Summary
The 38th largest state, Indiana is situated in Midwestern USA and encompasses a total area of over 94,000 square kilometers. It is a key part of the Great Lakes Region, with its northwest border adjacent to Lake Michigan.
Indiana features a diverse landscape of rolling hills, lowlands, and sand dunes, with an average altitude of 230 meters above sea level. The Wabash River traverses the state, while the White River meanders through it. Additionally, Indiana boasts numerous state parks, lakes, and artificial reservoirs. Below are the 15 Best Lakes in Indiana.
1. Tippecanoe Lake
Located in north-central Indiana, approximately three kilometers west of North Webster, this expansive glacial lake holds the title of the deepest natural lake in the state, with a depth of 37 meters, making it an exceedingly popular destination for recreational activities.
Boating, fishing, and water skiing are prominent pursuits at Tippecanoe Lake. In addition to featuring three marinas, the lake’s shoreline is home to a country club, a golf course, a resort, and mineral springs. It is also bordered by upscale residential properties.
Multiple public access points with boat ramps are available, alongside some private access locations. Various restaurants, bars, and boat service centers are situated around the lake, complemented by a beach that offers swimming opportunities.
2. Lake Maxinkuckee
The second largest natural lake in Indiana, Lake Maxinkuckee spans eight square kilometers near the town of Culver. Initially populated by Mound builders, it has transitioned into a well-frequented recreational area.
Fishing is particularly popular here, available throughout the year. Locals and tourists especially enjoy ice fishing in winter, while summer attracts sailing enthusiasts.
Lake Maxinkuckee has a maximum depth of 27 meters and is located at an elevation of 223 meters above sea level. It is enveloped by parks and golf courses, with Culver positioned along the northwest shore of the lake.
3. Lake Wawasee
Lake Wawasee ranks as Indiana’s most extensive natural lake, covering a surface area of 12 square kilometers and averaging a depth of 6.7 meters. Situated southeast of Syracuse, it was previously referred to as Turkey Lake, being located in Turkey Creek Township.
This lake has an extensive history tracing back to the Pleistocene epoch and is now recognized as a favored summer retreat, particularly for residents from Indianapolis and Chicago.
The shoreline is lined with numerous beaches, marinas, resorts, and residences, as well as various dining and yacht club facilities. Each July 4th, Lake Wawasee hosts an impressive fireworks display.
4. Patoka Lake
As Indiana’s second largest reservoir, Patoka Lake spans three counties in the southern region of the state. The Patoka Lake Dam was constructed above the reservoir along the Patoka River for flood control objectives.
Patoka Lake is an aesthetically pleasing reservoir, hosting several migratory birds and a wide range of fish species. It has gained popularity as a photography destination, though fishing remains a primary activity, with the lake stocked with walleye, bass, crappie, bluegill, and numerous other varieties.
Facilities around the 3,600-hectare lake include boat ramps, fishing zones, swimming areas, picnic spots, hiking trails, and water-skiing facilities. Moreover, there is a golf course and over 500 campsites along the shore.
5. Lake Monroe
Situated approximately 10 kilometers from Bloomington, Lake Monroe is the largest lake entirely within Indiana, covering over 4,300 hectares across two counties.
This lake is bordered by Indiana’s sole federally protected U.S. Wilderness Area, the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area, and includes a Boy Scout camp along its eastern shore.
The lake’s shoreline features a marina, resort, and sailing club, along with several public boat ramps. Fishing is highly sought after, with the lake regularly populated by bluegill, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, and crappie.
6. Lake Shafer
Developed in the 1920s through the damming of the Tippecanoe River, Lake Shafer is a 5.22 square kilometer reservoir positioned near the city of Monticello. Presently, it serves as a favored recreational area contributing significantly to the economy of White County.
Indiana Beach Amusement Park and Camp Resort occupies the shoreline, attracting visitors from across the nation as well as international guests. This park offers an array of games, rides, and accommodations.
Over 1,000 campsites are available around the lake, in addition to cottages and marinas. Lake Shafer enjoys the highest traffic from April to October, yet it remains enjoyable throughout the year.
7. Lake James
Located in the northeastern corner of Indiana, Lake James is a natural lake acclaimed for its excellent water quality. It is part of the James Lake Chain in Steuben County and extends into adjacent Michigan.
