Is there anything better than a warm day in Indianapolis? We’ve got some beautiful weather throughout much of the year. It gives you the perfect opportunity to get outside, soak up the sun, and enjoy the many wonderful, beautiful lakes in Indianapolis and the surrounding area. Did you know that there are over 80 lakes in Indiana? We’ve got so many great lakes near Indianapolis that are just a quick drive away. You’ve got quite a few choices, but here are seven of our favorite Indianapolis lakes:

  1. Lake Monroe

Nyttend/Wikipedia CC You’ll find Monroe Lake just a few miles south of Bloomington. It just so happens that this is the largest lake that’s entirely situated within the borders of Indiana. It spreads over Monroe and Brown Counties within its 10,750 acres. Monroe Lake is the perfect spot for boating, fishing, and swimming on a warm weather day. It’s also one of the best places for kayaking in Indiana. Lake Monroe, Indiana, USA

  1. Summit Lake at Summit Lake State Park: 5993 N Messick Rd, New Castle, IN 47362

Lgideon/Wikipedia CC Summit Lake is part of Summit Lake State Park, one of the best state parks in Indiana. The 800-acre lake is the centerpiece of this massive park, and it’s no wonder it’s such a popular destination during the warm months. It’s a great place for boating enthusiasts. Summit Lake State Park, 5993 N Messick Rd, New Castle, IN 47362, USA

  1. Cagles Mill Lake/Cataract Lake

mlf102indiana/TripAdvisor No matter which name you call it, this lake features one of the largest waterfalls near Indianapolis. Besides the gorgeous views, one of the main attractions of Cagles Mill Lake is a bald eagle’s nest. Every warm season, the birds return to raise their new babies. Cagles Mill Lake, Indiana, USA

  1. Cecil M. Harden Lake/Raccoon Lake

LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr Another lake with two names that we love is the Cecil M. Harden Lake. This is also a great destination for fans of fishing and boating. It’s one of our favorite places for kayaking in Indiana and it’s not very familiar to those who don’t live in the vicinity. You’ll find a wide array of fish, wildlife, and plants that you won’t find in the big city. Cecil M Harden Lake, Indiana, USA

  1. Griffy Lake: Bloomington

Vmenkov/Wikipedia CC Bloomington’s Griffy Lake was created by a dam on Griffy Creek during the 1920s. The lake is surrounded by the beauty of flora and fauna and is a popular hangout spot for Indiana University students. Along with the lake, you’ll find a serene preserve that features several great hiking trails. Griffy Lake, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

  1. Lake Shafer

Flickr/mulf Lake Shafer is one of the Twin Lakes near Monticello. It’s a popular recreational area in White County and is one of the clearest lakes in Indiana. It features the great Indiana Beach Amusement Park, as well as a camp resort. You’ll find cottages and boat rentals at the marina, making it the ideal place for a weekend getaway. Lake Shafer, Indiana 47960, USA

  1. Lake Freeman

Karen Fasimpaur/Wikipedia CC The second of the Twin Lakes, Lake Freeman tends to be the quieter and more peaceful of the two, since it lacks the major tourist attractions at Lake Shafer. You will enjoy a bit more privacy and have more time for quiet reflection while floating on this lake. There’s even a festively fun lake cruise you can enjoy here! Lake Freeman, Indiana 47960, USA

What beautiful lakes in Indianapolis do you prefer spending time at? Did we miss any of your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Is there anything better than a warm day in Indianapolis? We’ve got some beautiful weather throughout much of the year. It gives you the perfect opportunity to get outside, soak up the sun, and enjoy the many wonderful, beautiful lakes in Indianapolis and the surrounding area. Did you know that there are over 80 lakes in Indiana? We’ve got so many great lakes near Indianapolis that are just a quick drive away. You’ve got quite a few choices, but here are seven of our favorite Indianapolis lakes:

Is there anything better than a warm day in Indianapolis? We’ve got some beautiful weather throughout much of the year. It gives you the perfect opportunity to get outside, soak up the sun, and enjoy the many wonderful, beautiful lakes in Indianapolis and the surrounding area. Did you know that there are over 80 lakes in Indiana? We’ve got so many great lakes near Indianapolis that are just a quick drive away. You’ve got quite a few choices, but here are seven of our favorite Indianapolis lakes:

Nyttend/Wikipedia CC

You’ll find Monroe Lake just a few miles south of Bloomington. It just so happens that this is the largest lake that’s entirely situated within the borders of Indiana. It spreads over Monroe and Brown Counties within its 10,750 acres. Monroe Lake is the perfect spot for boating, fishing, and swimming on a warm weather day. It’s also one of the best places for kayaking in Indiana.

