As the Crossroads of America, Indiana offers a little bit of everything. From rolling farmlands to urban centers like Indianapolis, the Hoosier State has diverse landscapes and attractions. Among its many natural wonders are the scenic lakes spread throughout the state.

Indiana may be landlocked, but it has over 400 lakes. Some lakes are reservoirs created by dams, like Monroe Lake and Patoka Lake. Others are naturally formed glacial lakes, such as Lake Maxinkuckee and Lake Wawasee. Whatever their origins, these lakes provide plenty of recreational opportunities for locals and visitors.

Fishing, boating, swimming, and watersports are popular activities on Indiana’s lakes. Many lakes have marinas that rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, and other watercraft. State parks and recreational areas surrounding the lakes offer beaches, campgrounds, trails, and more.

If you’re looking for a lake getaway in Indiana, consider adding these 12 scenic and recreational lakes to your list:

1. Patoka Lake

Aerial photo of flooding at Patoka Lake by LouisvilleUSACE is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .

Essential Information:

Best for	Fishing
Other Activities	Swimming, waterskiing, boating, picnicking, hiking, biking, wildlife-watching, birdwatching, camping
Beaches	State Park Beach
Nearby Services	Launch ramps, picnic areas, marinas, general stores, restaurants, ATMs, gas stations, archery range
Where to Stay	Campgrounds, cabins, houseboats, resorts
Nearby Attractions	Patoka Lake Winery, Newton-Stewart State Recreation Area

Covering 8,800 acres in southwestern Indiana, Patoka Lake is the second-largest reservoir in the state. The Army Corps of Engineers created it for flood control in the 1970s. Today, it’s a haven for outdoor recreation like fishing, boating, swimming, and more. Patoka Lake is especially notable for its ecological diversity, with several unique species calling it home.

2. Clear Lake

Clear Lake Triplets by Tom Gill. is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 .

Essential Information:

Best for	Rowboating, fishing
Other Activities	Swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, sail boating, paddleboarding, sunbathing, biking
Beaches	Clear Lake Public Beach
Nearby Services	Marina, yacht club, resort, cycling shop, fire pits
Where to Stay	Resorts, campgrounds, cabins
Nearby Attractions	Kasota Island Nature Preserve, Cedar Lake Wetland Conservation Area, Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve

Nestled in northeast Indiana’s lake country, Clear Lake lives up to its name. Surrounded by the wooded landscape, the 750-acre, spring-fed lake has clear waters perfect for swimming, boating, and paddling. The quaint town of Clear Lake on its shores offers lodging, dining, and recreation options for visitors.

3. Barbee Lake

Known as: A chain of seven interconnecting lakes

Barbee Lake was formed by melting glaciers during the Pleistocene era and is actually made of seven lakes: Banning Lake, Big Barbee Lake, Little Barbee Lake, Irish Lake, Kuhn Lake, Sechrist Lake, and Sawmill Lake. All the lakes have bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, channel catfish, muskie, and black crappie, and thus Barbee Lake is a favorite fishing destination.

Big Barbee Lake, in particular, is popular with the speedboating crowd, as it’s the only one among the seven that doesn’t have a speed limit on boats.

4. Tippecanoe Lake

File:Tippecanoe 20-02-29 029.jpg by Chris Light is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Known as: The deepest natural lake in Indiana

Around 5 minutes away from Barbee Lake, Tippecanoe Lake, affectionately called Lake Tippy by the locals, was formed by the same glacier that made the Barbee Lake chain. If you’re into fishing, you’re in for a treat: there are over 25 species of fish at this lake. Bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie, and largemouth bass are popular species.

5. Lake Wawasee

Lake Wawasee Mini-Vacation by Just Jefa is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 .

Known as: The largest natural lake in Indiana; the “Jewel of Kosciusko County”

Lake Wawasee was originally called Turkey Lake and was renamed after the former Miami chief Wawasee. Spanning 3,400 acres and with 25 miles of shoreline with plenty of bays, Lake Wawasee is the largest natural lake in the state. It’s probably the most commercialized lake in this list, with 90% of the shoreline developed and having over 1,000 residential and commercial establishments.

