Every Hoosier knows just how beautiful Indiana can be in the warmer months. From golden cornfields to stunning skylines, our state can be pretty amazing to take in. Of course, some of the prettiest places to visit when the weather is warm are any number of the best lakes in Indiana. If you’re looking for a relaxing day away, a lake to take a swim in, or a great fishing spot, you must check out at least one of these gorgeous Indiana lakes.

1. Lake Monroe
Lake Monroe, Indiana, USA
Michael Redman/Flickr
This Bloomington lake offers a great retreat from your everyday world. Rent a boat and enjoy a day out on the water or hike, bike, or stroll around the gorgeous coastline. You'll also find great parks and cabin rentals nearby.
2. Lake Shafer
Lake Shafer, Indiana 47960, USA
mulf/Flickr
Off of Monticello, you'll find the stunning Lake Shafer. Surrounded by campsites and hotels, Lake Shafer offers boat rentals, swimming, fishing, and lakeside restaurants galore. Lake Shafer is also home to the infamous Indiana Beach, a fantastic amusement park that you have to visit at least once.
3. Lake Lemon
Lake Lemon, Indiana 47468, USA
BellaEatsBooks/Flickr
Positioned by Bloomington and Unionville, Indiana, Lake Lemon is a picturesque reservoir in a peaceful location, perhaps one of the best choices for lakes in Indiana to get a little solitude. Enjoy some downtime reading by the lake, sailing atop its calm waters, or fishing for bass.
5. Lake Maxinkuckee
Lake Maxinkuckee, Union Township, IN 46511, USA
Greg Hildebrand/Flickr
The second largest lake in Indiana, Lake Maxinkuckee, resides along the town of Culver. Here, fisherman can expect to find a large range of bluegill, catfish, bass, and walleye. Visitors can also enjoy public beaches, lakeside dining, boating, swimming, and much more.
5. Lake Webster
Webster Lake, Tippecanoe Township, IN 46555, USA
Vanessa Mock/Flickr
Once known as Boydston Lake, Lake Webster is a fresh water source that is located near North Webster. This lake offers pontoon rentals, awesome fishing locations, and Dixie, the oldest sternwheel paddleboat in all of Indiana.

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6. Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan Drive, Lake Michigan Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA
Tom Gill/Flickr
Located in northwestern Indiana near Chesterton and Michigan City is Lake Michigan, a popular spot for summer visitors. Lake Michigan sits along the Indiana Dunes, where visitors can enjoy beaches, hike throughout the dunes, rent boats, fish, camp, and tons more.
7. Lake Wawasee
Lake Wawasee, Turkey Creek Township, IN 46567, USA
HeinzJuergen/Flickr
Lake Wawasee in Syracuse is actually the largest lake fully contained in Indiana. Formerly dubbed Turkey Lake, this pretty sight gets its new name from former Miami chief, Wawasee. With a ton of bays and islands to explore, boating along this lake is a Hoosier favorite. You can also enjoy swimming, waterside dining, and sailboat racing.
8. Lake James
Lake James, Indiana, USA
Brian Wolfe/Flickr
Just outside of Angola is Lake James, another popular tourist attraction in Indiana. This lake is well known for its fishing and as one of the boating lakes in Indiana boating activities, as well as being suitable for water skiing. Lake James is also near Pokagon State Park, where you can ride horses, walk trails, and camp.
9. Patoka Lake
Patoka Lake, Indiana, USA
Clayton Sieg/Flickr
Patoka Lake is found in Crawford, Dubois, and Orange counties throughout Indiana. This lake is a hot spot for fishing and has a fascinating ecology system. Here you'll find jellyfish within the fresh water, and bald eagles and nestings along the shoreline. Otters can also be found along the lake. Swimming, water skiing, and boating are also popular activities here.
10. Lake Manitou
Lake Manitou, Rochester, IN 46975, USA
Angela de Marco/Flickr
In the city of Rochester sits Lake Manitou, a man-made lake that was created in 1767 by the Potowatomi. Today, this lake is surrounded by nature preserves and a park, offering a ton of outdoor activities for visitors. Boating and fishing can be enjoyed on this lake, while golfing is available nearby.
11. Cagles Mill Lake
Cagles Mill Lake, Indiana, USA
Jim Grey/Flickr
If Cagles Mill Lake doesn't ring a bell, you might know it as Cataract Lake, as the two names are often used interchangeably. Positioned by Cataract, Indiana, Cagles Mill Lake has waterfalls and boating areas for visitors. With nearby camping, swimming pools, biking and hiking trails, as well as covered bridges to explore, this little lake has a lot to offer visitors.

The lake is fed by Mill Creek, where you'll find the beautiful Cataract Falls, a must-see:

How many of these 11 best lakes in Indiana have you been to visit? Do you have a summer hot spot near a lake that was left off this list? Let us know!

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More to Explore

Lakes In Indiana

Melanie J. | June 01, 2022

What are the best lakes in Indiana?

You can’t go wrong with any lakes you choose in Indiana because there are so many that offers visitors a different experience. Whether you would like to spend the day drifting on the lake, fishing, swimming, or just relaxing, Indiana has a lake that will delight you. Lake Michigan and Lake James are known to have some of the most pristine waters around, which makes them great for swimming as well as other water activities. If you’re looking to fish or just spend the day relaxing, then Lake Shafer is the place for you. Here are a few more of the best lakes in Indiana.

What are the boating lakes in Indiana?

While you can boat on most of the lakes in Indiana, there are some lakes that are better than the rest. One such lake is Lake Tippecanoe, where boating, fishing, and water skiing are popular. With three marinas on the lake, you’ll be able to find an easy access point to launch. Another lake that is great for boating is the Patoka Lake. This lake is an ecological habitat as it is home to freshwater jellyfish. It is a popular location for boating, swimming, and fishing. But if you’re up for some adventure, check out this incredible boat tour.

What are the names of some Southern Indiana lakes?

Indiana has many lakes scattered throughout the state. But some of the best lakes in Indiana can be found in the Southern part of the state. They are popular areas for swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, as well as other water recreational activities. Some of the best lakes in the Southern part of Indiana include Deam Lake, Lake Monroe, Lake Lemon, and Brookville Lake. Here is a list of a few more southern Indiana lakes.

 

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