Michigan City Lakes

Lakes Near Michigan City

Sometimes you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be on the water. As it turns out, when you make a trip to Michigan City you have quite a few options for getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to go kayaking, get active with water skiing, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Michigan City offer you lots of beautiful locations for aquatic activities. Scan the local listings below to have a look the nearby locations including swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Nearby Lakes for Michigan City

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway offers a nearly boundless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a lake near Michigan City:

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Michigan City with a boat launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Michigan City provide all kinds of fun for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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 before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach on a lake near Michigan City!

Fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of popular lake and beach-related items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Michigan City you will likely need to take many of these things so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

  • Portable stereo
  • Something to dry off with
  • Insect repellant
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Garbage bags
  • Reserve clothes
  • Portable phone charger
  • A cooler with water bottles

More lake items

Depending on the itinerary at the lake and who will be in your entourage, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Wine key
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Life jackets
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Goggles or masks
  • Worms or other bait
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Your tackle box

Lake Safety Checklist

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips will ensure that you and your family remains safe while around the lake.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • 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

Some More Tips

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes around Michigan City, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your trip plan substantially more successful. For example, every lake near Michigan City is going to have their own environment which makes it important to think about what will make for a memorable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches might be very busy. To find some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine will typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.