The Woodland Indians were the lake’s first inhabitants, followed by the Miami and Potawatomi tribes. By the late 19th century, cottages began to emerge around the lake.
Today, Lake James is a well-liked recreational location, home to Pokagon State Park, celebrated for fishing, boating, and water-skiing activities.
8. Barbee Lake
This freshwater lake comprises seven interconnected lakes in Kosciusko County, Indiana, formed by glacial melting during the Pleistocene epoch.
Over 2,000 residences surround the 346-hectare lake, predominantly located at its northern end, along with several marinas.
Barbee Lake is recognized as a prime fishing destination, with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources providing a public boat ramp for angling enthusiasts. The lake is home to bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass, muskellunge, crappie, and catfish.
9. Cagles Mill Lake
Referred to as Cataract Lake, Cagles Mill Lake is a reservoir situated near the community of Cataract, forming part of the Lieber State Recreation Area in west-central Indiana.
This lake was created in 1953 through the damming of Mill Creek. Today, it is renowned for the annual return of bald eagles to their nests, making it a popular attraction.
Cagles Mill Lake features Cataract Falls, the largest waterfalls in Indiana, composed of two magnificent waterfalls characterized by a series of stunning drops.
10. Lake Lemon
Lake Lemon, a 670-hectare body of water, is located around 16 kilometers northeast of Bloomington, Indiana. This lake serves both private and public interests; part is owned by homeowners while the remainder is maintained by Riddle Point Park.
Numerous fish species populate the lake, including crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. Additionally, a variety of wildlife, such as bald eagles, beavers, muskrats, and herons can be observed in the surrounding area.
Lake Lemon has two public access points, each featuring a marina, along with the Indiana University Aquatic Center and the private Bloomington Yacht Club.
11. J. Edward Roush Lake
Named after an Indiana State Representative and Senator, J. Edward Roush Lake was formerly identified as Huntington Lake, as it is located near the city of Huntington.
The reservoir was created with the construction of the J. Edward Roush Lake Dam in 1968, serving both flood control and recreational purposes. Management is undertaken by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Popular activities at the lake include boating, water-skiing, swimming, and fishing, with picnic areas, campsites, and playgrounds available along its banks.
12. Salamonie Lake
Salamonie Lake was generated by the damming of Salamonie Dam in Wabash County, Indiana, in 1966. This lake lies at an elevation of 229 meters and is connected to the Salamonie River State Forest.
Salamonie Lake serves as a family-friendly destination, providing excellent opportunities for recreation, both in and around the water. Facilities include playgrounds, campsites, volleyball courts, and hiking trails, while boating, swimming, and fishing can be enjoyed in the lake.
An interpretive center along the shoreline enables visitors to observe local wildlife, which can also be viewed while hiking surrounding forest areas.
13. Griffy Lake
Also known as Griffy Reservoir, Griffy Lake is located in Bloomington, Indiana, formed by the damming of Griffy Creek. Dating back to the 1920s, it originally supplied water to the city, although it now primarily serves recreational purposes.
The lake is encircled by the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, which forms part of the Indiana University Research and Teaching Preserve. This area is particularly favored by nature enthusiasts, offering hiking trails, fishing, and boating activities.
Public access to the nature preserve is available, with part extending into the campus of Indiana University. The lake itself spans a total surface area of 44 hectares and sits approximately 192 meters above sea level.
14. Witmer Lake
Witmer Lake, part of the Indian chain of five lakes, is a natural lake located near Wolcottville in northern Indiana. It is the southernmost of these five lakes, recognized for its excellent water quality.
This lake is a favored fishing destination, with populations of largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, northern pike, and crappie. Furthermore, it serves as a fantastic location for canoeing and kayaking.
A public boat launch is accessible from the shoreline, in addition to approximately 350 residences. Various shops, dining establishments, and ice cream parlors are also present around the lake.
15. Mississinewa Lake
Located in the town of Peru in central Indiana, Mississinewa Lake is a dam established in 1967 for flood control purposes, and has since become a favored spot for recreational activities.
Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, boating, and fishing at the lake, which is surrounded by over 400 campsites, numerous cottages, and cabins. Additionally, Mississinewa Lake features a marina, fishing docks, boat ramps, and a beach.
The areas surrounding the lake also provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including the Red Bridge State Recreation Area, the Miami State Recreation Area, and the Pearson Mill State Recreation Area.