6. Lake James

Sunset over Lake James in Angola, Indiana by Just Will 312 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 .

Known as: One of the lakes in Indiana with the best water quality; largest lake in Steuben County

Lake James is on the northeast corner of Indiana and is the fourth largest natural lake in the state. This lake is well known as a swimming and waterski lake, and it has a sandbar in one basin that’s popular for weekend party-goers and tourists. You can also fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and yellow perch in the waters.

7. Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan sunset by kevin dooley is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .

Essential Information:

Best for	Boating (except motorized boats), fishing, hiking
Other Activities	Swimming, sunbathing, biking, camping, picnicking, birdwatching, wildlife watching
Beaches	Indiana Dunes State Park, Michiana Shores, Long Beach, Washington Park Beach, Beverly Shores, West Beach
Nearby Services	Country clubs, hiking trails, restaurants, bars and nightlife, gas stations, ATMs, general stores, churches
Where to Stay	Bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, resorts, campgrounds, cabins, cottages, rental homes
Nearby Attractions	Pottawatomie Park

Bordered by Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes State Park protects over 3,000 acres of beaches, marshes, forests, and prairies along the lakeshore. The 15 miles of beach provide plenty of recreation like swimming, fishing, and boating on the lake. Hiking trails wind through the natural scenery. Campgrounds and cottages offer overnight accommodations.

8. Brookville Lake

Brookville Lake - August 16, 2014 — Brookville Lake – August 16, 2014 by Natural Bloomington is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 .

Essential Information:

Best for	Boating, walleye fishing
Other Activities	Swimming, paddle boating, water skiing, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, camping, hunting
Beaches	Brookville Lake Beach, Whitewater Memorial State Park, Mounds State Recreation Area, Quakertown State Recreation Area
Nearby Services	Marinas, boat launches, archery range, shooting range, hiking trails, restaurants, grocery stores
Where to Stay	Campgrounds, cabins, resorts
Nearby Attractions	Whitewater Memorial State Park

Brookville Lake in southeast Indiana spans 5,260 acres for boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreation. State parks and recreation areas surround the reservoir, offering beaches, trails, campgrounds, and boat launches. The lake is popular for its recreational opportunities like water skiing, pontoon boating, and fishing.

9. Lake Maxinkuckee

Essential Information:

Best for	Walleye fishing
Other Activities	Scuba diving, boating, swimming, sunbathing, cycling
Beaches	Culver and Union Township Park
Nearby Services	Marinas, boat launches, golf course, country club, coffee shops, restaurants, bar & grills, general stores, churches, ATMs
Where to Stay	Rental houses, campgrounds, inns, condos, hotels, bed and breakfasts
Nearby Attractions	Town of Culver

The scenic Lake Maxinkuckee has long attracted visitors to its shores in northern Indiana. Spanning 1,866 acres, it is Indiana’s second-largest natural lake. Popular activities include boating, fishing, swimming, and cycling around the lake perimeter. The lakefront Culver Academies campus and quaint town of Culver provide shops, lodging, and dining options.

10. Lake Lemon

Essential Information:

Best for	Boating, fishing for largemouth bass
Other Activities	Swimming, sunbathing, sailing, rowing, water skiing, wildlife watching, picnicking
Beaches	Riddle Point Park
Nearby Services	Marinas, boat launch, yacht club, picnic areas, hiking trails, boat supply shops, restaurants
Where to Stay	Campgrounds, resorts, rental homes, inns
Nearby Attractions	Indiana University Aquatic Center, Little Africa Wildlife Viewing Area, Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Yellowwood National Forest

Encompassing 1,650 acres in south-central Indiana, Lake Lemon offers a variety of water recreation in a beautiful wooded setting. Boating, waterskiing, and bass fishing are all popular on the lake. Riddle Point Park provides beach access. Visitors can also stay in rental homes, campgrounds, and resorts around the lake.

