Bloomington Lakes

Lakes Close to Bloomington

Sometimes you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Bloomington there are lots of great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, get active with wakeboarding, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Bloomington offer you numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. The time is now! Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and snacks then make the trip your next day off and discover your own number one spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Bloomington

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a longer getaway provides a nearly endless list of activities for people of all stripes.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a lake near Bloomington:

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes give you a number of options.

Picnic time. Bloomington’s lakes provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.

Go fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we’ve created a list for some ideas for your watery excursion to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take along several of the items below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Dry shirt
  • Garbage bags
  • Beach blanket
  • Something to dry off with
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bottle opener
  • Radio or speaker
  • Something to eat
  • Bug spray
  • Bathing suits

Additional lake gear

The list of items below can make your life easier for getaways to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Corkscrew
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Toys for the beach
  • Worms or other bait
  • Life jackets
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Goggles or masks
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Fishing poles

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. These safety protocols will make sure that your whole group stays safe while around the lake.

  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t swim alone

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes near Bloomington, there are a few things that can make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. As an example, each individual lake is going to have their own qualities and surroundings so it is important to consider what you need to make an enjoyable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Asking a local can usually allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to camp right on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Bloomington might be very busy. If you want some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!