Bloomington Lakes

Lakes Around Bloomington

When the weather is right you should gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A lake getaway can be wonderful for people that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, get active with wakeboarding, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Bloomington offer you numerous opportunities for aquatic activities. So what are you waiting for? Load up the car with your fishing gear and a cooler then hit the road your next day off and discover your own favorite spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to Bloomington

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Bloomington there are many things to do for families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway at the lake offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Picnic time. Bloomington’s lakes provide many excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan should be suitably romantic.

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake showing off your water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Bloomington offer you several choices.

Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different depending on which lake you choose, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of our favorite lake items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the vast majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below is a good place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • USB charger
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Beach blanket
  • Insect repellant
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • A picnic basket
  • Swimsuits

Additional lake items

The gear in the list below can make your life easier for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Games for the beach
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Swimming goggles
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Corkscrew
  • Fishing poles
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Worms or other bait

Lake Safety Checklist

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that should make sure that you and your family remains safe at your favorite Bloomington lake.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

Some More Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Bloomington and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, every lake will possess their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a few things to look into when assembling your itinerary which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Bloomington could be very busy. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  2. Maximize the best local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local can typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.