If you’re looking for lakes in Indiana that are perfect for swimming, boating, fishing or other recreational activities, then this is the website you’ve been waiting for. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the lakes in Indiana to help you find one that’s perfect for your next getaway in the Hoosier state.
When looking for a lakeside getaway for your next Indiana lake vacation, consider the type of lake it will be. It’s important to find a spot that aligns with your preferred itinerary. The listings on this site will help you find whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s:
- Fishing on the clearest lakes in Indiana
- Beautiful beaches and the best Indiana lakes for swimming
- The best lakes for boating in Indiana for watersports enthusiasts
Find Indiana Lakes Near You
The lakes of Indiana offer visitors plenty of options for summer activities. If you’re looking for one of the best lakes in Indiana, these are some great choices that will impress even the most discerning traveler.
The best lakes to visit in Indiana
Lake James, located in the beautiful mountains of Northern Indiana is one of Indiana’s largest lakes and easily one of its best lakes. The lake straddles the line between Lake and Porter counties making it accessible to both communities. This popular destination for locals has plenty of amenities including resorts, marinas, camping sites, restaurants and more. Popular activities include boating, swimming, skiing, fishing and hiking.
The Salamonie Lake region includes four lakes that are all surrounded by state forests filled with trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding. This scenic region is just north of Lafayette on State Road 26. It’s also home to some fine resorts which offer boat rentals as well as lodging options for visitors who wish to spend a little more time in this lakes region.
The lakes of Indiana’s far northwest border the state of Michigan and the scenic beauty of the lakes to be found there is unsurpassed. These lakes, which include Lake James and Salamonie lakes mentioned above, offer pristine views and plenty of recreational opportunities to lakeside vacationers who just can’t get enough water sports during their lake vacation.
Union Mills Homestead Park sits on 214 acres that surround Union Mill Lake near Westfield in North Central Indiana. The park includes a visitor center with historic items from an 1800s mill along with trails for hiking and horseback riding as well as picnic areas. It’s not surprising that this is one of the best lakes in Indiana when you consider it’s also home to an Indiana state historic site.
Lake Monroe is located just south of Bloomington which allows visitors to take advantage of all that Monroe County has to offer including the town of Columbus and other nearby places like Nashville which hosts a number of annual events throughout the year. It’s surrounded by over 3600 acres of forest preserve lands so there’s no shortage of things to do here whether you spend your time on or off the water. There are multiple state recreation areas around this lake, making it one of Indiana’s best lakes.
Potato Creek State Park is home to the largest stand of hardwood trees in Indiana and includes almost 26,000 acres which encompass lakes to swim in, trails for hiking or horseback riding and plenty of places to camp. There are also lakeside cabins available for rent during summer months when visitors can take advantage of swimming lakes, boating lakes and fishing lakes just outside their doorsteps.
The lakes that surround Indiana offer visitors beautiful scenery as well as opportunities for outdoor activities including fishing, winter skiing or just kicking back on a sandy beach listening to the call of the loon while you watch the sun set over tranquil waters. From lakes in Northwest Indiana like Lake James to lakes in Southern Indiana like Monroe Lake, lakes in Indiana are an ideal place to spend a relaxing lakeside vacation.
Tips for planning a lake vacation in Indiana
Check out our list of tips to help you plan your Indiana lake vacation.
- Find lakes near where you live or can easily fly to. The lakes that are near you will be more convenient and accessible.
- Plan the route you’re going to take before getting there, so that you can plan a stop at a grocery store on your way there.
- Bring some snacks and other food for when you get hungry if nothing is nearby. This may sound obvious but some people forget this!
- Ask some locals what they recommend for activities in the area. They will know the best places to go during different seasons.
- Make a list of what you want to do and be sure to pack it in the car before leaving! Also, make sure you leave yourself enough time for all of your activities and stops along the way.
- Remember that lakes can get crowded during peak season (especially if they’re popular) so try to go when it’s less busy or plan around this once you get there.
With these simple tips, planning a lakeside vacation will be easy and fun! Hopefully our guide will help you find the right body of water for a perfect getaway. We like to let people know there are lots of lakes in the state and more to Indiana’s waterways than the coast of Lake Michigan.