, fishing, and paddling are all activities that guests enjoy on Racoon Lake. The nearby Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area is a fantastic spot to stay while you’re in the area. It has a campground, hiking trails, and a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained.
As you can see, the lakes in Indiana have a tremendous amount to offer. If the weather cooperates, you’ll have no trouble making priceless memories and relaxing. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day soaking up the sun. On the other hand, make sure you remember the sunscreen. A sunburn is the last thing you want to bring home from your day at one of these.