11. Monroe Lake

Essential Information:

Best for	Boating, fishing
Other Activities	Water skiing, swimming, sunbathing, hiking, camping, picnicking, hunting, birdwatching, wildlife watching
Access Points	Paynetown State Recreation Area, Lake Monroe Spillway, Salt Creek State Recreation Area, Fairfax State Recreation Area, Hardin Ridge Recreation Area
Nearby Services	Boat ramps, marina, resorts, picnic areas, hiking trails, restaurants
Where to Stay	Campgrounds, cabins, hotels
Nearby Attractions	Charles C Deam Wilderness, Hoosier National Forest, T.C. Steele State Historic Site

As the largest lake in Indiana, the 10,750-acre Monroe Lake offers plenty of room for water recreation. This reservoir 20 miles southwest of Bloomington has four state recreation areas with beaches, boat ramps, picnic areas, trails, and campgrounds for visitors to enjoy. The swimming, boating, and fishing are excellent on Monroe Lake.

12. Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon Lake)

US 36 at Raccoon Lake by Jim Grey is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 .

Cecil M. Harden Lake, formerly known as Mansfield Lake and now commonly known as Raccoon Lake, was built as a flood control project in 1956. Because it’s only a short drive away from Indianapolis but still close enough to cities and amenities, Raccoon Lake is a great destination for couples and families wanting a break from the busy urban life.

Fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, bluegill, and walleye is popular here, as well as trout in the tailwater. The Army Corps of Engineers manages recreation areas around the lake with beaches, boat ramps, hiking trails, and campgrounds.

Which lake in Indiana are you going to visit first? As I’ve mentioned, there are many more lakes in Indiana, but hopefully, our list proves to be a great start and a big help for planning your next lake getaway.

Key Takeaways:

Indiana has over 400 lakes, both natural and manmade, that offer recreation like boating, fishing, swimming, and watersports.
Popular natural lakes include Lake Maxinkuckee, Lake Wawasee, Lake James, and Lake Tippecanoe.
Top reservoirs and manmade lakes include Patoka Lake, Monroe Lake, and Brookville Lake.
Many lakes have marinas for boat rentals, beaches, nearby state parks, recreation areas, campgrounds, and hiking trails.
Lake Michigan also borders Indiana for 45 miles, offering beaches and recreation opportunities.
Some of the clearest lakes are Lake James and Clear Lake in Steuben County.
Lake Maxinkuckee, Lake Wawasee, and Lake Tippecanoe have some of the best fishing in Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

The water temperature in Indiana lakes can vary greatly depending on location and time of year. In the peak of summer, lake surface temperatures typically range from 75-85°F. The warmer, shallower lakes can reach 86-90°F. Deeper lakes and those fed by springs or rivers tend to be cooler.

The largest lake completely within Indiana is Monroe Lake at 10,750 acres. Other major lakes by size include Patoka Lake (8,800 acres), Brookville Lake (5,260 acres), Lake Wawasee (3,060 acres), and Lake Freeman (2,064 acres).

Most larger lakes in Indiana allow motorized boats, including power boats, pontoons, jet skis, etc. Some of the most popular boating lakes are Lake Wawasee, Monroe Lake, Patoka Lake, Lake Freeman, Lake Shafer, Lake Maxinkuckee, and Lake James. Always check local regulations on horsepower limits, speed limits, and boat launch access.

Many Indiana lakes permit swimming in designated beach areas. Top lakes for swimming include Monroe Lake, Patoka Lake, Brookville Lake, Lake Freeman, Lake Shafer, Lake Wawasee, Lake James, Cagles Mill Lake, Lake Maxinkuckee, and Lake Tippecanoe. Lake Michigan’s Indiana beaches also offer great swimming.

Yes, you can find sandy swimming beaches at most of the major recreational lakes in Indiana. Monroe Lake, Patoka Lake, and Brookville Lake have some of the best and biggest public beaches. Lake Michigan’s Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore has 15 miles of beaches along the shoreline.

Conclusion

The beautiful lakes of Indiana provide the perfect spots for swimming, boating, fishing, watersports, and relaxing in the outdoors. Plan a trip to lakes like Patoka, Maxinkuckee, or Wawasee to experience these aquatic gems first-hand. Whether you’re looking to boat, fish, camp, or just enjoy natural scenery, Indiana’s wealth of lakes offers plenty of choices for your next adventure.