Lakes Around Fort Wayne
Sometimes you should gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. As it turns out, when you come to Fort Wayne you have some options for spending time on the lake.
Whether you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, get active with wakeboarding, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Fort Wayne offer you plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities. Take a look at the data below to have a look your nearby locations including small lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to visit.
Lakes Near Fort Wayne
Things to Do at the Lake
When you visit a lake near Fort Wayne you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.
Every getaway at the lake offers you everything from fun to relaxation.
Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Fort Wayne provide tons of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach on a lake near Fort Wayne!
Pack a picnic basket. Fort Wayne’s lakes offer all sorts of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake near Fort Wayne with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.
Checklist for a Day at the Lake
Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. However, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!
Common lake items
For a day spent on the water you will likely need to take along many of these items so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Snacks
- Bathing suits
- Insect repellant
- A fully stocked cooler
- UV protection
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
- Plates, cups and utensils
- Bluetooth speaker
Additional lake stuff
Take into consideration the itinerary for the day and who will be joining you, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before you make the trip.
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Life jackets
- Corkscrew
- Tackle box and lures
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Masks and snorkels
- Books
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Inflatable pool toys
Lake Safety Checklist
While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Fort Wayne, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Here are some general tips that can ensure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.
- Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Don’t swim alone
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
More Ideas for Lake Fun
When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Fort Wayne, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your weekend gameplan substantially more rewarding. As an example, each individual lake near Fort Wayne has their own features so it’s important to take into account what will make for a memorable adventure when planning yours.
- Make the most of unique assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.
- Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
- Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Fort Wayne can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