Lake Monroe, Indiana, USA

Lgideon/Wikipedia CC

Summit Lake is part of Summit Lake State Park, one of the best state parks in Indiana. The 800-acre lake is the centerpiece of this massive park, and it’s no wonder it’s such a popular destination during the warm months. It’s a great place for boating enthusiasts.

Summit Lake State Park, 5993 N Messick Rd, New Castle, IN 47362, USA

mlf102indiana/TripAdvisor

No matter which name you call it, this lake features one of the largest waterfalls near Indianapolis. Besides the gorgeous views, one of the main attractions of Cagles Mill Lake is a bald eagle’s nest. Every warm season, the birds return to raise their new babies.

Cagles Mill Lake, Indiana, USA

LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr

Another lake with two names that we love is the Cecil M. Harden Lake. This is also a great destination for fans of fishing and boating. It’s one of our favorite places for kayaking in Indiana and it’s not very familiar to those who don’t live in the vicinity. You’ll find a wide array of fish, wildlife, and plants that you won’t find in the big city.

Cecil M Harden Lake, Indiana, USA

Vmenkov/Wikipedia CC

Bloomington’s Griffy Lake was created by a dam on Griffy Creek during the 1920s. The lake is surrounded by the beauty of flora and fauna and is a popular hangout spot for Indiana University students. Along with the lake, you’ll find a serene preserve that features several great hiking trails.

Griffy Lake, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

Flickr/mulf

Lake Shafer is one of the Twin Lakes near Monticello. It’s a popular recreational area in White County and is one of the clearest lakes in Indiana. It features the great Indiana Beach Amusement Park, as well as a camp resort. You’ll find cottages and boat rentals at the marina, making it the ideal place for a weekend getaway.

Lake Shafer, Indiana 47960, USA

Karen Fasimpaur/Wikipedia CC

The second of the Twin Lakes, Lake Freeman tends to be the quieter and more peaceful of the two, since it lacks the major tourist attractions at Lake Shafer. You will enjoy a bit more privacy and have more time for quiet reflection while floating on this lake. There’s even a festively fun lake cruise you can enjoy here!

Lake Freeman, Indiana 47960, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Summer In Indianapolis June 01, 2022 Lisa Sammons What are some more great lakes in Indiana? There are over 80 lakes in Indiana, giving you plenty of opportunities for summer fun. Lake James is one of our favorites. It’s tucked away in the northeast corner of the state and is over 1,200 acres! Are there any water parks near Indianapolis? Indiana is full of some amazing water parks. They’re a great way to escape the heat. Holiday World and Splashin Safari is about 3 hours away from Indianapolis, but it’s such a great weekend family trip in the summer. What are the best beaches in Indiana? We may be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have great beaches in Indiana! Since we have so many lakes, there are plenty of sandy shores to explore. It’s no wonder that Indiana Dunes State Park is one of the most visited parks in the state. It’s got over 2,000 acres of sandy shoreline and scenic views.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Summer In Indianapolis

June 01, 2022

Lisa Sammons

What are some more great lakes in Indiana? There are over 80 lakes in Indiana, giving you plenty of opportunities for summer fun. Lake James is one of our favorites. It’s tucked away in the northeast corner of the state and is over 1,200 acres! Are there any water parks near Indianapolis? Indiana is full of some amazing water parks. They’re a great way to escape the heat. Holiday World and Splashin Safari is about 3 hours away from Indianapolis, but it’s such a great weekend family trip in the summer. What are the best beaches in Indiana? We may be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have great beaches in Indiana! Since we have so many lakes, there are plenty of sandy shores to explore. It’s no wonder that Indiana Dunes State Park is one of the most visited parks in the state. It’s got over 2,000 acres of sandy shoreline and scenic views.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are over 80 lakes in Indiana, giving you plenty of opportunities for summer fun. Lake James is one of our favorites. It’s tucked away in the northeast corner of the state and is over 1,200 acres!

Are there any water parks near Indianapolis?

Indiana is full of some amazing water parks. They’re a great way to escape the heat. Holiday World and Splashin Safari is about 3 hours away from Indianapolis, but it’s such a great weekend family trip in the summer.

What are the best beaches in Indiana?

We may be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have great beaches in Indiana! Since we have so many lakes, there are plenty of sandy shores to explore. It’s no wonder that Indiana Dunes State Park is one of the most visited parks in the state. It’s got over 2,000 acres of sandy shoreline and scenic views.